Chapter Four – The Second Visit

Nora spent most of the morning trying not to think about the Sterling mansion. It was difficult.

Every time her mind wandered, she saw the same image. A little boy standing at the top of the staircase.

A tiny crescent-shaped birthmark beneath his left ear. And one word. Mummy.

She had barely slept the previous night. Yet when morning came, Nora had forced herself out of bed, dressed for work, and reminded herself that she had a life to live.

Whatever had happened yesterday was nothing more than an uncomfortable coincidence.

At least, that was what she wanted to believe. She was halfway through her coffee when her phone rang.

“Hello?” “Good morning, Miss Hayes.” Nora recognized the voice immediately.

“Good morning.” “This is Mr. Sterling's assistant. I'm calling regarding your appointment today.”

Nora frowned. “Today?” “Yes. Mr. Sterling would like to review the renovation plans with you this morning.”

She glanced at the clock. “I thought the meeting was tomorrow.” “There has been a change in schedule.”

Nora sighed quietly. Of course there had. “Alright. What time?” “Eleven.”

“I'll be there.” She ended the call and stared at her coffee. For a moment, she considered calling Mia.

Then she decided against it. Mia would tell her to trust her instincts. Nora didn't want to trust her instincts.

Her instincts were the reason she had spent half the night staring at an old photograph of a baby she had been told was dead.

She needed logic. She needed facts. And most importantly, she needed to remember that this was a job.

Nothing more. By ten forty-five, Nora was standing outside the Sterling mansion again. She took a deep breath before stepping out of her car.

The house looked exactly as she remembered it. Beautiful. Imposing. Almost intimidating. Nora adjusted the strap of her handbag and walked toward the entrance.

Mrs. Collins opened the door before she could knock. “Miss Hayes.” “Good morning.” “Mr. Sterling is waiting for you in the study.”

Nora nodded. “Thank you.” She stepped inside. She had barely taken three steps when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Miss Hayes.” Nora turned. A tall man in a perfectly tailored suit stood a few feet away. He looked to be in his early thirties, with dark hair and a calm, professional expression.

“Daniel Harper,” he introduced himself. “Mr. Sterling's lawyer.” Nora smiled politely. “Nora Hayes.”

“I know.” There was something about the way he said it that made her pause. Daniel seemed to notice.

“Your portfolio was impressive.” “Oh.” Nora smiled. “Thank you.” “You've done some beautiful residential work.”

“I'm hoping to do more.” “You will.” His tone was sincere. Nora found herself relaxing slightly.

“Mr. Sterling is expecting me?” “He is.” Daniel gestured toward the hallway.

“Right this way.” As Nora followed him, she couldn't help noticing how quiet the house was. Yesterday, she had heard Leo laughing almost immediately.

Today, there was no sound. She wasn't sure whether that relieved her or disappointed her.

The thought surprised her. She pushed it away. They reached the study. Daniel opened the door.

Adrian was standing near the large windows with his phone in his hand.

He turned when they entered. His grey eyes landed on Nora. For one brief moment, something unreadable crossed his face.

Then it disappeared. “Mr. Sterling,” Daniel said. “Miss Hayes is here.” Adrian nodded. “Thank you.”

Daniel left. Nora walked toward the desk and placed her portfolio down.

“Good morning.” “Good morning.” His voice was as controlled as she remembered. “Please sit.”

Nora took the chair opposite him. Adrian sat down as well. He opened the first set of drawings.“I reviewed your proposal last night.”

“And?” “I like the overall concept.” Nora relaxed slightly. “But?” His eyes lifted to hers. “You've made some assumptions about how the space will be used.”

Nora blinked. “Which ones?” He pointed to the plans. “This room.” She leaned forward.“What about it?”

“You've designed it as a formal sitting room.” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because the room is currently unused.” “That doesn't answer my question.”

Nora studied him for a moment. Then she smiled. “You don't want a formal sitting room.” “No.”

“You want a family room.” Adrian's expression changed slightly. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

“Because you have a child.” His eyes narrowed. “That's not enough.” “No, it isn't.”

Nora pointed at the floor plan. “The room is connected to the garden. It's large enough for a child to move around freely, and it's close enough to the main living areas that you can still supervise him while working.”

Adrian remained silent. Nora continued. “You don't need another room that looks impressive when guests come over. You need a room that actually gets used.”

For several seconds, Adrian simply stared at her. Then he leaned back. “Change it.” Nora smiled. “I will.”

“You're confident.” “I'm a designer.” “Most people would have agreed with me.” “Then most people would have wasted your money.”

A faint flicker appeared in his eyes. It wasn't quite a smile. But it was close. Nora noticed. She immediately looked back at the plans.

They continued discussing the project. For the first time since she had entered the mansion, Nora managed to forget about everything else.

She spoke passionately about textures, natural lighting, furniture placement, and how the different spaces could be connected.

Adrian listened. He asked questions. She answered. Their conversation became easier than she expected.

Until the door suddenly opened. “Daddy!” Nora's hands froze over the plans.

Leo ran into the room. Adrian looked toward him. “You're supposed to be with Mrs. Collins.”

“She went to the kitchen.” Leo turned toward Nora. His face immediately brightened.

“You came back.” Nora smiled despite herself. “Yes.” “Are you staying?” “For a little while.”

Leo nodded happily. He walked over to her. Nora's heart gave a strange little twist. She didn't understand why the child seemed so comfortable around her.

But she couldn't deny that she liked him. “Did you finish your breakfast?” she asked. “Yes.” “All of it?” Leo nodded seriously.

Then he looked at Adrian. “Daddy, she asks questions like you.” Adrian raised an eyebrow.

“Do I?” “You always ask if I finished my food.” Nora laughed softly. Adrian looked at his son.

“Go find Mrs. Collins.” “I don't want to.” “Leo.” The boy sighed dramatically. Then he looked at Nora.

“Are you coming back tomorrow?” Nora hesitated. “I don't know.” “Please come.” Something about the innocent request made her chest ache.

“I'll see.”Leo smiled.Then he ran out of the room. Nora watched him disappear. When she turned back, Adrian was staring at her.

“What?” “You seem nervous around him.”Nora's heart skipped.

“I'm not.” “You are.” She looked down at the papers. “He's a sweet child.” “That wasn't what I asked.”

Nora lifted her eyes. “Why does it matter?” “Because you're working in my home.” His voice was calm.

“I need to know if there's a problem.” “There isn't.” Adrian studied her. “Have you met Leo before?”

Nora's heart stopped for half a second,“No.” The answer came quietly. But firmly.

Adrian said nothing. He simply continued looking at her. Nora forced herself to remain calm. She couldn't tell him about the birthmark.

Not when she didn't even understand what she was thinking herself. After a moment, Adrian looked away. “Alright.”

The meeting continued for another hour. By the time Nora left the study, her mind was exhausted. She had almost reached the entrance when she heard a voice behind her.

“Miss Hayes.” She turned. Daniel stood there. “Yes?” “Mr. Sterling wants you to work directly with the family on the project.”

Nora frowned. “I thought I already was.” “You'll be spending more time at the residence.”

“How much more?” “Three days a week.” Nora stared at him. “Three days?” “Yes.” She glanced toward the staircase.

For some reason, she imagined Leo standing there again. Then she thought about Adrian.

Being in this house three days a week meant seeing both of them regularly.

She wasn't sure whether that was a good thing. But it was an important project. And she needed the work.

“When do I start?” “Tomorrow.” Nora let out a slow breath. “Alright.” Daniel smiled.

“I'll let Mr. Sterling know.” Nora nodded and stepped outside. The moment the door closed behind her, she looked back at the mansion.

She couldn't explain the feeling in her chest. She had taken the job because she needed a fresh start.

She had never imagined that the same job would place her in the path of a man from her past.

Or his little boy.Nora shook her head. She was thinking too much again. She walked toward her car.

She didn't notice the figure standing behind one of the upstairs windows.

Adrian watched her leave.His expression was unreadable.He had spent the entire meeting trying to understand why Nora Hayes unsettled him.

There was something about her. Something he couldn't put into words.

And he intended to find out what it was. Because the more he looked at her… the more certain he became that Nora Hayes had not simply walked into his life by accident.