บททั้งหมดของ Beneath The Billionaire’s Mask: Chasing The Nanny: บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

The sound of the front door opening made Penelope pause. She had been stirring a pot of soup in the kitchen, preparing Anya’s meal, when she heard the familiar creak of the heavy doors. Wiping her hands on a towel, she hurried toward the living room.Anya stood there, still in her school uniform, her face lighting up as soon as she spotted Penelope. “Miss Penny! I missed you so much…” she squealed and ran toward her.Penelope smiled warmly, bending down just in time to catch the little girl in her arms. “I missed you too, darling. Welcome home, sweetheart. How was school today? Hope you wrote well and got everyone’s butt kicked?”Before Anya could respond, Penelope felt the weight of a burning glare on her. She lifted her gaze slightly to see Darla, Anya’s personal bodyguard, staring daggers at her. Her eyes were so dark that Penelope thought she could literally see through her.Penelope swallowed hard. Darla had never hidden her dislike for her, but today, her glare felt e

The soft glow of morning sunlight seeped through the thin gap between Penelope’s curtains, casting long, golden streaks across her bedroom floor. The warmth of the light gently caressed her face, stirring her from a restless sleep filled with fragmented dreams and lingering thoughts of the night Brayden said those words to her.Her eyes fluttered open, squinting slightly as she adjusted to the brightness.She sat up slowly, the cool morning air brushing against her skin, sending a slight shiver down her spine. Her heart felt heavy—a mixture of nerves and emotions tangled deep within her chest. The memory of Brayden’s intense gaze, the heat of his words, and Darla’s piercing glare clung to her like shadows she couldn’t shake off.Penelope rubbed her face, trying to push the thoughts away. It’s just another day, she told herself, standing up and slipping into her slippers. She pulled her robe tighter around her body as she stepped into the hallway, her footsteps soft against the po

The evening breeze was cool as Penelope, Anya, and the bodyguards rounded up at the park. The sun had already started dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the playground. Anya stretched her arms with a tired but satisfied smile.“What do you think, Miss Penny? Ice cream before we go home, right?” she asked, looking up at Penelope with hopeful eyes.Penelope chuckled, brushing Anya’s soft curls away from her face. “Hmm, You’ve had a long day, huh?”Anya nodded eagerly. “And ice cream makes every day better! So I think I need it to wrap everything up.”“Marcus, isn’t there enough time for a quick pick up of ice cream?” Anya asked in her small tiny voice, while giving him puppy eyes.Marcus, who stood nearby with his hands in his pockets, glanced at Darla. “Darla, We’ve got time, huh? This kid might eat me raw if her request isn’t granted.”Darla sighed but nodded. “Fine, but make it quick. We’ve got to get home on time.”“Sure, Darla.” Anya beamed and grabbed Penelope’

The car ride from the airport was wrapped in silence, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and Anya’s gentle breathing. She was fast asleep, her small head resting on Brayden’s lap. Penelope sat stiffly beside him, her gaze fixed on the window as if the passing night scenery were the most fascinating thing she had ever seen.The truth was, she was avoiding looking at him. Sitting so close, their shoulders nearly touched, and the tension in the air was thick and awkward.Suddenly, Brayden’s deep voice broke the silence. “Are you nervous about meeting my parents?” His tone was calm but curious. “You don’t have to be. They don’t bite.”Penelope’s fingers twisted in her lap, and she forced a small smile. “I’m not… nervous,” she lied, her voice barely above a whisper.He glanced at her sideways. “You’re Anya’s nanny. That’s all that matters to them,” he added simply. “You do know how much she loves you.”Penelope nodded, her throat tightening as she swallowed hard. “I understand

Penelope’s breath hitched, her pulse racing. “I—” Her voice cracked slightly.The question felt like it came out of nowhere, sharp and probing.Penelope fought to steady herself. “No,” she answered, her voice firmer than she felt. “I’m just his employee. There’s nothing between us.”Mrs. Giovanni stopped walking and turned slowly to face her, folding her arms across her chest. Her eyes—so piercing, so much like Brayden’s—searched Penelope’s face.“Really?” she asked, her voice almost teasing but with a sharp edge beneath.Penelope felt a bead of sweat trail down her spine. She met the woman’s gaze and nodded. “Really,” she repeated, forcing confidence into her tone. “He is my boss. That’s all.”A slow, knowing smile tugged at Mrs. Giovanni’s lips. “Hmm,” she mused softly, her eyes flickering with something Penelope couldn’t quite place. Amusement? Or curiosity?A Warning—or a Welcome?They resumed walking, and the tension softened slightly.Mrs. Giovanni spoke again, this time wi