Chapter 1

• Jason
• I glared at the TV screen, my brother Scott's smug expression fueling my anger.
• "You what?" I demanded.
• Scott's grin widened. "You heard me, Jason."
• "Enlighten me, so I can decide how to handle this disaster."
• Scott's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Most CEOs would kill for these acquisitions."
• "Not when they're illegal."
• Scott's smile faltered. "Be careful, Jason. Walls have ears."
• "This line is secure. Your end better be."
• "My team is loyal. They'd jump off a cliff for me."
• "Hopefully, it won't come to that."
• Scott cleared his throat. "You're hemorrhaging cash since you took over. This deal will stem the bleeding."
• "Intentional," I said, my jaw clenched.
• "You think Dad wanted this?" Scott asked, his voice laced with disdain.
• "He didn't hand me the company. I earned it."
• "By being the older brother," Scott sneered.
• "I stayed clean to take over. Not to get my hands dirty."
• Scott snorted. "You've always been soft."
• "Shut down the money laundering," I ordered.
• "Not expand it," Scott muttered.
• "Finish it, Scott. No excuses."
• Scott paused, his eyes narrowing. "You worried about the law?"
• "No. Just get it done."
• "It's Dad's legacy," Scott said, his voice dripping with sentiment.
• "Save it, Scott. Your ambition is showing."
• Scott sighed. "You always analyze me."
• "Easy when your motives are transparent."
• "What do I tell Anton?"
• Anton Cutter, our unofficial "uncle" and ruthless operator.
• "Tell him the truth," I said, my voice cold.
• Scott's expression darkened. "You know what that means."
• "I do."
• I ended the call with Scott, his angry words still echoing.
• "Fuck." I clenched my fists, releasing tension.
• The situation with Scott was dire.
• He'd obey orders for now, but his resentment simmered.
• Beyond that, extricating Ryder Holdings from illegal ventures was a tall order.
• No guarantee of escaping unscathed.
• I poured espresso and gazed out at Midtown Manhattan.
• Golden light danced across skyscrapers.
• My intercom chimed.
• "Yes?"
• "Mr. Ryder, your nine-thirty is here." Shauna's voice.
• "The nanny interview – April Flowers?"
• I recalled.
• Willa needed care.
• "Send her in."
• Shauna entered with April.
• My attention locked onto April.
• Tall, willowy, with stunning features.
• Full lips, small nose, brilliant green eyes.
• Oak-brown hair framed her face.
• Her style was eclectic, yet polished.
• Restraint was required.
• April's eyes met mine, careful and confident.
• "Ms. April Flowers," Shauna said.
• "The nanny position."
• April extended her hand.
• "April," she said, voice even and confident.
• "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ryder."
• "Likewise, April. The pleasure is all mine."
• Her handshake was firm.
• "Please, sit."
• April settled into the chair opposite my desk.
• "I'll leave you two," Shauna said, exiting.
• I leaned back, assessing April.
• "Why do you want this job, April?"
• She smiled.
• "I love working with kids. Your daughter sounds wonderful."
• "Willa's... spirited."
• April laughed.
• "I'm up for the challenge."
• Her eyes sparkled.
• "I have questions," I said.
• "Fire away."
• "Previous experience?"
• "Several families. References available."
• "Availability?"
• "Immediate start."
• "You're willing to commit long-term?"
• "Yes."
• Her confidence was attractive.
• "What makes you think you're the best fit?"
• April leaned forward.
• "I understand children's needs. Flexibility, patience... love."
• Love.
• A quality I'd forgotten.
• "I see," I said.
• April's eyes locked onto mine.
• "I'm willing to learn, adapt... and care deeply."
• Her words resonated.
• As we spoke, I noticed the way April's eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled.
• The way her hair fell in soft waves down her back.
• I forced myself to focus.
• "Willa's had... difficulties," I said.
• "Her mother passed away."
• April's expression softened.
• "I'm so sorry."
• "I appreciate your understanding."
• "It's not just about caring for Willa," I said.
• "It's about being a stable presence."
• April nodded.
• "I'm committed to providing that."
• Her conviction impressed me.
• "I'll need to run background checks," I said.
• "Of course."
• "And if you're hired, discretion is essential."
• April's eyes narrowed.
• "I understand confidentiality."
• "Good."
• As our conversation concluded, I sensed April's potential.
• Not just as a nanny, but as someone who could bring light into our lives.
• "Thank you for coming in, April."
• "Thank you, Mr. Ryder."
• "I'll be in touch soon."
• April stood, her movements fluid.
• As she left, I couldn't shake the feeling:
• This woman could change everything.