“These are the rules. Strict schedules. No candy between meals. Maximum one hour of educational television. No tablets. Planned activities throughout the day. And above all, professionalism. You’re not here to be his friend—you’re responsible for him.”
Grace studied the page carefully. Her expression remained calm, though Andrew noticed her fingers tighten slightly on the paper.
Then she asked a question.
“May I hug him?”
Andrew blinked.
“What?”
“Noah. If he falls or gets scared… may I hug him? I didn’t see that on the list.”
Andrew felt his chest tighten unexpectedly.
“I suppose so,” he said. “If it’s necessary.”
“And if it isn’t ‘necessary,’ but he asks for one?”
Andrew frowned.
“Why would he ask if it isn’t necessary?”
Grace looked at him quietly.
“Because sometimes children need affection without a reason,” she said softly. “Just because they’re children.”
The way she said it wasn’t confrontational.
It wasn’t submissive either.
It was simply the truth.
Andrew left for the office soon after, but before going he activated the hidden cameras he had installed throughout the house. He had done it with every nanny. He trusted technology more than people.