9
“Of course I want you to get better quickly,” I said, brushing him off. “I’ve got a whole football field of dogs waiting for me to feed them back home!”
He stared at me, a complex expression on his face, then simply said, “I understand,” and obediently went to his room to sleep.
Cole finally fell asleep, and for the first time ever, he slept until noon. The thunderstorm outside showed no signs of stopping. I was just about to
Chapter 2
me stared at me, a complex expressION ON MIS race, then simply saru, understand, and diemy wenT TO MIS TOO to Steep.
14.53
Cole finally fell asleep, and for the first time ever, he slept until noon. The thunderstorm outside showed no signs of stopping. I was just about to reheat yesterday’s leftovers for lunch, figuring the food delivery wouldn’t arrive on time.
But then, Lily arrived. Mrs. Miller had sent a private car to pick her up.
“Oh, this is wonderful!” Lily beamed. “Ever since I came to stay with Cole for a few days last time, he finally started sleeping!” She then lowered her voice conspiratorially. “But Mrs. Miller, this nanny is malicious. She’s been seducing Cole every single day!”
“I heard women like her, with no shame, are absolutely filthy. Shouldn’t we… check if she’s done anything inappropriate?”
Mrs. Miller, seated on the sofa, simply gave her bodyguard a subtle nod. “Go ahead and… check her over.”
Before I could utter a sound, the bodyguard clamped a hand over my mouth, pressing me back against the table. “Shh, sweetie. You can scream all you want later.” His other hand reached for the buttons of my shirt, a predatory glint in his eye.
“Get your hands off her!” Cole’s furious roar echoed from behind me. He was truly enraged this time. He kicked the bodyguard away, sending him sprawling, then pulled me up. “Who gave you permission to touch her?!”
Lily burst into tears. “Cole, what’s wrong with you? You were never like this! Did she… did she drug you?”
Cole ignored her, pulling me firmly behind him. “All of you, get out!”
Mrs. Miller raised her hand and slapped him. “Cole, are you defying your mother now? Move aside!”
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He flinched, turning his head slightly, but didn’t budge. “Mom, she takes good care of me. Last night was the first time I haven’t had insomnia. Please, don’t make her leave.”
Mrs. Miller looked deeply disappointed, signaling for the bodyguards to restrain him. “I’ve been too soft on you because of your illness, but it see- ms you’ve forgotten your place, Cole.”
“Wait!” quickly interjected. “Mrs. Miller, may I speak with you privately?”
