#Chapter 214: Newcomer

Agnes Three days after the interviews, I found myself arranging fresh flowers in the guest bedroom that would soon belong to the new nanny. The room wasn’t massive, but it was comfortable—a queen-sized bed, a small writing desk by the window, and an en-suite bathroom that I’d made sure was stocked with toiletries. The walls were painted a soft sage green that I’d chosen during the rebuild, hoping it would feel calming to whoever eventually occupied this space. I stepped back, surveying my work. The room looked welcoming but not overly personal, making it a blank canvas for Lena to make her own. And most importantly, it was directly across from Thea’s bedroom and just down the hall from our master suite, close enough that she could hear if Thea needed anything in the night. The doorbell rang, and I heard Thea pounding down the stairs before I could even leave the room. “She’s here!” Thea called up to me. By the time I made it downstairs, Elijah had a