Chapter 150 Intruders under one roof

Chapter 150 Intruders under one roof

"This is your room, Miss Casey. I hope you will be comfortable here," Madam Miska said, opening the door to the nanny's quarters in the side pavilion of the main residence.

Casey placed her black suitcase beside the single bed covered in crisp white sheets. She took in the room, from the large window facing directly out toward the backyard garden to the connecting door that led to the inner hallway of the house.

"This room is very comfortable and clean, Madam Miska. Thank you very much," Casey answered politely, a faint smile on her lips.

"You are very welcome, dear. Your work uniforms are already inside the wardrobe. If you need anything, I will be in the main kitchen," Madam Miska said kindly before turning around and stepping out of the room.

Casey stood still in the middle of the room until Madam Miska's footsteps faded completely. She walked up to the window, lightly stroking the sheer curtain fluttering in the breeze, then turned to gaze at her reflection in the glass. Her friendly smile vanished instantly. Her hands curled into light fists.

"The first step is complete," she whispered softly to herself.

That evening, the purr of a luxury car engine came to a stop in the front driveway. Evan had just returned from the office. Removing his black suit jacket and slinging it over his arm, he walked through the front door with weary steps.

As he crossed the hallway toward the family room, Evan halted. In front of a display cabinet, Casey stood tidying up a few of Emily's wooden toys left behind.

Noticing someone's presence, Casey turned around immediately. She bowed her head slightly, straightening her posture with an exceptionally respectful gesture.

"Good evening, Mr. Evan. I am Casey Lauren, the new nanny for Emily and Alan," Casey greeted him in a low, measured, impeccably composed voice.

Evan looked the woman up and down. His brow furrowed slightly. He did not answer right away. His eyes remained locked on Casey's pair of eyes gazing back at him.

Even though Casey's facial expression appeared modest and warm, Evan caught a strange flash across her eyes. It was a sharp, cold glint, unusual for a child's caregiver.

"Good evening," Evan replied curtly. His voice sounded flat and distant. "When did you move in?"

"I arrived just this afternoon, Sir," Casey answered calmly, clasping her hands in front of her. "Madam Rose asked me to move directly into the room in the side pavilion so I could help with the children's morning routine tomorrow."

Evan took a step closer, continuing to observe Casey's movements. "Have you reviewed the children's entire schedule?"

"I have, Mr. Evan. Madam Rose and Madam Miska handed over all the details regarding their routine, favorite foods, as well as Alan and Emily's activity schedules," Casey explained, without a single trace of hesitation in her tone.

Evan gave a slow nod, but the alertness inside him only swelled further. There was something about Casey's demeanor that triggered his threat instincts, an impression he found difficult to put into words.

"Good. Take good care of my children," Evan said coldly.

"Of course, Sir. That is my utmost priority," Casey replied, nodding respectfully.

Evan did not prolong the conversation. He walked away, leaving Casey behind as he headed toward the master bedroom upstairs. Casey watched Evan's receding back, carving a subtle smile unseen by anyone.

Inside the master bedroom, Rose sat before the vanity, wiping away the remnants of her makeup. She turned when she heard the door open and saw Evan enter with a tense expression on his face.

"You are home, Evan?" Rose asked gently.

Evan set his jacket on a chair, then walked over to Rose. He leaned against the edge of the vanity, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I just met the new nanny down in the hallway," Evan said.

Rose offered a soft smile. "What do you think? She is very polite, isn't she?"

"Rose, there is something off about that woman," Evan replied quickly, cutting straight to the point.

Rose stopped wiping her face. She turned to stare at Evan, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Off? What do you mean, Evan?"

"I looked into her eyes," Evan answered firmly. "Her demeanor looks very polite and trained, but her gaze is remarkably sharp. The way she looked at me... that is not the innocent look of a nanny."

Rose let out a short sigh. Setting her cotton pad down, she took Evan's cold hand in hers. "Evan, you are far too tense. The crisis we just survived is making you suspicious of everyone."

"I am serious, Rose," Evan insisted, squeezing his wife's hand in return. "My instincts tell me something is wrong with Casey Lauren."

"Madam Miska and I interviewed her directly this morning," Rose interjected, attempting to soothe him. "She answered every child psychology question brilliantly. Even this afternoon in the garden, Emily, who is usually so shy, warmed up to her immediately and hugged her. Alan liked her too because Casey could answer his science questions."

"Acting skills can be learned, Rose," Evan said coldly.

"But her track record is clean, Evan," Rose countered softly. "Weren't you the one who said you would check all her documents? All the European certificates and her reference letters are valid. The agency has very high screening standards as well."

Evan went quiet for a moment. His logical mind acknowledged that Casey's official files were indeed flawless when he reviewed them that afternoon, yet his core instincts still rejected the woman's presence under their roof.

"I just do not want the children or you to be in danger again," Evan whispered, the concern evident on his face.

Rose smiled warmly, gently stroking Evan's cheek. "I know you just want to protect our family. But trust me, Casey is the best choice for the children right now. She can help watch Emily so I do not have to worry while managing the foundation's work and the business."

Evan looked into Rose's eyes, which were filled with complete trust. He exhaled a long breath, trying to suppress the turmoil of doubt in his chest. "Alright. But I will still monitor her closely."

"Thank you, Evan," Rose said with relief.

Meanwhile, inside the dimly lit nanny's quarters, Casey stood behind the window curtains. Her eyes were fixed on the shadow of the light upstairs in the master bedroom, which had just been turned off.

She reached for her private phone inside her pocket, then pressed a speed dial button.

"Everything is going according to plan," Casey whispered once the call connected.

A man's low voice came through the receiver. "What about Evan? Does he suspect you?"

Casey gripped the window frame tightly, her eyes glinting in the dark.

"He is starting to be on guard around me, but Rose is entirely on my side."