Getting A Mom: Baby Sitting His Daughter

. Now." Pearl's eyes snapped open. Mia stood in front of her, pigtails perfectly neat, wearing a polite little smile that didn't quite hide the calculating glint in her eyes. Pearl sat up imme

ed an eyebrow slightly. Divorced? Do I look forty? But she kept her voice polite. "Single." Ace studied her like he was evaluating a business investment. "Mia is... particular," he said. "She is demanding. She is choosy. And she expects perfection." His gaze sharpened. "Are you sure you can handle that?" Pearl held his stare calmly. "I'm sure I can take care of her." For a moment, silence stretched between them. Ace nodded once. "Good." "You start tomorrow." Relief rushed through Pearl. "Thank you-" Slam. The door shut before she could finish. Pearl stared at the wood for a full three seconds. Then she rolled her eyes. "Grumpy, cold, and absolutely no manners," she muttered. "Nanny?" Pearl jumped. Mia had returned and was tugging on her skirt. Pearl crouched to the girl's height. "Yes, Mia?" "I'm hungry," Mia said. "Prepare my dinner." Pearl tilted her head slightly. "Your father said I start tomorrow." Instead of answering, Mia opened her arms. Pearl narrowed her eyes. That's definitely a trap. But she lifted the girl anyway. As Mia settled comfortably in her arms, Pearl realised something important. Ace Warren might run a billion-dollar empire... ...but Mia Warren ran the house. ⸻ An hour later, Pearl stood in the massive kitchen. Her sleeves were rolled up. An apron was tied around her waist. She had been hired as a nanny. Yet somehow she was now cooking a full dinner for a seven-year-old. Pearl shook her head as she stirred the pan. "This child is dangerous," she murmured. Still, the food smelled amazing. She carried the plate into the dining room. Mia's eyes sparkled. "You're amazing," the girl said. "Can you feed me?" Pearl sighed. "Just this once." She sat beside her and began feeding her small bites. Then the sound of footsteps echoed down the staircase. Ace appeared. He looked terrible. His face was pale, and one hand pressed against his stomach. "Dad," Mia said bright