Chapter 3 A Poorly Made Proposal

"Clara, I need you to help me find a nanny. The housekeeper can't keep managing both the mansion's duties and taking care of him at the same time. And with the big Ferragamo deal coming up, my time will be even more limited."

"Mr. Rochefort, I've already told you-you're too demanding when it comes to the nanny's profile. I honestly don't know who else to ask. Besides, the agencies don't even want to hear Phillippe's name anymore. All the nannies have refused because of his behavior."

"There has to be someone in the world willing to care for him. Post the job offer again, and if necessary, double the salary. I just don't understand why no one wants to look after my son."

Clara merely rolls her eyes.

"Sir, I've told you-Phillippe needs psychological help."

"He has it. His trauma from losing his mother has been hard to overcome. I need someone who truly cares for him, someone who sees beyond just basic caretaking."

"Sir, that's asking a lot. I advise you to look for someone less professional and more maternal. That might actually help."

"But what are you saying, Clara? I need someone who can help with schoolwork, who can teach him as well."

"And don't you also want someone who can give him love?" Clara tried to persuade him gently.

"Yes... yes, that's what I want." Lucien was visibly confused. He knew it was nearly impossible to find all those qualities in one person. And even if he did, the real challenge was whether his son would accept her. He felt like he was losing his mind.

Lucien had no idea what he was going to do about his young son. Clara's words kept echoing in his head, but no potential candidate came to mind.

He and Elise were walking down very different paths, but they shared similar needs: both were struggling to care for their children, no matter what.

Elise was still job hunting. She had visited Sam a few times and had managed to earn his trust. He had recommended her for shifts at various places, but nothing steady ever came through, so money was still tight.

Thankfully, Sam's wife was very kind and helped take care of Elise's baby while she worked. She had formed a close bond with them.

One afternoon, Elise stopped by to pick up her baby after a long shift.

The café door opened.

"I already told you, Clara, we need to sign that contract immediately!" Lucien's sharp voice echoed through the place, causing Elise to look up at once.

"But sir, it's just that..." Clara noticed Elise's presence.

"Ah, and what do we have here? The little thief." Lucien turned to confirm-and yes, it was her again. Elise flushed with shame, unable even to defend herself.

"Hey Clara, same order as usual?" Sam tried to ease the tension, but it was Lucien who broke it.

"Yes, Sam. Make it quick, please-we're in a hurry."

"Right away."

"Sir, I really think we need to change venues. We shouldn't frequent a place that welcomes people like this woman. I can't believe you still come here knowing Sam allows her in." Lucien looked at Elise with thinly veiled disdain.

"It's the only café close to the company. Where else are we going to get coffee like Sam's? Stop with the nonsense." Clara merely pressed her lips together. Her boss had just embarrassed her.

At that moment, Elise could only remain silent. Then Lucien's phone rang-it was a call from home.

"Sir, this is Greis speaking. I can't handle your son anymore. Either you come get him, or I'm leaving."

"No, no, Greis. You can't resign. You've been with us for ten years. Please, be patient while we find a nanny!" Lucien couldn't help but raise his voice.

"Sir, either you find a nanny, or I swear I'm quitting." The woman hung up. Lucien was stunned.

Then he noticed Elise still staring at him. Though he found the idea far too risky, he decided to speak with her.

"Miss, have you found a job yet?" Elise looked away but realized he was talking to her. She pointed at herself, surprised.

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"No, I haven't. Why do you ask?"

"Do you have time for an interview?" Sam looked at her, nodded, and smiled. He had known Lucien for years-he was a good man, though a bit gruff. And even though he had only known Elise for a few months, he could tell she was good too.

"Yes, of course."

"Be at this address tomorrow at 8 a.m. sharp, please." He handed her a card with the mansion's details. She accepted it, and her eyes lit up.

Clara, completely against the idea, was furious. She couldn't understand her boss's sudden decision.

The Next Morning

"Good morning, Mr. Rochefort." She had arrived perfectly dressed and right on time.

"Good morning, Miss... Could you remind me of your name, please?" He hadn't even bothered to ask before. He took her résumé and studied it.

"I'm Elise Willys. It says so right there on my résumé." Her voice was filled with unshakable confidence-driven by the love she felt for her child.

"But according to this, you not only lack formal education, but also any experience as a nanny. That's concerning." He raised an eyebrow while scanning the page. He wasn't convinced.

"Sir, I'm a mother. I also helped raise my two younger siblings. I can assure you I've got plenty of experience."

"Hmm." Lucien now looked her up and down.

Elise was quite humble-her clothing made that obvious-but she was cultured and stunningly beautiful.Her blonde hair and slender body revealed a natural beauty, but that wasn't what stood out. What captivated him was her charisma, and also the urgency in her eyes to find someone who could care for her child.

"Sir, I assure you, if you hire me, I'll do my best to be the best nanny for your son. I'm very patient."

"Here, this is the salary." He handed her a sheet detailing the job conditions. Her jaw almost dropped, but she managed to keep her composure. She couldn't afford to show how desperately she needed the job.

"Very well, Mr. Rochefort. You tell me-when do I start?" she asked, convinced the job was hers already, trying to win Lucien over.

"One moment, please. You still need to pass the most important test."

When he said that, she felt her hope crumble. She assumed the test was whether or not his son would accept her, and she had never dealt with children before.

"Phillippe, son, please come here."

Two minutes later, the boy came down the stairs. His face was pale-he didn't like the sun. His eyes were full of sorrow, and his cold expression, just like his father's, lacked any sign of emotion.

"Another nanny, Daddy? I don't want one," the boy said, folding his arms.

"We need someone to help take care of you."

The boy didn't take his eyes off Elise. She felt intimidated for a moment, but her maternal instinct helped her settle into the situation a little better.

"Little one, my name is Elise. It's nice to meet you." She reached out her hand, but he pulled his back.

"If you want, we can play together. I like playing. Do you like it?"

He shook his head. She knew she was already losing.

"He's not into games. We follow a strict study and learning routine. Playtime is usually not part of it," Lucien stepped in immediately.

"What do you mean, no playing? He's just a child!" she said, covering her mouth as soon as the words escaped-she realized she had made a big mistake.

"Daddy, I do want to play. Tell her to teach me how," the boy said.

Those words made Elise's heart twist. You didn't need to be wise to see how much love that child was missing.

Lucien, having no better options at the moment, simply gave in.

"Fine. You're hired. But your working hours are from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon. That's when I take over. Oh, and you can't bring your baby to work. Figure something out with him. If you don't have any objections, we'll sign right now."

"Perfect, Mr. Lucien. So, when do I start?"

"Today."