Diana smiled without warmth. “And you must be the new nanny. You’ve certainly made yourself comfortable.”
Before Marian could answer, Richard appeared in the doorway. His expression shifted—just slightly—when he saw his sister-in-law.
“Diana. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I was in town,” Diana replied smoothly. “And I thought I’d check on the children. Someone has to make sure things are… appropriate.”
Her eyes returned to Marian. “Are they usually allowed to make a mess like this?”
Marian met her gaze. “They made breakfast. Together.”
Diana raised an eyebrow. “They’re not children who enjoy chaos.”
“They’re children,” Marian said gently. “Chaos comes with that.”
The air grew tense. Richard cleared his throat. “Diana, we can talk later.”
“Oh, of course,” she said, already walking toward the twins. She crouched in front of them, heels clicking against the tile. “Hello, my loves.”
Lily looked at Marian before answering. Ethan didn’t respond at all.
Diana noticed. Her smile tightened.
“My sister would never have allowed this kind of disorder,” she said lightly, but the words carried weight. “Laura believed in structure. In discipline.”
Marian felt it then—the quiet accusation. You’re replacing her.