on the glass tray. She heard Alexander had arrived the

fixed on the door to his study, she didn't

g either. That was until the scalding hot tea splashed

, leaping backward as th

or as she took in the scene.

eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" he de

"I-I'm Alina, the new nanny. I wa

still held a hint of annoyance. "Well, Alina, p

at made his heart skip a beat - her dimples. They were irresistibly cut

ng up with tears. "Yes, sir. I'm so so

n her distraught face before he turned

ble first impression on her new boss. And to make matters worse, she had ruined his expensive suit. But she didn't notic

d enough, she frowned seeing E

ng to wake her from her slumber. "Good m

scowling at Alina. "Leave me al

e on, Emma! We need to get you dressed and

ng with anger. "I don't want to go to school," she pouted. "A

t. "Emma, I understand you might not want to go to school, but it'

e not my mother. I don't have to listen to you. And I

kay, Emma. But please know that I'm here to help and suppo

ce set in a stubborn expressi

lt child, but she had hoped to build a connection with her. But the way things seem

and Alexander Blackwood walked in. Emma's face lit up

xclaimed, hugg

ehead. "Good morning, sweetie. You're

th big blue eyes. "I don't want t

know why you need to go to school. You need to learn and make friends. And you need t

bborn. "I don't want Alina's help.

ou, Alina will take good care of you. And if you get ready quickly,

e looked at Alina with a hin

hair. "That's my girl. Now, l

x of relief and admiration for the way Alexander handled his daughter. She could see the strong b

to Alina and whispered, "Don't worry, I'll talk to her a

oss. That means a lot to me." She couldn't help but smile at

l, she felt a twinge of loneliness. She couldn't sit here and not mak

were busy washing dishes and preparing lunch. They g

going?" Maria asked, eye

lina replied, sharing her en

Ah, yes. Emma can be a handful.

mile wide. Be careful around her, Alina. She'll

y their candidness. "Really? I th

er. She's been known to lie, cheat, and even hurt people who cross h

she hadn't realized the extent of her behavior. She made a mental note to be e

a said, grateful for the maid

up. "We're glad you're here, Alina. We need someone to keep a

. "I'll do my best. And thank you for be