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Transcript

00:00:00Monthly salary, $150,000. Room and board included. Take care of a four-year-old kid.

00:00:05I stared at my phone, wondering if my eyes were playing tricks on me. I double-checked it,

00:00:09then triple-checked. Still the same, $150,000. Not 1,500 grand, not 15,000 grand, but $150,000.

00:00:18I was squatting in a corner of the hospital hallway, with only $100 left in my pocket.

00:00:22Three days ago, my fiancé, Jason Reed, kicked me out of the bridal suite. He said,

00:00:27Sophia, I'm marrying your sister. You move out.

00:00:30My sister, Claire Winters, was actually my stepsister from my dad's second marriage.

00:00:34She was wearing the wedding dress I picked out, standing in the room I spent six months decorating,

00:00:38and she said to me with a smile,

00:00:40Thanks for getting everything ready for me, sis.

00:00:42I didn't cry. What was the point?

00:00:44My mom was still in the ICU, and the bills were piling up like water. And my dad? He was

00:00:49on Claire's side. He said,

00:00:50Sophia, if your sister marries into the Reed family, the money they give will save your mom. You ought to

00:00:56give up.

00:00:56Gave up. Give up my fiancé. Give up the bridal suite. Give up my dignity. In the end, they didn't

00:01:02spend a single cent on my mom.

00:01:03So now I needed the money. A whole lot of cash. I called the number from the ad. A woman

00:01:08picked up, sounding all business.

00:01:10Hi, this is Landon Corp Domestic Services. Are you calling about the live-in nanny job? The one with a

00:01:15$150,000 monthly salary?

00:01:17Yes. I said. How old are you? She asked. 24. Education. She continued.

00:01:24Master's in clinical medicine from Northbridge University with a minor in child psychology. I said. There was a pause on

00:01:30the other end.

00:01:30Please come to the main entrance of Lakeview Manor at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Someone will be there to meet

00:01:35you.

00:01:36After hanging up, I looked down at my wrinkled t-shirt and sneakers. Whatever. I was going to be a

00:01:41nanny, not a runway model.

00:01:42The next day, I headed to Lakeview Manor. When I got to the gate, I was totally blown away.

00:01:47This wasn't just some neighborhood. This was a whole mountain. And there was only one house sitting up there.

00:01:51Actually, calling it a house didn't do it justice. It was a full-on manor.

00:01:55Miss Winters, please follow me.

00:01:57The butler was a man in his 40s, dressed in an immaculate suit, courteous yet aloof.

00:02:01He led me down a tree-lined avenue that stretched for over 650 feet, past private stables, a heated pool,

00:02:07and an indoor botanical garden, finally stopping at the Grand Foyer.

00:02:10I did my best to keep my expression neutral.

00:02:14Mr. Landon isn't home right now. You can meet the young master first.

00:02:17He told me in an indifferent voice. The butler took me upstairs to a room on the second floor. The

00:02:21door opened.

00:02:22A little boy was sitting on the carpet, with a row of blocks in front of him, all lined up

00:02:26perfectly.

00:02:26He looked up at me. His eyes were beautiful, dark and glossy, like two grapes, but there was no emotion

00:02:31in them.

00:02:32Leo, this is your new nanny?

00:02:34The little boy didn't even look up. He just kept stacking his blocks in silence.

00:02:38The butler lowered his voice and told me,

00:02:39He didn't say a single word until he was three.

00:02:41He uttered his first sentence only last year, and even now, he only exchanges a few words with Mr. Landon

00:02:47on rare occasions.

00:02:50As for the nannies before you, the longest anyone lasted was a week.

00:02:54I asked,

00:02:55Why did they all quit?

00:02:56The butler sighed.

00:02:58Honestly, he's a tough kid to handle.

00:03:00I crouched down to his level. He ignored me.

00:03:02I didn't say anything either. I just sat quietly beside him, picked up a block, and placed it next to

00:03:07his castle.

00:03:07He glanced at it, picked up the block I placed, and threw it aside.

00:03:11I picked up another block, and placed it somewhere else.

00:03:13He took it away, and tossed it aside. This time, he threw it even farther.

00:03:17For the third time, I picked up a block. This time, instead of adding it to his castle, I built

00:03:21a little swing set next to it.

00:03:22He paused mid-motion. He stared at the swing set for three seconds.

00:03:26Then he took a block from his castle, and placed it next to the swing set.

00:03:29The butler stood there, stunned in the doorway.

00:03:31I smiled.

00:03:33That's a really cool castle, I said.

00:03:37He just stayed quiet.

00:03:38But this time, he didn't toss my block aside.

00:03:41The butler led me back downstairs, his face a mix of emotions.

00:03:44Miss Winters, you're the first person he hasn't tried to throw something at, he said.

00:03:50But he threw the blocks aside.

00:03:51He used to throw vances at the last nannies, he replied.

00:03:55All right, then.

00:03:56I guess that the $150,000 came with its own challenges.

00:04:00Mr. Landon will be back tonight, and will interview himself.

00:04:02In the meantime, you can get familiar with the place.

00:04:04The butler said,

00:04:06I took a stroll around the manor.

00:04:08The basement had a wine cellar and a home theater.

00:04:11The first floor was all about entertaining, the living room, dining room, and a study.

00:04:15The second floor was where everyone actually lived, with bedrooms and family spaces.

00:04:19The whole third floor was the master suite, door firmly shut.

00:04:22The butler told me that it was Charles' territory, strictly off-limits to everyone else.

00:04:27My room was on the second floor, right next to Leo's.

00:04:30It was about triple the size of the apartment I used to rent.

00:04:32Private bathroom, walk-in closet, and a balcony with a view of the lake, way off in the distance.

00:04:37I found myself sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.

00:04:40Just three days ago, I'd been thrown out of what was supposed to be my bridal suite.

00:04:43Now here I was, in a manor worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

00:04:47Life sure had a twisted sense of humor.

00:04:49At eight o'clock that night, I heard movement downstairs.

00:04:52The butler knocked on my door.

00:04:56Miss Winters, Mr. Landon has returned.

00:04:59I went downstairs.

00:05:00The lights in the hall were dimmer than during the day, casting a cozy glow across the marble floor.

00:05:05A man was standing in the entryway, stooping to untie his shoes.

00:05:08When he straightened up, my mind went blank.

00:05:10He was ridiculously good-looking, tall, lean, broad-shouldered, with legs for days,

00:05:15and a face as cold and distant as moonlight on a snow-capped mountain.

00:05:18His features were striking, but not harsh.

00:05:20So handsome, it was impossible to look away, yet so intimidating, you wouldn't dare get close.

00:05:24His gaze was so indifferent, like I was nothing more than a random piece of furniture.

00:05:28You're the new nanny?

00:05:29He asked.

00:05:30His voice was icy, too.

00:05:31I replied.

00:05:32Yes, I'm Sophia Winters.

00:05:33He didn't respond.

00:05:34Just walked straight to the sofa and sat down.

00:05:36The butler handed him a glass of water.

00:05:38Education?

00:05:39Master's in clinical medicine from Northbridge University.

00:05:42I replied.

00:05:43Why did you become a nanny?

00:05:44He asked.

00:05:45I need money, I said.

00:05:46He looked up at me.

00:05:48He probably hadn't met anyone this direct before.

00:05:50Did the butler tell you about Leo?

00:05:52He asked.

00:05:53Yeah.

00:05:54I replied.

00:05:55Eight nannies before you, and none lasted longer than seven days.

00:05:59He said, his flat, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him.

00:06:02How long do you think you'll hold out?

00:06:04I don't know, I said.

00:06:06But at least he didn't throw a vase at me this afternoon.

00:06:09His fingers stilled on the glass for a moment.

00:06:12You actually got him to place a block on his own?

00:06:14He asked.

00:06:14The butler nodded.

00:06:16He was silent for a few seconds.

00:06:18You'll be on a one-month trial.

00:06:19The butler will tell you the rules.

00:06:21Don't mess with Leo's routine.

00:06:23He doesn't like strangers touching him, and don't force him to talk.

00:06:27Charles said.

00:06:27One more thing.

00:06:28He added.

00:06:29Don't set foot on the third floor.

00:06:31He said.

00:06:33Understood.

00:06:34I replied.

00:06:35That's all.

00:06:36You can leave.

00:06:36The whole interview took less than three minutes.

00:06:39As I headed upstairs, I overheard the butler say,

00:06:41Mr. Landon, Miss Wintz really has nerves of steel.

00:06:44He didn't respond.

00:06:45I closed my door, sat on the edge of the bed, and pulled out my phone.

00:06:49Bank balance.

00:06:50$95.

00:06:51Mom's medical bill.

00:06:52$40,000.

00:06:54Gotta pay it tomorrow.

00:06:55I took a deep breath and texted the butler.

00:06:57Is it possible to get an advance on my salary?

00:06:59Two minutes later, he replied.

00:07:01Mr. Landon said you'll be paid daily, starting from your first day of the trial period.

00:07:05Tomorrow, you'll get your first day's pay, $5,000, calculated from the $150,000 monthly

00:07:11salary.

00:07:12$5,000.

00:07:13My hand was shaking as I held my phone.

00:07:16That would do.

00:07:16Enough to get by.

00:07:17The rest I would deal with later.

00:07:20At 6 the next morning, my alarm went off.

00:07:23Once I finished getting ready and stepped out of my room, I saw that Leo was already awake.

00:07:28He was perched on his bedroom bay window, hugging a gray-stuffed bunny, gazing out the

00:07:33window.

00:07:34The sunlight streamed across his face, and his little face looked so pale it was almost see-through.

00:07:41Good morning.

00:07:42He ignored me.

00:07:43I joined him by the window, gazing outside as well.

00:07:47The weather's really nice today.

00:07:49Look, there's mist on the lake.

00:07:50He still didn't respond.

00:07:52I didn't say anything else and went to the kitchen to help with breakfast.

00:07:56The butler said Charles had already left, and Leo's usual breakfast was milk, eggs, and

00:08:01toast.

00:08:02When I carried the tray upstairs, Leo was still sitting by the windowsill.

00:08:07Time for breakfast.

00:08:09Leo glanced at me but didn't move.

00:08:11I set the tray down on the little table beside him and sat across from him.

00:08:16I didn't rush him.

00:08:17I just pulled out my phone and started scrolling through my mom's medical records, researching

00:08:22treatment options.

00:08:24After about five minutes, Leo reached out and took a piece of toast, and he took a bite.

00:08:29I pretended not to notice.

00:08:31He finished the whole piece of toast and drank half a glass of milk.

00:08:35Then he glanced at the dense medical jargon on my phone screen, and his little brows furrowed.

00:08:40What are you looking at?

00:08:41I almost dropped my phone.

00:08:42Did he talk to me?

00:08:45The butler had said he barely ever talked to anyone except for Charles.

00:08:49And even then, it was just a word or two.

00:08:52I tried to keep my voice steady.

00:08:54I'm just reading up some info about medical treatments.

00:08:58Leo, who's sick?

00:08:59My mom.

00:09:01He looked down and mumbled.

00:09:03Leo, I don't have a mom.

00:09:05For a split second, it felt like something sharp jabbed right into my chest.

00:09:10I didn't ask him why, and I didn't bother with any of those cliche adult comforts.

00:09:14I just said,

00:09:15If you feel sick, you can tell me.

00:09:17I know a thing or two about medicine.

00:09:19He looked up at me.

00:09:20There was something different in those big, dark eyes of his.

00:09:23It was subtle, but I caught it.

00:09:26After breakfast, when the butler came up to collect the tray and saw the milk glass half

00:09:31empty, he almost stumbled.

00:09:32Miss Winters, the young master barely eats anything for breakfast.

00:09:36He ate a whole piece of toast today, I replied.

00:09:39The butler's face was pure shock.

00:09:42At ten in the morning, I was in the playroom with Leo, keeping him company while he drew.

00:09:47He sketched a house, and next to it was a tall person standing alone.

00:09:51Only one person in the picture.

00:09:53I didn't ask who the tall figure was.

00:09:55My phone rang.

00:09:57It was an unknown number.

00:10:01Hello?

00:10:01I answered.

00:10:02Sophia.

00:10:03A voice said.

00:10:04My hand tightened around the phone.

00:10:06It was Jason Reed, my ex-fiancé.

00:10:08How did you get my number, I asked.

00:10:11Keeping my tone flat.

00:10:12I've always had your number, Sophia.

00:10:14I'm calling because I have some serious business with you.

00:10:18I don't have any business with you.

00:10:20I shot back.

00:10:21Running out of money for your mom's hospital bills, aren't you?

00:10:24He pressed.

00:10:25I went quiet for a second.

00:10:26How did you find out?

00:10:27I asked.

00:10:28Your dad told me.

00:10:30He said you're struggling on your own, and you don't even have a place to stay.

00:10:34My dad, my dear father, who gave away my fiancé and the bridal suite to Claire.

00:10:40Sophia, Claire and I talked it over.

00:10:42We can cover your mom's medical bills.

00:10:45And the catch?

00:10:47Be Claire's bridesmaid.

00:10:48I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

00:10:50Excuse me?

00:10:51We're getting married next month.

00:10:53Claire wants you to be her bridesmaid.

00:10:55You know, you two are sisters, and it'll make a nice impression on the guests.

00:11:00You stole my wedding date, my wedding plans, my dress, and now you want to use me as a prop

00:11:05for your big day?

00:11:06Hey, don't be so harsh.

00:11:08This is a win-win.

00:11:09You'll get your mom's surgery paid for.

00:11:11Jason replied, acting like he was doing me a favor.

00:11:15I couldn't help bursting out laughing, a bitter laugh born out of sheer exasperation.

00:11:20Jason, you really think I'm a pushoff?

00:11:22I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

00:11:24Sophia.

00:11:25I hung up.

00:11:26Leo stopped drawing and looked up at me.

00:11:28You're not happy.

00:11:30B, he said.

00:11:31Man, this kid was crazy observant for his age.

00:11:35It's nothing.

00:11:37Keep drawing.

00:11:37Then I said with a smile, he looked down and added another tiny figure to his drawing.

00:11:42This one stood right next to the tall person.

00:11:45At noon, I got a call from the hospital.

00:11:48Hello?

00:11:49Miss Winters, your mother's medical bill needs to be paid by 5 p.m. today, or we'll have to pause

00:11:54some of her treatment.

00:11:55The hospital staff said,

00:11:56$40,000.

00:11:57Right now, I had $95 plus the $5,000 from today.

00:12:03Less than $10,000.

00:12:06Still short by over $30,000.

00:12:09I called everyone I could possibly borrow money from.

00:12:13College friends, old co-workers, and distant relatives.

00:12:18Not a single person answered.

00:12:20Or if someone did pick up, all I got was a bunch of sorry excuses.

00:12:24At 3.30 p.m., I stood at the end of the second floor hallway, staring out at the lake.

00:12:31For the first time, I felt like I couldn't hold it together anymore.

00:12:35Miss Winters?

00:12:36Is everything okay?

00:12:37I asked.

00:12:38Before I even realized it, he was standing behind me.

00:12:42Mr. Landon asked me to let you know that he's already advanced you a month's salary, and it's been deposited

00:12:47into your account.

00:12:48The butler said.

00:12:49I stood there, stunned.

00:12:51I grabbed my phone and saw a text from the bank.

00:12:55Deposit.

00:12:56$150,000.

00:12:58$150,000.

00:13:00All at once.

00:13:02I stared at the number, completely speechless.

00:13:05Mr. Landon said this is an advance, not charity.

00:13:09After it's deducted, your salary will be settled monthly.

00:13:12The butler explained.

00:13:13I pressed my nails into my palm, just to remind myself this was real.

00:13:19Could you thank Mr. Landon for me?

00:13:21I said.

00:13:21Before the butler could answer, a deep voice cut in from the stairs.

00:13:25No need to thank me.

00:13:26I turned and saw Charles, standing there, dressed in a dark, gray coat.

00:13:32His hair misted with rain.

00:13:34He walked right past me without missing a beat.

00:13:37Just make sure you take care of Leo.

00:13:38Charles said.

00:13:40He headed upstairs to the third floor.

00:13:42The door shut behind him.

00:13:44I stood there, clutching my phone.

00:13:48$150,000.

00:13:50My mom was going to be okay.

00:13:53At 4.30 p.m., I rushed to the hospital and paid the $140,000 bill.

00:13:59My mom was lying in a hospital bed, so thin she looked like nothing but skin and bones.

00:14:04Sophia, where'd you get the money?

00:14:06She asked weakly, squeezing her hand.

00:14:10I found a job.

00:14:11The pay is super high, so you don't have to worry, Mom.

00:14:13What kind of job?

00:14:14She asked.

00:14:16I'm looking after a little kid.

00:14:18I replied.

00:14:19She squeezed my hand a bit tighter.

00:14:22Sophia, your dad came by.

00:14:24She said.

00:14:25My expression turned icy.

00:14:27What did he want?

00:14:29I asked.

00:14:30He said Claire's getting married and told me not to hold a grudge.

00:14:34He also said if you agree to be her bridesmaid, they'll pay for my surgery.

00:14:39Mom, I've already paid for the surgery.

00:14:41We don't need their money.

00:14:42I said, her eyes filled with tears.

00:14:44I'm holding.

00:14:45You're not.

00:14:46I said, holding her hand tight.

00:14:48Just focus on getting better.

00:14:49I'll take care of everything else.

00:14:50Night had already fallen by the time I walked out of the hospital.

00:14:55I was standing outside the hospital, flagging down a taxi.

00:14:59Out of nowhere, a white Porsche came to a stop right in front of me.

00:15:03The window rolled down.

00:15:05Claire was sitting in the passenger seat, her makeup perfect, with a faint smile on her lips.

00:15:10Sophia?

00:15:11What are you doing here?

00:15:13Claire asked, her tone casual.

00:15:15Jason was behind the wheel.

00:15:16He glanced at me, looking a bit uncomfortable.

00:15:20Just here to see mom.

00:15:21I replied, keeping my voice flat.

00:15:23Oh!

00:15:23Jason and I were just here to visit her too.

00:15:26What a coincidence.

00:15:27By the way, Sophia, did Jason tell you about being my bridesmaid?

00:15:31Have you thought it over?

00:15:32Claire said, stepping out and linking her arm through Jason's.

00:15:36No.

00:15:36I said flatly.

00:15:38Her smile faltered for a second.

00:15:39Come on, Sophia, don't be so mean.

00:15:41Jason and I really love each other.

00:15:43You can't hold a grudge forever.

00:15:45Claire said, her voice all sweet and fake.

00:15:48I'm not holding a grudge.

00:15:49I just don't care.

00:15:50I replied,

00:15:52Sophia!

00:15:53Claire's just trying to be nice.

00:15:54Don't be so ungrateful.

00:15:56Jason snapped, his tone sharp.

00:15:58Ungrateful?

00:15:59I shot back, locking eyes with him.

00:16:01You and my sister slept in my wedding bed, got married in the dress I chose,

00:16:05and now you want me to stand there grinning as your bridesmaid, blessing you both?

00:16:09Jason, have you completely lost your mind?

00:16:11You!

00:16:11His face turned bright red.

00:16:13Enough, congratulations.

00:16:15Turning to leave.

00:16:16Sophia, don't get cocky!

00:16:18Claire shouted after me.

00:16:20You really think you can find someone better than Jason?

00:16:22Look at you!

00:16:23You don't even have a place to live!

00:16:25I didn't look back.

00:16:26I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address for Lakeview Manor.

00:16:31Lakeview Manor.

00:16:32The driver glanced at me in the rearview mirror.

00:16:34Miss, are you sure you got the address right?

00:16:35That's the Landon family's private estate.

00:16:37He said,

00:16:38I'm sure.

00:16:38I replied,

00:16:39Do you work for the Landon family?

00:16:42I'm the nanny for the Landon family.

00:16:44The driver didn't say anything else.

00:16:46By the time I got back to Lakeview Manor, it was almost nine.

00:16:49Madam, Master Leo is already asleep.

00:16:53I pushed open Leo's door as quietly as I could and peeked inside.

00:16:56The little guy was curled up in a ball, clutching his gray bunny tight, fast asleep.

00:17:00A sheet of drawing paper sat on his nightstand.

00:17:02I picked it up and glanced at it.

00:17:04It was Leo's drawing from earlier that afternoon.

00:17:07There was a house, a tall figure, and a smaller one.

00:17:09Beside the smaller figure, two words were scribbled.

00:17:12The letters were shaky, but still readable.

00:17:15Nanny.

00:17:16I gently placed the drawing back on the nightstand and quietly closed the door.

00:17:21Back in my room, I sat on the edge of the bed, buried my face in my hands, and let

00:17:26myself cry silently.

00:17:28Not from grievance, but because it had been so long since anyone had made me feel needed.

00:17:32On the third day, I started to figure out Leo's routines.

00:17:35He didn't like being touched, but it would be fine as long as I kept an arm's length away.

00:17:39He hated loud noises, so whenever I spoke to him, I always kept my voice soft and gentle.

00:17:43He loved drawing, building with blocks, and just zoning out while sitting on the windowsill.

00:17:47His absolute favorite was that gray rabbit plushie.

00:17:50He carried it with him everywhere he went.

00:17:54That morning, I tried telling him a story.

00:17:56At first, he wasn't interested, but after a while, he slowly moved closer.

00:17:59I spun a tale about a rabbit, just like his favorite plushie, going on a wild adventure.

00:18:05When I got to the part where the rabbit fell into the river,

00:18:07Can it swim?

00:18:09What do you think?

00:18:10I asked.

00:18:11Leo paused, thinking it over.

00:18:14Teach it.

00:18:15Okay, Leo, you show it how to swim.

00:18:18I encouraged.

00:18:19Leo took the lead, stumbling through a few lines of the story.

00:18:22The butler stood in the doorway, his eyes growing misty as he listened.

00:18:25Later, he told me,

00:18:26Miss Winters, Leo hasn't spoken this much in two years.

00:18:28That afternoon, Charles unexpectedly came home earlier than usual.

00:18:32When he walked in, Leo was sitting next to me, building a bridge with his blocks.

00:18:36When Leo saw Charles, his eyes lit up.

00:18:38Dad!

00:18:39Leo called out.

00:18:40Charles walked over, crouched down on one knee, and gently patted Leo's head.

00:18:44Were you a good boy today?

00:18:45Charles asked.

00:18:46Leo nodded, then pointed at me.

00:18:48Miss Winters taught me how to build a bridge, Leo said.

00:18:52Charles shot me a glance.

00:18:53The look he gave me was a bit warmer than yesterday.

00:18:55Just a little, though.

00:18:57Good.

00:18:58I wasn't sure if he meant Leo or me.

00:19:00Charles stood up and told the butler.

00:19:01Tell the chef to prepare an extra dish.

00:19:03Miss Winters will be dining with us tonight.

00:19:04It was my first time sharing a dinner table with Charles.

00:19:07He ate with impeccable manners, moving neither too fast nor too slow.

00:19:10Every gesture is elegant, as if he were shooting a commercial.

00:19:12Leo sat next to him, eating with his spoon, occasionally making a little mess on the table.

00:19:16I reached over and wiped Leo's mouth for him.

00:19:19Charles spared me a glance.

00:19:20What did you do before?

00:19:21He asked.

00:19:22I was interning at a clinic.

00:19:24Why did you stop?

00:19:26The clinic closed down.

00:19:29Actually, it was because Mentor ran into trouble, and the entire research project got shut down, and I lost my

00:19:35internship as a result.

00:19:37Charles didn't ask any more questions.

00:19:39Leo has a checkup tomorrow.

00:19:40You'll go with him.

00:19:41What kind of checkup?

00:19:42Pediatric development checkup.

00:19:44He has to go every month.

00:19:45All right.

00:19:45After dinner, Charles went up to the third floor.

00:19:48I helped Leo brush his teeth and get ready for bed, then told him a bedtime story.

00:19:53As I spoke, he slowly drifted off to sleep, his little hand still clutching my sleeve.

00:19:57I gently freed his hand from my sleeve and tucked him in.

00:20:01As I reached the doorway, I looked back at him one last time.

00:20:04Honestly, all this kid needed was someone who could patiently stay by his side.

00:20:08On the fourth morning, I took Leo to Northbridge Children's Hospital.

00:20:11The butler dropped us off right at the door.

00:20:13We went in through the VIP entrance.

00:20:14Leo's primary doctor, Madison Lane, was in his 40s.

00:20:17When he saw Leo, his face softened with a gentle smile.

00:20:19Leo, you came to see Uncle Lane today, huh?

00:20:21Madison greeted him warmly.

00:20:23Leo hid behind me, only poking his head out a little.

00:20:25And this is...

00:20:26Sophia, Leo's nanny, I replied.

00:20:29Madison pushed up his glasses and looked me up and down.

00:20:31You don't really look like a nanny to me.

00:20:32Is there a standard look for a nanny?

00:20:34He chuckled and started Leo's checkup.

00:20:36After the routine checkup...

00:20:36Leo's physical stats are all good, but he's still struggling a little with talking and getting along with others.

00:20:41Maybe try spending more time interacting with him, though he usually shuts down around new people.

00:20:47He paused, glancing at Leo, who was quietly playing with his toys in the exam room.

00:20:52But surprisingly, he agreed to come along with you today.

00:20:55That's already huge progress.

00:20:57How many nannies has he had before you?

00:20:58Madison asked.

00:20:59Eight.

00:20:59I answered.

00:21:00I've met all of them, and no one could get Leo this quiet in here.

00:21:03Have you studied child psychology?

00:21:05I minored in it.

00:21:06Madison looked a bit surprised.

00:21:08From Northbridge University?

00:21:11Yeah.

00:21:12Who was your mentor?

00:21:13Professor Samuel Chase.

00:21:15Madison stared at me for a few seconds.

00:21:17Professor Samuel Chase's final hand-picked protege?

00:21:19Wait, are you Sophia Winters' winner of the grand prize at National Pediatricology Competition?

00:21:23I hadn't expected him to know about that.

00:21:25Yeah, Sophia Winters.

00:21:26That's me.

00:21:27I've read your paper.

00:21:28It was really impressive.

00:21:29So, how did you end up working as a nanny?

00:21:32Madison paused, unsure how to continue.

00:21:34That's just how life goes.

00:21:35Madison, could you send me Leo's full report?

00:21:38I want to come up with some activities that fit him better.

00:21:40Of course.

00:21:41Miss Winters, Leo's lucky to have you.

00:21:44After we left the hospital, the butler was waiting to pick us up.

00:21:46Leo sat in the back seat, and for the very first time, he reached out and gently tugged

00:21:49at my sleeve.

00:21:50Nanny?

00:21:52Is everything okay?

00:21:53Will you be here tomorrow?

00:21:55Yeah, I'll be here.

00:21:56Leo nodded, staying quiet, but a tiny smile crept onto his lips.

00:22:00The butler saw it in the rearview mirror and almost couldn't believe his eyes.

00:22:03When we got back to the estate, the butler said,

00:22:04Miss Winters, Mr. Landon has a guest coming this afternoon.

00:22:07Just stay upstairs with Leo.

00:22:09Who's the guest?

00:22:12Mrs. Landon.

00:22:13I was taken aback.

00:22:14I thought Mr. Landon was...

00:22:15The ex-Mrs. Landon.

00:22:17His expression a bit complicated.

00:22:18Leo's birth mother.

00:22:18Leo's mom, but Leo said he didn't have a mom.

00:22:20I can't really say much about it, but whatever happens, just make sure Leo stays upstairs.

00:22:24At two in the afternoon, sharp clicks of high heels echoed from downstairs.

00:22:28Each step radiated authority.

00:22:29I was upstairs with Leo, helping him with his drawing, when he suddenly froze, his hand hovering

00:22:34over the paper.

00:22:35He'd heard it.

00:22:37Miss Winters...

00:22:38Leo whispered, his voice barely audible.

00:22:40Oh, she's here.

00:22:41His hands were trembling.

00:22:42I crouched down to meet his eyes.

00:22:44You don't want to see her, do you?

00:22:45Leo shook his head.

00:22:47That's okay.

00:22:47We don't have to.

00:22:48Let's keep drawing.

00:22:49Downstairs, a woman's voice rang out, clear, but with a sharpness that was hard to miss.

00:22:55Where's Leo?

00:22:56Bring him down!

00:22:57I want to see him!

00:22:58You have no right.

00:22:59I'm his mother.

00:23:00You gave up custody when he was just six months old.

00:23:03Isabelle Lane, what exactly are you doing here?

00:23:05Isabelle.

00:23:06I made a mental note of that name.

00:23:08The argument downstairs went on for about 20 minutes.

00:23:10I'm Isabelle in charge!

00:23:12During this time, Isabelle erased her voice several times, and Leo flinched every time.

00:23:16I didn't say a word.

00:23:17I just sat beside him, quietly keeping him company as he drew.

00:23:20Finally, the noise downstairs faded away.

00:23:22The sound of high heels grew distant.

00:23:24Leo sat down his crayon, crawled over to me, and buried his face in my arm.

00:23:30Miss Winton's.

00:23:31Leo mumbled, his voice muffled.

00:23:32Hmm?

00:23:32I replied softly.

00:23:34Don't go.

00:23:35Leo mumbled.

00:23:36My eyes stung with emotion.

00:23:37I'm not going anywhere.

00:23:39That evening, Charles came upstairs.

00:23:41He stood in the doorway of Leo's room, watching Leo sleep against me in silence for a while.

00:23:45Isabelle came by.

00:23:47What did she want?

00:23:49Money.

00:23:50She's always after money.

00:23:52Leo's terrified of her.

00:23:54I know.

00:23:55He kept trembling all day.

00:23:56Charles clenched his fist for a moment.

00:23:58I'll take care of it.

00:23:59You've had a tough day.

00:24:01He turned to leave.

00:24:04Mr. Landon?

00:24:05He stopped.

00:24:06Leo can speak.

00:24:07He's just scared.

00:24:09It's not strangers he fears but being abandoned.

00:24:11Charles stood there with his back to me, unmoving.

00:24:13After what felt like forever, he finally said a single word.

00:24:15Yeah.

00:24:16Then he walked away, but as he left, I noticed his shoulders were a little stiff.

00:24:19On the fifth day, things finally started to settle into a routine.

00:24:22I hung out with Leo in the morning, drawing pictures, stacking blocks, and spinning stories

00:24:26for him.

00:24:26In the afternoon, we wandered around the estate together.

00:24:29Leo started slipping his hand into mine, like he was finally letting himself trust me

00:24:32a little more.

00:24:33At night, I told him a bedtime story, and he wouldn't close his eyes until I'd finished

00:24:36every last word.

00:24:37Leo was opening up, talking a little more every day.

00:24:39He still wasn't exactly chatty, but it was a big step up from before.

00:24:42The butler mentioned that Charles had been coming home earlier lately.

00:24:44He used to get home way past midnight, but these days, he was usually back by nine.

00:24:48The first thing he did when he got home was check on Leo.

00:24:50If Leo was already asleep, Charles would just stand in the doorway for a moment, peek in,

00:24:53and then head upstairs.

00:24:54That day, I was in the kitchen, helping get Leo's afternoon snack ready.

00:24:58My phone rang.

00:24:58The caller ID showed, Dad.

00:25:00I hesitated for a couple of seconds before picking up.

00:25:02Richard said, his voice carrying that familiar tone.

00:25:05Sophia.

00:25:05Humble one moment, bossy the next.

00:25:07What is it?

00:25:07I asked.

00:25:08Your sister's wedding is set for the 15th of next month.

00:25:10Are you coming?

00:25:11No.

00:25:11I replied.

00:25:12Why are you so stubborn?

00:25:14Claire is your sister.

00:25:15She's just the kid your wife brought into the family, not really my sister.

00:25:18I cut him off.

00:25:18There was a brief silence on the other end.

00:25:20Sophia, how can you talk like that?

00:25:22Your mom left because of your temper.

00:25:24Left because of what, exactly?

00:25:26Because you abandoned her.

00:25:28Richard, my mom's lying in the hospital, and you haven't paid a single dollar.

00:25:32What right do you have to talk to me?

00:25:34You know how things are at home.

00:25:35If you're so broke, did Claire just magically get the money for that Porsche?

00:25:39Jason bought it for her.

00:25:41Richard snapped.

00:25:42Oh, that's even better.

00:25:43Using my ex-fiance's money to show off a fancy car in front of me?

00:25:46You guys are unbelievable.

00:25:47Sophia, are you coming or not?

00:25:48If you don't show up, your mom's surgery...

00:25:50Don't bother.

00:25:50I already paid for her surgery myself.

00:25:52I hung up.

00:25:52My fingers were trembling a little.

00:25:54It wasn't fear.

00:25:54It was pure disgust.

00:25:55Your father.

00:25:56Charles' voice came from behind me.

00:25:57I turned to find Charles standing in the kitchen doorway.

00:26:00He was holding an empty glass, probably here to get some water.

00:26:02Yes.

00:26:02Bad relationship?

00:26:03No.

00:26:04Letting the words hang in the air.

00:26:05I meant it both ways.

00:26:06There was nothing between us, not even a relationship.

00:26:09Charles held my gaze for a moment and didn't say anything else.

00:26:11As he walked past me, he set the glass down.

00:26:14It wasn't actually empty.

00:26:15Inside, he'd left a single piece of candy.

00:26:17I stared at the candy, stunned, for a few seconds.

00:26:19The butler told me later that Charles never touched candy.

00:26:22The candy in his study drawer was always for Leo.

00:26:25But Leo never liked that kind.

00:26:26So the candy just sat there, untouched.

00:26:28Until that day when he gave it to me.

00:26:30I wasn't sure if it was meant to comfort me.

00:26:32But that night I ate it.

00:26:33It was really sweet.

00:26:34On the seventh day, I officially survived my first week of probation.

00:26:37The butler said none of the nannies before me had ever made it past seven days.

00:26:41I was the first to do it.

00:26:42Charles came home especially early that day.

00:26:44He was back by six.

00:26:45Leo ran over and grabbed his hand.

00:26:47Dad, Miss Winters taught me how to fold a rabbit today.

00:26:50He pulled a lopsided paper rabbit out of his pocket and held it up for Charles to see.

00:26:54Charles took the paper rabbit and studied it for a moment.

00:26:57A gentle smile flickering across his face.

00:26:59Good.

00:26:59Leo ran over to me.

00:27:00Miss Winters, can you teach dad how to make one too?

00:27:04Leo asked.

00:27:05Charles and I both froze for a second.

00:27:06Your dad's probably super busy.

00:27:08It's fine.

00:27:09Charles said.

00:27:09Not long after, he came to the living room.

00:27:11To my surprise, he sat down and grabbed a sheet of paper.

00:27:14I showed him how to fold a paper rabbit.

00:27:15His hands were big and kind of awkward for origami.

00:27:18He fumbled with the paper, looking totally out of his element.

00:27:21He tried three times but still couldn't get it right.

00:27:23Leo was laughing so hard he could barely sit still.

00:27:25It was the first time I'd ever heard Leo laugh out loud.

00:27:28The butler stood in the corner, secretly wiping his eyes.

00:27:30Charles finally managed to fold a rabbit that was just barely recognizable.

00:27:34One ear was way longer than the other.

00:27:36Leo took it and placed it right next to his own.

00:27:38Rabbit dad and rabbit baby.

00:27:40Leo said, grinning from ear to ear.

00:27:42Then Leo grabbed a piece of paper and stuffed it into my hand.

00:27:45Miss Winters, you fold one too.

00:27:47I folded one.

00:27:48Leo placed all three rabbits side by side on the windowsill.

00:27:51It's a rabbit family.

00:27:52Charles cast a look at me.

00:27:54I couldn't tell what that look meant, but the corners of his mouth twitched.

00:27:57It wasn't obvious, but I caught it.

00:27:58That night, after I'd put Leo to bed, I went downstairs to get some water and bumped into

00:28:02Charles at the stairway.

00:28:03He was leaning against the railing, phone in hand, looking like he was deep in thought.

00:28:07Is Leo asleep?

00:28:07He asked.

00:28:08Yeah, he's asleep.

00:28:09He actually laughed quite a few times today.

00:28:11I said.

00:28:11That's good.

00:28:12Charles said.

00:28:13We stood there in silence for a moment.

00:28:14Sophia.

00:28:15He said.

00:28:15Yes.

00:28:16I replied softly.

00:28:17You don't have to finish the whole month of your trial period.

00:28:19Charles said.

00:28:20My heart jumped into my throat.

00:28:22I braced myself, thinking he was about to let me go.

00:28:24Starting tomorrow, you're officially hired.

00:28:26Your monthly salary is $200,000.

00:28:29Charles said.

00:28:29I was standing on the stairs and nearly lost my footing.

00:28:32Mr. Landon.

00:28:33You deserve it.

00:28:34Charles said.

00:28:35With that, he headed upstairs.

00:28:36I gripped the railing, just standing there for a long time, trying to process it all.

00:28:40$200,000.

00:28:42$200,000 a month.

00:28:43I wouldn't have to stress about mom's surgery bills anymore.

00:28:45The days flew by.

00:28:46Leo was changing right before my eyes.

00:28:48He started taking the initiative to chat with the butler.

00:28:51He finally wanted to step outside.

00:28:52He even began calling me Sophia, instead of Miss Winters.

00:28:55Charles checked in with the butler about Leo every day.

00:28:57The butler said Leo had been smiling more than ever lately.

00:29:00One day, the butler pulled me aside and said.

00:29:02Miss Winters, I've worked for the Landon family for 15 years,

00:29:05and I've never seen Mr. Landon come home this early before.

00:29:07Maybe work's just been slow lately.

00:29:09The butler gave me a knowing smile.

00:29:11On the 10th day, something unexpected happened.

00:29:13I was taking Leo for a walk in the estate's garden when my phone buzzed with a message.

00:29:17It was from Claire.

00:29:18A photo of a wedding invitation.

00:29:19It read, Mr. Jason Reed and Mrs. Claire Reed cordially invite you to their wedding.

00:29:24Claire added,

00:29:24Sophia, the invitations are all printed, and your name's on them.

00:29:27I saved a spot for you as a bridesmaid.

00:29:29I didn't reply.

00:29:3010 minutes later, another message popped up.

00:29:32Heard you're a nanny now?

00:29:33A master's degree from Northbridge University ends up as someone's nanny.

00:29:36L-O-L.

00:29:38You've certainly put the Winters family on the map, haven't you?

00:29:40I still didn't reply.

00:29:41Got nothing to say.

00:29:42Whatever.

00:29:43It's kind of pathetic.

00:29:44You all by yourself out there, drifting around.

00:29:46Just come to the wedding, and I'll have Jason give you some cash.

00:29:48I slipped my phone back into my pocket.

00:29:50Sophia.

00:29:51I crouched down and asked him.

00:29:52What's the matter?

00:29:53Look, there are flowers over there.

00:29:56Leo said, pointing toward a bunch of roses deep in the garden.

00:29:58Want to go take a look?

00:29:59I took his hand and led him over.

00:30:00He crouched in front of the roses, reached out as if to pick one, then hesitated and drew his hand

00:30:05back.

00:30:05They'll prick your fingers.

00:30:06Yeah, pretty things can hurt you sometimes.

00:30:08Leo thought for a moment.

00:30:10Then I'll just look.

00:30:11I won't pick any.

00:30:12I smiled.

00:30:12I said gently.

00:30:13You know you're smarter than most adults.

00:30:15Just then, the butler hurried over, looking a bit anxious.

00:30:17Miss Winters, someone's at the gate asking to see you.

00:30:20I asked.

00:30:21Who is it?

00:30:21A woman.

00:30:22She says she's your sister.

00:30:23My smile vanished.

00:30:24Claire showed up here.

00:30:25I'll go out for a bit.

00:30:26Can you keep an eye on Leo for me?

00:30:27The butler nodded.

00:30:28I walked to the front gate.

00:30:29Claire was leaning against her white Porsche, rocking a designer dress and sunglasses.

00:30:33As soon as she spotted me, she came over with a big smile.

00:30:36Sophia!

00:30:37I finally found you!

00:30:39How did you find me here?

00:30:41Dad gave me your address.

00:30:42He said you were nannying at Lakeview Manor.

00:30:44Richard, I should have told mother the address sooner.

00:30:46I ought never to have breathed a single word to him.

00:30:48What are you doing here?

00:30:50Just came to check on you, Claire said, eyeing the front gate.

00:30:52This place is seriously upstairs.

00:30:55Who are you working for?

00:30:57Your boss must be rolling in cash.

00:30:59None of your business, I replied.

00:31:01Don't be like that, Sophia.

00:31:02I really want you to be my bridesmaid.

00:31:04Think about it.

00:31:05At the wedding, you'll be surrounded by all the big shots from Northbridge.

00:31:09Maybe you'll meet someone amazing.

00:31:10Isn't that way better than being a nanny here?

00:31:13Claire said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

00:31:15Her smile was sickeningly sweet.

00:31:17So sweet, it made me want to gag.

00:31:19Claire, what are you really after?

00:31:20I asked, I just want you to come.

00:31:22That's all?

00:31:22No way.

00:31:23I said, you can go now.

00:31:24My voice icy.

00:31:25Her smile faded.

00:31:26Sophia, don't make this harder than it has to be.

00:31:28Dad already told you, if you don't show up, your mom's surgery-

00:31:31I already paid for mom's surgery myself.

00:31:33What else do you have to threat me with?

00:31:35I shot back.

00:31:35Her expression shifted.

00:31:36How'd you get the money?

00:31:37Claire demanded.

00:31:38I paid for it with my own salary.

00:31:39How much does a nanny even make?

00:31:41Claire sneered.

00:31:42I shot back.

00:31:43More than your stolen man ever gave you.

00:31:45Claire's face drained of color.

00:31:47What are you trying to say, Sophia?

00:31:48Claire snapped.

00:31:48You know exactly what I mean.

00:31:50When you took my bridal home, my wedding dress, and my fiancé one after another, did you ever

00:31:54stop to think how I felt?

00:31:55Jason made his own choice.

00:31:56He picked me.

00:31:57Yeah?

00:31:58Then what are you doing here?

00:31:59Are you feeling guilty or something?

00:32:00I sneered.

00:32:01Sophia, don't get cocky!

00:32:03You think being a nanny here makes you something special?

00:32:05You're just a servant!

00:32:07She spat.

00:32:07At least I'm not a thief.

00:32:08I shot back.

00:32:09A voice called out from inside.

00:32:11Miss Winters, may I ask who you are?

00:32:13This is the Landon family's private residence.

00:32:16Unauthorized visitors are not allowed inside.

00:32:18Claire looked uneasy as she glanced at the butler's crisp suit.

00:32:20I'm Sophia's sister.

00:32:22The Landon family only acknowledges Miss Sophia Winters.

00:32:25If you don't have an appointment, please leave.

00:32:27The butler cut her off.

00:32:28He pressed his earpiece.

00:32:29Security, there's someone causing trouble at the front gate.

00:32:32Sophia!

00:32:32Are you seriously letting the nancy's butler throw me out?

00:32:35I turned and walked back into the estate without even glancing back.

00:32:39Sophia!

00:32:39You'd better remember this!

00:32:41If you don't show up at the wedding, I'll make sure the whole of Northbridge knows you're

00:32:44just a pathetic reject who got dumped!

00:32:47Claire screamed after me.

00:32:48The butler closed the gate.

00:32:49Her voice was cut off outside.

00:32:50The butler looked at me.

00:32:51Miss Winters, should I let Mr. Landon know if she comes back?

00:32:56No need to bother Mr. Landon.

00:32:58She's not going to cause any trouble.

00:32:59The butler nodded.

00:33:00Little did I know, the manor's surveillance system was all hooked up online.

00:33:03Charles had watched the whole thing unfold from his office at Landon Corp.

00:33:06That night, when he got home, he didn't say a word.

00:33:08He just handed me a cup of warm milk when I came out after reading Leo a bedtime story.

00:33:12Drink this and get some rest.

00:33:13Then he went upstairs.

00:33:14I stood in the hallway, holding the cup of milk.

00:33:16Charles was different from anyone I'd ever met.

00:33:17He was cold, but somehow that icy attitude made me feel strangely comforted.

00:33:21It was such a weird, mixed feeling.

00:33:23Two days later, I got a call from Jason.

00:33:27Sophia, are you working as a nanny for Charles at Lakeview Manor?

00:33:29He asked.

00:33:30My heart skipped a beat.

00:33:32How did you find out?

00:33:33Claire did some digging.

00:33:34Charles is the CEO of Landon Corp.

00:33:36Sophia, you really have guts, working as a nanny for the richest guy in Northbridge.

00:33:40What's it to you?

00:33:41I shot back.

00:33:42Of course it matters.

00:33:44Jason's tone shifted.

00:33:45Sophia, don't be foolish.

00:33:47Men like Charles are far beyond your reach.

00:33:50Stay in your place as the nanny and harbor no misplaced hopes.

00:33:53Funny ideas?

00:33:54What are you talking about?

00:33:55Come on, don't play dumb.

00:33:57$150,000 a month.

00:33:59What do you think he really wants from you?

00:34:00Jason sneered.

00:34:01I smiled.

00:34:02Jason, are you jealous or just being a jerk?

00:34:05I shot back.

00:34:07You.

00:34:07You made it crystal clear when you dumped me.

00:34:09We're done.

00:34:10So why do you care where I work or who I nanny for?

00:34:12I'm just trying to help you out.

00:34:14Why don't you save your concern for your new bride?

00:34:16I don't need it.

00:34:17I cut him off.

00:34:18I hung up.

00:34:19Five minutes later, Claire called.

00:34:20Sophia, stay away from Charles.

00:34:22She demanded.

00:34:23Why do you care?

00:34:23Charles is the most eligible bachelor in Northbridge.

00:34:26You're just a nanny.

00:34:27Don't even dream about it.

00:34:28What, scared your husband can't hold a candle to my boss?

00:34:31I shot back.

00:34:32There was a three-second silence on the other end.

00:34:34Sophia, just wait.

00:34:36You'll regret this.

00:34:38Claire spat.

00:34:39She hung up.

00:34:40I blocked her number, but that wasn't the end of it.

00:34:42On the 13th day, I took Leo to the mall to buy some drawing supplies.

00:34:46The butler drove us to the biggest mall in Northbridge.

00:34:49Leo held my hand as we browsed the stationary section for a long time, finally settling on a box of

00:34:5448 colored pencils.

00:34:55As we were leaving the checkout, a voice called out from behind us.

00:34:58Isn't that Sophia?

00:35:00I turned around.

00:35:01A group of stylish women stood in the mall corridor, and the one at the front was someone I knew.

00:35:06Vera Jennings.

00:35:07She was Claire's best friend, and also the wife of Jason's business partner.

00:35:12Sophia, long time no see.

00:35:15Whose kid is this?

00:35:16None of your business.

00:35:18Jeez, someone's feisty.

00:35:19See, one of the women behind her muttered.

00:35:21Vera smiled.

00:35:22Claire said you're working as a nanny now?

00:35:25A Northbridge University grad babysitting someone else's kid?

00:35:29She didn't speak loudly, but everyone nearby could hear her clearly.

00:35:33Is there a problem?

00:35:34Several people turned to look at us.

00:35:36I asked.

00:35:37No, not really.

00:35:38It's just kind of sad, honestly.

00:35:40You used to be the genius everyone admired in our group, and now what a waste.

00:35:44At least I haven't stooped to stealing someone else's fiancé.

00:35:47I shot back.

00:35:48Vera's smile froze.

00:35:49What do you mean by that?

00:35:50Nothing.

00:35:51I said, pulling Leo away.

00:35:52Stop right there!

00:35:53Vera raised her voice.

00:35:54Sophia, do you really think you're still the old you?

00:35:57You're just a nanny now.

00:35:58What gives you the right to act all superior in front of me?

00:36:01I stopped in my tracks.

00:36:02Leo looked up at me, gripping my hand tighter.

00:36:04I turned back to Vera.

00:36:05So what if I'm a nanny?

00:36:06I shot back.

00:36:07A nanny's nothing but a servant.

00:36:09One of the women behind Vera scoffed.

00:36:11I earn my own money to support myself, and I'm just a servant?

00:36:15Then what do you call those women who splurge on designer's iron bags off their husband's

00:36:19cash?

00:36:19Suddenly, all their faces dropped.

00:36:21You!

00:36:23Miss Winters.

00:36:24A voice called out from nearby.

00:36:26Mr. Quinn.

00:36:27I turned around.

00:36:27A man in a black suit strode over.

00:36:29He was around 30-odd years old and carried a sharp, capable air about him.

00:36:34I recognized him.

00:36:35He was Charles' personal assistant, Kelsey Quinn, whom I'd seen once at the manor before.

00:36:39He said, glancing at Vera and her group.

00:36:42Mr. Landon sent me to pick you and Leo up.

00:36:44Is there a problem?

00:36:46Vera's eyes landed on the ID badge on Kelsey's wrist.

00:36:49Landing Corp?

00:36:50Her expression shifted.

00:36:51You work for Landing Corp?

00:36:52She asked, her voice trembling.

00:36:54Kelsey ignored her and turned to me.

00:36:56Miss Winters, the car is waiting downstairs.

00:36:58Please, this way.

00:36:59I nodded and led Leo away with him.

00:37:01Behind us, Vera's voice was barely above a whisper.

00:37:04Wait, she's working as a nanny for someone from Landing Corp?

00:37:07Landing Corp?

00:37:08That Landing Corp?

00:37:10No way.

00:37:11You don't think it's Charles Landon, do you?

00:37:13Impossible.

00:37:14Someone like Charles would never let a nanny get that close.

00:37:17Their voices faded into the distance.

00:37:19In the car, Kelsey said,

00:37:20Miss Winters, Mr. Landon told me to let you know if anyone gives you a hard time, just call me

00:37:24directly.

00:37:24He handed me a business card.

00:37:27Thanks.

00:37:28This was Mr. Landon's doing.

00:37:30I stared out the window.

00:37:32How did Charles know I was getting hassled at the mall?

00:37:34Whenever the manor's car leaves, Mr. Landon has me track it remotely.

00:37:38It's just a safety thing.

00:37:40Kelsey seemed to catch my confusion.

00:37:42Back at the manor, Leo dashed upstairs with his new colored pencils.

00:37:45I was standing in the hallway, just about to head up, when my phone buzzed with a text.

00:37:50It was from an unknown number.

00:37:53Sophia, Claire wants you to know, she's going to announce your dismissal at the wedding.

00:37:56She's already gotten in touch with your former colleagues from the clinic,

00:37:59and everyone across Northbridge will find out how your mentor cast you out,

00:38:03and your fiancé left you high and dry.

00:38:05If you don't want to be publicly humiliated, you'll play the bridesmaid without a fuss.

00:38:09Jason, I read it, then calmly deleted it.

00:38:12It was not that I didn't feel angry.

00:38:13I simply saw no sense in wasting my energy on someone like him,

00:38:17but I knew this wasn't going to end so easily.

00:38:19Claire was never the type to just let things slide.

00:38:22She'd been like this since we were kids.

00:38:23If she saw me with something good, she'd always try to take it for herself.

00:38:26And if she couldn't get it, she'd make sure I couldn't have it either.

00:38:30On the 14th day, in the afternoon, an unexpected visitor showed up at the manor.

00:38:34It wasn't Claire, but Isabelle.

00:38:35She pushed past the security guard, strutting into the hall in a pair of red-bottomed heels,

00:38:40her steps echoing on the marble floor.

00:38:42Charles Landry!

00:38:44She shouted.

00:38:44Her voice rang out across the entire first floor.

00:38:47I was on the second floor, helping Leo build a tower with his blocks.

00:38:50Leo's hand shook.

00:38:51The tower of blocks collapsed.

00:38:53His face went pale.

00:38:54I said, crouching down to block his view.

00:38:57Leo, don't be scared.

00:38:58Look at me.

00:38:59His lips were trembling.

00:39:00She's going to take me away.

00:39:03No one's going to take you away.

00:39:04Firmly.

00:39:05She will.

00:39:05She once said she'd take me with her and left me by the side of the road.

00:39:09It felt like someone squeezed my heart.

00:39:11Leo, listen to me.

00:39:12You're safe here.

00:39:13I'm here and your dad is here too.

00:39:15No one can take you away.

00:39:17I said firmly.

00:39:18He stared at me, those big dark eyes brimming with fear.

00:39:21Then he threw himself into my arms, clinging to my neck.

00:39:24It was the first time he'd ever hugged someone on his own.

00:39:26His little body was trembling.

00:39:28I held him close, gently patting his back.

00:39:30The shouting downstairs was getting louder.

00:39:32Charles, I want to see Leo.

00:39:33The court said I have visitation rights.

00:39:35Your visitation rights have already been revoked.

00:39:37Isabella, don't push me.

00:39:38You revoked?

00:39:39Who gave you the right?

00:39:41You left a six-month-old baby alone in a mall for three hours.

00:39:45Do you really think you deserve visitation rights?

00:39:47That was an accident.

00:39:48I had something to do that day.

00:39:50Some what, like running off to a foreign country for a vacation with your lover?

00:39:53Charles sneered.

00:39:54Things suddenly went quiet downstairs.

00:39:56Then I heard something crash.

00:39:57Charles, don't think money makes you untouchable.

00:40:00I'll hire a lawyer and sue you.

00:40:02Bring it on.

00:40:03Charles said, his voice icy.

00:40:05The frantic click of the high heels echoed as she stormed out.

00:40:08The front door slammed shut.

00:40:10Leo was still trembling.

00:40:11I held him close and whispered,

00:40:12She's gone.

00:40:13She's really gone.

00:40:14He slowly let go, but still clung tightly to my sleep.

00:40:17Sophia, he murmured.

00:40:19I'm here.

00:40:20I said, are you going to leave too?

00:40:22He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

00:40:25I told you, I'm not going anywhere.

00:40:27I said softly.

00:40:28They all say the same thing.

00:40:30The other nanny said they wouldn't leave either, but then they were gone.

00:40:34His voice was so faint it could barely be heard.

00:40:36Leo, look at me.

00:40:37I held his hand close to me.

00:40:39I said softly.

00:40:40He looked up at me.

00:40:41I always keep my word, Leo.

00:40:42I'm not going anywhere.

00:40:43I said firmly.

00:40:44He stared at me for a while.

00:40:45Then he whispered a quiet,

00:40:46Okay.

00:40:48That night, Charles returned to the second floor.

00:40:50Leo was already asleep.

00:40:51He lingered outside Leo's door for a long time.

00:40:53Then he came up to me.

00:40:55Thanks for today.

00:40:56He said quietly.

00:40:57I'm just doing my job.

00:40:58No, you've done far more than that.

00:41:01He'd never thanked me before.

00:41:02He looked at me, and for the first time,

00:41:04I caught a flicker of something in his usually cold eyes.

00:41:07Something I'd never seen there before.

00:41:09Sophia, I did some digging on you.

00:41:10Charles said.

00:41:11My heart skipped a beat.

00:41:12You were Professor Samuel Chase's final protege.

00:41:15Won the grand prize at the National Pediatric Pathology Competition.

00:41:18And that paper you wrote on early intervention for childhood aftism

00:41:21has been referenced more than 300 times.

00:41:24He said.

00:41:25I stayed silent.

00:41:26After your mentor got into trouble,

00:41:27they canceled your internship,

00:41:29took back your scholarship,

00:41:30and you almost didn't even get to graduate.

00:41:31When you were at your lowest,

00:41:32your father turned his back on you,

00:41:33and Jason picked Claire over you.

00:41:35He continued.

00:41:36You really looked into me.

00:41:37Someone like you shouldn't be working as a nanny here.

00:41:40Charles said.

00:41:40But I am.

00:41:41I replied.

00:41:42He looked at me for a few seconds.

00:41:44I'm not asking you to leave.

00:41:46I know.

00:41:46Charles replied.

00:41:47What I mean is,

00:41:48you deserve better.

00:41:49He said.

00:41:50I smiled.

00:41:51Mr. Landon, honestly,

00:41:52nothing matters more to me right now

00:41:53than making enough to cover my mom's medical bills.

00:41:55This job is the best one I've got.

00:41:57He didn't say anything else,

00:41:58but just before he turned away,

00:41:59he paused and said,

00:42:00If you ever decide you don't want to be a Nancy anymore,

00:42:03tell me.

00:42:03He headed upstairs to the third floor.

00:42:05I stood in the hallway,

00:42:06my heart pounding a little out of control.

00:42:08Calm down, Sophia.

00:42:09He was your boss.

00:42:11That was all he was to you.

00:42:12You were just here to take care of his son.

00:42:14Never think about crossing the line.

00:42:15On the 15th day,

00:42:17Claire's wedding invitations went out.

00:42:19Her social media was flooded with posts about it.

00:42:21She wrote,

00:42:22Thanks for all the love, everyone.

00:42:23We can't wait for you to celebrate with us

00:42:25on the 15th of next month.

00:42:27Come witness our happiness.

00:42:28And it was flooded with likes and comments.

00:42:30Claire, you look gorgeous.

00:42:32Jason is so handsome.

00:42:33You two are such a perfect couple.

00:42:35I'm so jealous.

00:42:36I scrolled through the comments

00:42:37and spotted one that caught my eye.

00:42:39Isn't your sister coming?

00:42:40Claire replied.

00:42:40She's too busy playing nanny

00:42:42for someone else these days.

00:42:43No time to show up.

00:42:44She added a string of laughing emojis.

00:42:46The comments section blew up.

00:42:47Sophia's a nanny now?

00:42:48Wasn't she a Northbridge University grad?

00:42:50Heard her boyfriend ditched her

00:42:52and she's basically homeless now.

00:42:53Yikes.

00:42:54Same dad,

00:42:55but their lives couldn't be more different.

00:42:57I stared at the comments,

00:42:58my grip on my phone tightening.

00:43:00Claire,

00:43:00you truly wanted to make my life miserable.

00:43:02The butler walked over,

00:43:03his face serious.

00:43:04Miss Winters,

00:43:05there are some reporters at the gate.

00:43:06They're asking to interview Claire's sister.

00:43:08He said,

00:43:08sounding uneasy,

00:43:09I shot to my feet.

00:43:11What?

00:43:12They said someone leaked

00:43:13that a top Northbridge University graduate

00:43:16ended up working as a nanny

00:43:17and they want to do a special report about it.

00:43:20It was Claire.

00:43:21She didn't just badmouth me on social media.

00:43:23She'd even invited reporters over.

00:43:26Let them leave.

00:43:27We're already trying to get them to leave,

00:43:29but they've already snapped photos

00:43:30of the man in his gate

00:43:31and soon they'll figure out

00:43:32this is the land in state.

00:43:34If this got out,

00:43:35it wouldn't just be me getting humiliated.

00:43:36It would make Charles look like

00:43:37he hired some pathetic reject

00:43:39as his nanny.

00:43:40This was not only about

00:43:40saving face for me,

00:43:41but also dragging Charles

00:43:42right into the mess too.

00:43:43I grabbed my phone,

00:43:44hesitated for three seconds.

00:43:46Mr. Quinn,

00:43:46I need your help.

00:43:50Fifteen minutes later,

00:43:51all the reporters at the gate

00:43:52had been sent packing.

00:43:54Kelsey was unbelievably efficient.

00:43:56But then he called me back.

00:43:58Sophia Winters,

00:43:59Mr. Landon already knows.

00:44:01What did he say?

00:44:02He told me to dig into Claire Winters.

00:44:04No need, I started.

00:44:05Mr. Landon insists.

00:44:06He said no one gets to use his staff

00:44:08for their own publicity.

00:44:09I held my phone,

00:44:10not sure what to say.

00:44:11Staff,

00:44:12he called me his staff,

00:44:13yet the way he treated me

00:44:13was nothing like how an employer

00:44:15should treat his staff.

00:44:16That evening,

00:44:17Charles got home earlier than usual.

00:44:18It was 5.30.

00:44:19When he walked into the hall,

00:44:20I was heating up some milk for Leo.

00:44:22Sophia,

00:44:23come to the study for a minute.

00:44:24I followed him into his study downstairs.

00:44:27He closed the door behind us.

00:44:28He settled in behind his desk

00:44:29and motioned for me to sit.

00:44:31Did Kelsey tell you

00:44:31about the situation with Claire?

00:44:33Yeah.

00:44:34Mr. Landon,

00:44:34this is my own mess.

00:44:35I never meant for it to involve you.

00:44:38I'm already involved.

00:44:40Reporters already snapped pictures

00:44:41of the manor's front gate.

00:44:42If this gets out,

00:44:43it'll drag Leo into this mess too.

00:44:45I'll handle it.

00:44:46How?

00:44:49That's not your concern.

00:44:53But-

00:44:53Sophia,

00:44:54some things are just too much

00:44:55for you to handle alone.

00:44:56I stood there.

00:44:57Stunned.

00:44:58You've been carrying way too much

00:44:59on your own.

00:45:00Your mother's illness,

00:45:01your father's cold disdifference,

00:45:02Claire's schemes,

00:45:03Jason's betrayal.

00:45:04How much longer do you really think

00:45:05you keep doing this all by yourself?

00:45:07I'm not saying this out of pity.

00:45:09I'm just stating the facts.

00:45:11You're part of the Landon family now.

00:45:13If anything happens to one of us,

00:45:14I'll take care of it.

00:45:15Part of the Landon family.

00:45:16The words suddenly weighed heavily

00:45:17on her heart.

00:45:18Okay.

00:45:19He nodded.

00:45:20There's one more thing.

00:45:22He pulled a file out of his drawer

00:45:24and slid it across the desk to me.

00:45:27What's this?

00:45:29I had someone reopen the case

00:45:30on Professor Samuel Chase.

00:45:32My stomach dropped.

00:45:33I opened the file.

00:45:34It spelled out every detail

00:45:35about how Samuel got accused

00:45:37from start to finish.

00:45:38Whistleblower.

00:45:39Anonymous.

00:45:40Accusation.

00:45:40Academic fraud.

00:45:41Investigation result.

00:45:43Insufficient evidence,

00:45:44but Professor Chase resigned voluntarily.

00:45:46I stared at the file.

00:45:47Insufficient evidence?

00:45:48But the school swore

00:45:49they had proof back then.

00:45:50If they really had proof,

00:45:51it wouldn't say insufficient evidence.

00:45:52Someone messed with things

00:45:53behind the scenes.

00:45:55Who is it?

00:45:56Charles looked at me.

00:45:57Are you sure you want to know?

00:45:59Tell me.

00:46:02Your father, Richard Wintnings.

00:46:04My head buzzed

00:46:05and I felt like the world

00:46:06was spinning.

00:46:08What?

00:46:08Back then,

00:46:09Richard racked up

00:46:10a huge gambling debt.

00:46:11The guy he owed money to

00:46:12was someone in the

00:46:13Northbridge medical system,

00:46:14someone who had a grudge

00:46:15against Professor Chase.

00:46:16To pay off his debt,

00:46:17Richard helped that guy

00:46:18fake evidence

00:46:19and rat out Professor Chase.

00:46:21I froze in my chair.

00:46:22Samuel's project got shut down.

00:46:23My internship was cancelled

00:46:24and my scholarship

00:46:25were taken back.

00:46:26My whole life fell apart

00:46:27in just one night

00:46:28and all because of my death.

00:46:28Richard took a bribe

00:46:29of $150,000

00:46:30to pay off his gambling debts.

00:46:32The rest,

00:46:33he used to buy Claire

00:46:34that Porsche.

00:46:36Charles' voice was calm,

00:46:37but every word

00:46:38cut like a knife.

00:46:39I sat there,

00:46:39frozen.

00:46:40From start to finish,

00:46:41the one who destroyed me

00:46:42was no one else

00:46:42but my own father.

00:46:43Are you okay?

00:46:44I looked up at him.

00:46:45Is the evidence airtight?

00:46:47It's solid.

00:46:48If you need it,

00:46:49I've got it ready.

00:46:50Not yet.

00:46:50He fixed his gaze on me.

00:46:51What are you gonna do?

00:46:52I haven't decided yet.

00:46:54But there was one thing

00:46:54I was sure about.

00:46:55Richard, Claire, and Jason.

00:46:57Not a single one of you

00:46:58would get away.

00:46:59Mr. Landon?

00:47:02Yeah?

00:47:03Why are you helping me?

00:47:06He was silent

00:47:07for a couple of seconds.

00:47:08Because Leo needs you.

00:47:09He said.

00:47:10He sounded utterly natural

00:47:11and I was this close

00:47:12to buying it.

00:47:13That night,

00:47:13I couldn't sleep.

00:47:14The whole thing with Samuel

00:47:15kept running circles

00:47:16in my mind.

00:47:16Richard traded away

00:47:17my future for $150,000.

00:47:20The man used to pat my shoulder

00:47:21before my college exams

00:47:22and say,

00:47:22Sophia, go for it.

00:47:24Dad believes in you.

00:47:25I leaned against the headboard,

00:47:26reading every word

00:47:27in the file

00:47:28three times over.

00:47:29The evidence

00:47:29was airtight.

00:47:30Richard's bank records,

00:47:31the casino's IOU,

00:47:33the call logs

00:47:33with the creditor,

00:47:34and the handwriting analysis

00:47:35of the report letter.

00:47:37Charles' men investigated

00:47:38every last detail,

00:47:39their thoroughness

00:47:40bordering on frightening.

00:47:41How much power did he have?

00:47:42Why would he go to such lengths

00:47:44for someone like me,

00:47:45a mere nanny?

00:47:46Because Leo needs you.

00:47:47That's what he said.

00:47:47But I couldn't help feeling

00:47:48there was more to it.

00:47:49The next morning,

00:47:50I was helping Leo

00:47:50put on his coat,

00:47:51getting him ready for a walk.

00:47:53The butler came over.

00:47:55Miss Winters?

00:47:56Mr. Landon asked me

00:47:57to let you know

00:47:57that someone will be coming

00:47:58to the estate

00:47:59at three this afternoon.

00:48:00He'd like you to attend.

00:48:01Who is it?

00:48:02I asked.

00:48:03Professor Samuel Chase.

00:48:04Mr. Landon said

00:48:05it took him some time

00:48:06to track down Professor Chase.

00:48:08He's currently running

00:48:09a clinic in a small city

00:48:10down south

00:48:11and rushed over here

00:48:12last night.

00:48:12I squatted on the floor,

00:48:14not able to get up

00:48:14for a while.

00:48:15Sophia, what's wrong?

00:48:16He asked.

00:48:17I said.

00:48:18It's nothing.

00:48:19As I stood up

00:48:19and took a deep breath.

00:48:20Come on,

00:48:21let's go for a walk.

00:48:23At three in the afternoon,

00:48:25I stood at the entrance

00:48:25to the living room

00:48:26on the first floor.

00:48:27The door opened.

00:48:28Samuel was sitting

00:48:29on the sofa.

00:48:29He looked so much older now.

00:48:30His hair was completely white

00:48:32and his face was lined

00:48:33with twice as many wrinkles

00:48:34as three years ago.

00:48:35The moment he saw me,

00:48:36he stood up.

00:48:37Sophia.

00:48:38He said.

00:48:39Professor Chase.

00:48:40I said.

00:48:41You've lost weight.

00:48:42He said,

00:48:42patting my shoulder.

00:48:43But you still look strong.

00:48:44My nose burned,

00:48:45but I forced myself

00:48:46to hold it together.

00:48:47Charles sat on the sofa

00:48:48across from us,

00:48:49not saying a word.

00:48:50Mr. Landon showed me

00:48:51the evidence yesterday.

00:48:53Samuel sat down

00:48:53and let out a sigh.

00:48:54I always suspected

00:48:55someone was behind

00:48:56that report back then,

00:48:57but I never thought

00:48:58it would be your father.

00:49:00Professor Chase,

00:49:01I'm sorry.

00:49:01This isn't your fault.

00:49:03He said,

00:49:03waving his hand.

00:49:04You were the best student

00:49:05I ever had.

00:49:06When everything went down,

00:49:08you were the one

00:49:08who paid the highest price.

00:49:10Your thesis,

00:49:10your project,

00:49:12your future.

00:49:14Professor Chase,

00:49:14if we bring this evidence

00:49:15to light,

00:49:16your reputation

00:49:16can be restored.

00:49:18I said.

00:49:19As soon as you give the word,

00:49:20we can start

00:49:20the legal proceedings.

00:49:22Charles said.

00:49:22Samuel was silent

00:49:23for a moment.

00:49:25Richard is your father.

00:49:26Are you really sure

00:49:27about this?

00:49:28He sold my future

00:49:29and ruined your reputation.

00:49:31He doesn't deserve

00:49:32to be my father.

00:49:33I said.

00:49:34All right.

00:49:34Samuel let out a sigh.

00:49:36That evening,

00:49:36before Samuel left,

00:49:37he pulled me aside

00:49:38for a private talk.

00:49:39Sophia,

00:49:39I've only spent a day

00:49:40with Mr. Landon,

00:49:41but it's clear

00:49:42he's not someone

00:49:43who does favors for free.

00:49:44Professor Chase,

00:49:45I started.

00:49:46He put up an enormous sum

00:49:47just to have his people

00:49:49dig all this up.

00:49:50Either he wants

00:49:51something from you,

00:49:52or he cares about you.

00:49:54He said.

00:49:55I didn't say anything.

00:49:58No matter what,

00:49:59you need to remember

00:50:00who you are.

00:50:02You're talented.

00:50:03Don't let anyone

00:50:04treat you like

00:50:05you belong to them.

00:50:06Samuel said.

00:50:06I know.

00:50:07I replied.

00:50:08Samuel patted my head.

00:50:09Go on.

00:50:10You've got a long road

00:50:11ahead of you.

00:50:12He said.

00:50:17After seeing Samuel off,

00:50:19I stood at the estate gate,

00:50:20watching his car fade away

00:50:21at the end of the tree-lined drive.

00:50:23I hadn't even noticed

00:50:23when Charles came

00:50:24to stand next to me.

00:50:26Your professor was right.

00:50:27What?

00:50:29You shouldn't belong

00:50:30to anyone.

00:50:31He gazed out at the lake

00:50:32in the distance.

00:50:33But if you need someone

00:50:34to stand behind you,

00:50:36I can be that person.

00:50:37I turned to look at him.

00:50:38He didn't look at me,

00:50:39but the sunset

00:50:40gilded his profile,

00:50:41making him look

00:50:41almost ethereal.

00:50:42Mr. Landon.

00:50:43I started.

00:50:44Call me, Charles.

00:50:45I don't think

00:50:46that's right.

00:50:46Why not?

00:50:48I'm only a nanny.

00:50:50He finally turned

00:50:51to look at me.

00:50:52His eyes,

00:50:53usually so cold,

00:50:54now held something new.

00:50:55You're not just a nanny.

00:50:57You never were.

00:50:58My heart was pounding.

00:50:59Still,

00:50:59I voiced that

00:51:00rational remark.

00:51:02Mr. Landon,

00:51:03there ought to be

00:51:04a boundary between us.

00:51:05I'm not confessing.

00:51:06Cut me off.

00:51:08I'm just telling you

00:51:09how I feel about this.

00:51:11You're someone

00:51:11I actually respect,

00:51:12not just someone

00:51:13who works for me.

00:51:14Whatever happened next,

00:51:15that's your call.

00:51:16With that,

00:51:17he walked away.

00:51:18I just stood there,

00:51:20letting the wind

00:51:20mess with me for a while.

00:51:22Sophia,

00:51:23calm down,

00:51:23I told myself.

00:51:24I took a deep breath.

00:51:26I just couldn't calm down.

00:51:27Over the next few days,

00:51:28I did my best

00:51:29to get my life

00:51:30back to normal.

00:51:30I threw myself

00:51:31into looking after Leo,

00:51:33focusing all my energy

00:51:34on him.

00:51:35Leo's progress

00:51:36was really starting to show.

00:51:37He even began saying hi

00:51:38to the ladies in the kitchen

00:51:39all by himself.

00:51:41He was finally comfortable

00:51:43spending time

00:51:43in the living room

00:51:44downstairs.

00:51:46He even sat quietly

00:51:47in the corner

00:51:48of the study,

00:51:48drawing,

00:51:49while Charles was

00:51:50on a conference call.

00:51:52Madison sent over

00:51:52the latest assessment report.

00:51:54Leo's social skills

00:51:55has improved by 40%,

00:51:57and he's speaking

00:51:58three times as much

00:51:59as he was three months ago.

00:52:01Miss Winters,

00:52:02you're doing an excellent job.

00:52:03I looked at the report

00:52:04and let out a sigh of relief.

00:52:06At least with Leo,

00:52:07I really made it happen.

00:52:08On the 20th day,

00:52:09Claire's wedding

00:52:10was just 10 days away.

00:52:12Her social media

00:52:13had turned into

00:52:14a wedding countdown feed.

00:52:15Every day,

00:52:16she posted a countdown poster,

00:52:18and her captions

00:52:18were getting more

00:52:19and more cringey.

00:52:20Just 10 days left

00:52:21until I become Mrs. Reed.

00:52:23My wedding dress

00:52:24was custom made in Paris,

00:52:25one of only three

00:52:26in the whole world.

00:52:28After a quick scroll,

00:52:29I couldn't be bothered

00:52:30to keep looking.

00:52:30But that evening,

00:52:31my phone rang.

00:52:32It was Richard.

00:52:33Sophia.

00:52:35Just say what you want.

00:52:38Did you look into something?

00:52:39He asked,

00:52:40his voice shaking.

00:52:41Don't play dumb.

00:52:42Someone dug up

00:52:43my old casino IUD

00:52:44and what went down

00:52:45that year.

00:52:45Sophia,

00:52:46don't do anything reckless.

00:52:47That's all in the past.

00:52:48Drag it out now.

00:52:48You think it's all

00:52:49in the past?

00:52:50My voice went cold.

00:52:51Professor Chase's reputation

00:52:52was ruined,

00:52:52my future was stred,

00:52:54and you think it's over?

00:52:55I had no choice.

00:52:56You had no choice,

00:52:57so you traded

00:52:57your own daughter's life away.

00:52:59Richard,

00:52:59did you really think

00:53:00I'd never find out

00:53:01and never hold you accountable?

00:53:02Sophia, please!

00:53:03If this comes out,

00:53:03your father will end up in jail.

00:53:05Can you really let

00:53:05your own father go to jizzin'?

00:53:06Could you really ruin my future?

00:53:08There was silence

00:53:09on the other end.

00:53:09Did you already talk

00:53:10to a lawyer?

00:53:11Take a guess.

00:53:12Sophia,

00:53:13you ungrateful brat!

00:53:14I raised you

00:53:14for over 20 years!

00:53:16When did you ever raise me?

00:53:17Every cent of my school fees

00:53:18growing up was earned

00:53:19solely by mom working odd jobs.

00:53:21And you?

00:53:21You wasted all your money

00:53:23gambling and pampering

00:53:23Claire's mom.

00:53:25Richard,

00:53:25this is your last chance.

00:53:26Before Claire's wedding,

00:53:27you turn yourself

00:53:28into the police

00:53:28and come clean

00:53:29about what you did back then.

00:53:30If you don't,

00:53:31I'll have my lawyer

00:53:31report you instead.

00:53:32Are you crazy?

00:53:33Claire's getting married

00:53:34next week!

00:53:35Why would you pull this now

00:53:36of all times?

00:53:37Isn't that just perfect?

00:53:39Without another word,

00:53:40I hung up.

00:53:41My fingers trembled

00:53:42for a few seconds.

00:53:43After a moment,

00:53:44I managed to steady myself.

00:53:45Five minutes later,

00:53:46Claire called.

00:53:48Sophia!

00:53:49What the hell

00:53:49are you trying to do?

00:53:50So you know everything now?

00:53:51Did your dad tell you?

00:53:52Don't you dare touch dad!

00:53:54You can't-

00:53:55Claire,

00:53:55who do you think you are?

00:53:56Did it ever cross your mind

00:53:57while you were cruising around

00:53:58in that Porsche

00:53:58bought with the money

00:53:59my dad got for selling me out

00:54:00that this day would come?

00:54:01Bullshit!

00:54:02I snapped.

00:54:02Jason bought that car for me!

00:54:04Yeah,

00:54:04well the down payment

00:54:05came from my dad.

00:54:06He gave it to your mom

00:54:06and she passed it on to you.

00:54:08Did you really think

00:54:08I wouldn't figure it out?

00:54:09Claire went quiet

00:54:10for three seconds.

00:54:11What do you even want

00:54:12from me, Sophia?

00:54:13I don't want anything

00:54:14from you.

00:54:14I just want justice.

00:54:16Justice?

00:54:17You're just a nanny.

00:54:18Who are you

00:54:18to talk about justice?

00:54:20Claire sneered.

00:54:21Just wait.

00:54:22I said.

00:54:22I hung up.

00:54:23This time,

00:54:23I didn't delete her number

00:54:24because the real drama

00:54:25was just getting started.

00:54:27On the 22nd day,

00:54:29Claire's wedding

00:54:29was just eight days away.

00:54:31A package was delivered

00:54:32to the estate.

00:54:33The butler brought it over.

00:54:34Miss Winton's,

00:54:34your package.

00:54:35The butler said.

00:54:36I opened it up.

00:54:37It was a bridesmaid dress.

00:54:38Pink,

00:54:39cheap fabric,

00:54:39shoddy stitching

00:54:40looked like it cost

00:54:41next to nothing.

00:54:42There was a card inside.

00:54:43Sophia,

00:54:44here's your breadmaid dress.

00:54:45It's nothing fancy,

00:54:47but I figure someone

00:54:48who works as a nanny

00:54:49won't mind plain clothes anyway.

00:54:50Make sure you wear it

00:54:51next Saturday.

00:54:52Claire,

00:54:52I just held the bridesmaid dress

00:54:54and looked at it

00:54:55for ten seconds.

00:54:56Then I tossed it

00:54:57straight into the trash.

00:54:58That evening,

00:54:58Charles came back.

00:54:59He called me into the study.

00:55:00Are you going to Claire's wedding?

00:55:02He asked.

00:55:02Yeah.

00:55:03I said.

00:55:03He glanced at me.

00:55:04But I won't be a bridesmaid.

00:55:05I said.

00:55:06Then what are you going to be?

00:55:08I'll be the main event.

00:55:09I replied.

00:55:09He didn't react much,

00:55:10but a hint of a smile

00:55:11tugged at his lips.

00:55:12So,

00:55:13what's your plan?

00:55:14I'm going to expose

00:55:15everything at the wedding.

00:55:16The evidence that

00:55:17Professor Chase was set up,

00:55:18Richard's dirty money trail,

00:55:19and the real source

00:55:20of Claire's Porsche payment.

00:55:21I said.

00:55:22Charles looked at me.

00:55:23Are you sure?

00:55:24Absolutely.

00:55:25What do you need?

00:55:26He asked.

00:55:26A suitable outfit

00:55:27for the occasion.

00:55:28He picked up the phone.

00:55:30Kelsey,

00:55:30make arrangements

00:55:31to get Miss Winters

00:55:32an outfit suitable

00:55:33for formal events.

00:55:34He said.

00:55:34He hung up and looked at me.

00:55:36Anything else?

00:55:36He asked.

00:55:37I might need a lawyer as well.

00:55:38I said.

00:55:39My legal team is on standby.

00:55:41He replied.

00:55:42And a driver.

00:55:43I added.

00:55:43I'll take you myself.

00:55:44He said.

00:55:45I was taken aback.

00:55:45You're going to drive me?

00:55:47I asked.

00:55:47Yes.

00:55:48He said.

00:55:48Why?

00:55:49I pressed.

00:55:49If you walk in alone,

00:55:50they'll just think you're there

00:55:51to patch things up.

00:55:52He said in a flat tone.

00:55:53But if you step out of my car,

00:55:55they won't even have the guts

00:55:56to say a word to you.

00:55:57I stared at him for a moment.

00:55:58This man was as cold as an iceberg,

00:56:00yet everything he did

00:56:01felt like he was paving the way for me.

00:56:03Charles.

00:56:03I said.

00:56:04He said.

00:56:04Yes.

00:56:05I said.

00:56:06Don't mention it.

00:56:07He lowered his head

00:56:07and turned the page of the document.

00:56:09We'll talk about other things later.

00:56:10Let's get this done first.

00:56:12He said.

00:56:12Three days before the wedding,

00:56:14Kelsey brought over the outfit.

00:56:15It was a black couture gown,

00:56:16sleek, perfectly tailored,

00:56:18and the kind of fabric

00:56:19I you could tell

00:56:19was expensive at a glance.

00:56:21There was a pair of matching black heels

00:56:22and a set of simple,

00:56:23elegant jewelry to go with it.

00:56:25Mr. Landon picked it out himself.

00:56:26Kelsey said.

00:56:27I tried it on.

00:56:28When I looked in the mirror,

00:56:29I barely recognized myself.

00:56:30It had been so long

00:56:31since I felt this way.

00:56:32Like I was actually alive.

00:56:33Not a nanny.

00:56:34Not some discarded ex-fiancé.

00:56:36Not just an extra

00:56:37in someone else's story.

00:56:38This was me.

00:56:39Just me.

00:56:39Sophia.

00:56:40Leo sat beside me,

00:56:41gazing up at me

00:56:42with those big, curious eyes.

00:56:43Sophia, you look so pretty.

00:56:46I said.

00:56:47Where are you going?

00:56:48I'm going to do something

00:56:49really important.

00:56:51What is it?

00:56:51I'm going to get rid of the bad guys.

00:56:53Leo thought for a moment.

00:56:54Like the bunny beats

00:56:55the big bad wolf in the story?

00:56:57Pretty much.

00:56:58I replied.

00:56:59You can do it!

00:57:00Leo cheered.

00:57:00I hugged him tight.

00:57:02Save me some dinner, okay?

00:57:04The wedding was scheduled

00:57:05for three o'clock in the afternoon

00:57:06at the Northbridge Grand Hotel.

00:57:08Jason and Claire had booked their venue

00:57:09at one of the most luxurious hotels

00:57:11in Northbridge.

00:57:12About 300 guests showed up,

00:57:13mostly big shots

00:57:14from Northbridge's business

00:57:15and medical circles.

00:57:16Claire spared no expense this time,

00:57:18determined to throw

00:57:18the most sensational wedding

00:57:19the whole town had ever seen.

00:57:21She absolutely pulled it off,

00:57:23just not for the reasons

00:57:23she was hoping for.

00:57:24At 10 to 3 in the afternoon,

00:57:26a black Maybach pulled up

00:57:27at the hotel's main entrance.

00:57:28Everyone's eyes locked onto it

00:57:29for two black Mercedes

00:57:30followed closely behind.

00:57:32The door swung open.

00:57:34Charles was the first to step out.

00:57:35He was dressed in a dark suit,

00:57:36his hair slicked back,

00:57:38looking like he'd just

00:57:38stepped off the cover of a magazine.

00:57:40The hotel attendants

00:57:41at the entrance froze on the spot

00:57:42and every guest passing by

00:57:43was left speechless.

00:57:44Someone whispered,

00:57:45Is that Charles Landon?

00:57:46Charles Landon from Landon Corp?

00:57:48What's he doing here?

00:57:49This is the Reed family's wedding.

00:57:50What's his connection to them?

00:57:51Charles walked around

00:57:52to the other side of the car

00:57:53and opened the passenger door.

00:57:55He reached out his hand.

00:57:56I took his hand

00:57:57and stepped out of the car.

00:57:58I was dressed in a black gown,

00:57:59heels on,

00:58:00and my hair was styled up.

00:58:01I stood beside Charles.

00:58:03The hotel entrance

00:58:04went dead silent for a moment.

00:58:05Then the whispers erupted

00:58:06like a swarm of bees.

00:58:08Who is that woman?

00:58:09She came with Charles Landon?

00:58:11Another whispered,

00:58:14She's gorgeous.

00:58:15Wait, why does she look so familiar?

00:58:17Isn't that Sophia Winters?

00:58:19Sophia?

00:58:20Claire's sister?

00:58:21The one who went off

00:58:22to be a nanny?

00:58:22Another person said,

00:58:24I heard all the whispers,

00:58:25but I didn't pay them any mind.

00:58:26Charles walked beside me,

00:58:27his pace steady and unhurried.

00:58:29We walked into the hotel lobby.

00:58:30The staff at the registration desk

00:58:32saw Charles

00:58:33and their hands were shaking.

00:58:37Mr. Landon,

00:58:38may I ask what brings you here today?

00:58:41I'm just here for the wedding.

00:58:43Charles said coolly

00:58:44and walked right past them.

00:58:45The banquet hall

00:58:46was already packed with guests.

00:58:48Everyone was whispering

00:58:48to each other.

00:58:49Claire was by the stage

00:58:50in her custom-made wedding dress,

00:58:51one of only three in the world

00:58:52talking to her makeup artist.

00:58:54She turned around

00:58:54when she heard the commotion

00:58:55at the entrance.

00:58:56The instant her eyes

00:58:57landed on me,

00:58:58her expression froze.

00:58:59And when she saw Charles

00:59:00standing beside me,

00:59:00all the color drained

00:59:01from her face.

00:59:03Sophia?

00:59:04Claire gasped.

00:59:05I just smiled at her.

00:59:06Claire, congratulations.

00:59:08Jason came over

00:59:09from the other side,

00:59:10dressed in his groom's suit.

00:59:11When he saw Charles,

00:59:11he stopped dead in his tracks.

00:59:13Mr. Landon,

00:59:14what brings you here?

00:59:16Your bride invited me.

00:59:18Sounding totally casual.

00:59:19Not happy to see me?

00:59:21No!

00:59:22No!

00:59:22We're honored to have you here!

00:59:24Jason's attitude

00:59:25turned so respectful

00:59:26that it was almost comical.

00:59:27Charles was the richest man

00:59:28in Northbridge.

00:59:28Nobody in the business world

00:59:29would ever mess with him.

00:59:30Claire hurried over,

00:59:31her face full of shock

00:59:32as she stared at me.

00:59:33She demanded,

00:59:34Why are you here with him?

00:59:35As I said,

00:59:36I work for him now.

00:59:38Work?

00:59:39Aren't you just the nanny?

00:59:41A nanny's still a job.

00:59:42What,

00:59:43nanny's not good enough

00:59:43for your wedding?

00:59:44I shot back.

00:59:45Claire's mouth twitched.

00:59:46She wanted to lose it,

00:59:47but with Charles standing

00:59:48right there,

00:59:48she didn't dare.

00:59:49Of course you're welcome.

00:59:50Sophia,

00:59:51it's good you're here.

00:59:52As she turned to leave,

00:59:53I saw that her hand was shaking.

00:59:55The wedding started

00:59:55right on time at 3.30.

00:59:57The host was up on stage

00:59:58going through the same old script.

01:00:00Tense vision.

01:00:00Richard walked Claire

01:00:01down the aisle

01:00:02holding her hand.

01:00:03When he saw me,

01:00:04he froze for a second.

01:00:05Then he spotted Charles

01:00:06standing next to me.

01:00:07His face went pale.

01:00:08The procession,

01:00:09the giving away,

01:00:10the vows,

01:00:10the ring exchange,

01:00:11everything went off

01:00:12without a hitch.

01:00:13Then the host announced,

01:00:14Now let's welcome

01:00:15a representative

01:00:15from the bride's family

01:00:16to give a speech.

01:00:17Claire snatched the microphone.

01:00:19Thank you all

01:00:20for coming to my wedding

01:00:21to Jason.

01:00:23I'm extra happy to today

01:00:24because my sister,

01:00:26Sophia,

01:00:27showed up.

01:00:28She glanced at me,

01:00:29her smile way too sweet

01:00:30to be real.

01:00:30Some of you might not know,

01:00:32but my sister's been working

01:00:33as a nanny lately.

01:00:35It's not exactly easy work,

01:00:37but I'm honestly so moved

01:00:40she managed to make it here

01:00:41for my wedding.

01:00:42Claire said,

01:00:43her tone dripping

01:00:44with fake concern.

01:00:45Whispers rippled

01:00:46through the crowd.

01:00:47Claire looked so smug

01:00:48like she was queen

01:00:48of the world.

01:00:49She thought this was her show.

01:00:51She thought she had it all

01:00:52in the bag.

01:00:52I stood up.

01:00:53Since Claire was so eager

01:00:55to introduce me,

01:00:55I guess I should say

01:00:56a few words too.

01:00:57I walked up to the stage.

01:00:58Sophia,

01:00:59what do you think you're doing?

01:01:00Claire's smile froze.

01:01:01I took the microphone.

01:01:02Hello, everyone.

01:01:04I'm Sophia,

01:01:05Claire's sister,

01:01:06I said,

01:01:06my voice steady.

01:01:07This wedding is definitely grand.

01:01:08The bride's dress

01:01:09was custom made in Paris,

01:01:10the wedding planner

01:01:11is the most expensive

01:01:12in Northbridge,

01:01:13and the venue

01:01:13is the best in the city.

01:01:14Everyone in the audience

01:01:15was staring at me.

01:01:16But I have a question,

01:01:17I continued.

01:01:18Did the bride's

01:01:19firmity Porsche

01:01:19paid income?

01:01:21Does anyone know?

01:01:22Claire's face drained

01:01:23of color.

01:01:24Sophia, shut up!

01:01:25Claire shot back,

01:01:26her voice trembling

01:01:26with anger.

01:01:27The down payment,

01:01:28$100,000.

01:01:30My father,

01:01:31Richard,

01:01:31paid it.

01:01:32But where did he

01:01:33get the money?

01:01:34He always claimed

01:01:35he was broke

01:01:35and couldn't even pay

01:01:36for my mom's hospital bills.

01:01:38The audience started buzzing.

01:01:39Richard shot up

01:01:40from his seat.

01:01:40Sophia,

01:01:41what nonsense

01:01:42are you spouting?

01:01:43I pulled out my phone

01:01:44and opened a file.

01:01:45Three years ago,

01:01:46Richard owed $150,000

01:01:48in gambling debts.

01:01:49The guy he owed

01:01:50was Michael Alden

01:01:51from Northbridge Medical System.

01:01:53Michael had a personal vendetta

01:01:54against Professor Samuel Chase

01:01:56at Northbridge University,

01:01:57so he got Richard

01:01:59to fake evidence

01:02:00and accuse Professor Chase

01:02:01of academic ruffs fraud.

01:02:03Richard took

01:02:04a $150,000 kickback

01:02:06and funneled $100,000

01:02:08to Claire via his wife,

01:02:10Lily Winters,

01:02:10and that's where

01:02:11the Porsche's down payment

01:02:12came from.

01:02:12I blurted everything out

01:02:13in one breath.

01:02:14The whole place

01:02:15went dead silent.

01:02:16Because of that

01:02:16false accusation,

01:02:17Professor Chase

01:02:18was forced to resign

01:02:19and his name

01:02:20was dragged

01:02:20through the mud.

01:02:21And as his student,

01:02:23I lost my internship

01:02:24and had my scholarship

01:02:25taken away.

01:02:27I continued.

01:02:27I caught sight of Richard

01:02:28in the audience,

01:02:29his face ashen.

01:02:30My own father

01:02:31sold out my future

01:02:32for $150,000

01:02:34and after that,

01:02:35not a single dollar

01:02:36went to my mom's

01:02:37medical bills.

01:02:38You're lying!

01:02:39You're making this up!

01:02:40I said,

01:02:41holding my phone up

01:02:42to the projector.

01:02:43Here are the bank records,

01:02:44Michael's transfer records,

01:02:46Lily's transfer records.

01:02:47Each one is officially

01:02:48stamped by the bank.

01:02:49The projector showed

01:02:50every transaction

01:02:51in sharp detail.

01:02:52300 pairs of eyes

01:02:53stared at those numbers.

01:02:55Someone whispered,

01:02:55This can't be.

01:02:56And there's more.

01:02:57I'm flipping to the next page.

01:02:58Here's the handwriting

01:02:59expert's report.

01:03:01The anonymous letter

01:03:02accusing Professor Chase

01:03:03was actually written

01:03:04by Richard.

01:03:05Richard's knees buckled

01:03:06and he had to cling

01:03:07to the back of his chair

01:03:08to keep from collapsing.

01:03:09Richard stammered,

01:03:10his voice trembling.

01:03:11Sophia, you...

01:03:12One last question,

01:03:14I said,

01:03:14turning to Claire.

01:03:16Your wedding dress,

01:03:17custom made in Paris,

01:03:19only three exist worldwide.

01:03:21Isn't it?

01:03:21Claire bit her lip.

01:03:22The designer's name

01:03:23is Jean-Pierre

01:03:24and his studio

01:03:25was in the 8th Amateur

01:03:26of Paris.

01:03:27I looked it up

01:03:28and found that his studio

01:03:29shut down last year.

01:03:30That limited edition dress

01:03:32of yours was made

01:03:33by a copycat factory

01:03:34in Westbrook.

01:03:35Cost you only $1,300.

01:03:37The whole place

01:03:38burst out laughing.

01:03:39Claire's face went

01:03:40from red to pale

01:03:40back and forth.

01:03:42You...

01:03:42Claire,

01:03:43you stole my fiancé

01:03:44and I could have

01:03:45let that go.

01:03:46You took my wedding planner

01:03:47and I could have

01:03:48let that that go too.

01:03:50But you bought

01:03:50your fancy car

01:03:51with the money

01:03:52Dad traded

01:03:52my whole future away for

01:03:54and dared to laugh

01:03:55at me being a nanny

01:03:55in front of all those people.

01:03:57I shot back at her,

01:03:58staring her down.

01:03:58Are you even worthy?

01:04:00The whole place

01:04:00went dead silent.

01:04:01Claire's eyes

01:04:02welled up with tears.

01:04:03Jason, say something!

01:04:04Jason stood there,

01:04:05his face ashen,

01:04:06unable to get

01:04:07a single word out.

01:04:07It wasn't that he

01:04:08refused to talk.

01:04:09He had caught sight

01:04:09of Charles seated

01:04:10in the below the stage.

01:04:12Charles was lounging there,

01:04:13legs crossed,

01:04:14a glass of red wine

01:04:15in hand,

01:04:15looking completely unfazed.

01:04:16The sheer presence

01:04:17he radiated

01:04:18was enough to hush

01:04:19the entire hall.

01:04:20Charles put down

01:04:20his glass and stood up

01:04:21saying,

01:04:22Miss Winters.

01:04:23Every pair of eyes

01:04:24in the room

01:04:24turned to him.

01:04:25Mr. Landon.

01:04:26Jason's voice

01:04:27was tight and shaky.

01:04:28Charles didn't even

01:04:28spare him a glance.

01:04:29He stared straight

01:04:30at Claire.

01:04:31Miss Wintons.

01:04:32Charles said.

01:04:33I've got some news

01:04:33for you.

01:04:34Claire was visibly shaking.

01:04:35Your fiancé Jason's company

01:04:37applied for a $10 million

01:04:38loan from Landon Corp

01:04:40last month,

01:04:40Charles said.

01:04:41Jason's face

01:04:42turned ghostly white.

01:04:43He begged.

01:04:43Mr. Landon.

01:04:44I already signed off

01:04:45on the loan,

01:04:46Charles said.

01:04:46But after seeing

01:04:47the way you treated

01:04:48my staff today,

01:04:49I'm taking it back.

01:04:50His voice wasn't loud,

01:04:51but everyone in the room

01:04:52heard him loud and clear.

01:04:53Loans cancelled.

01:04:55And starting now,

01:04:56all three deals

01:04:56your company had

01:04:57with Landon Corp

01:04:58are off the table.

01:04:59Jason's legs gave out

01:05:00and he dropped

01:05:00to his knees

01:05:01right there on the carpet.

01:05:02Mr. Landon,

01:05:02please.

01:05:03This has nothing

01:05:04to do with Claire.

01:05:05It's all my fault.

01:05:06Jason pleaded,

01:05:07his voice shaking.

01:05:08Nothing to do

01:05:08with your bride?

01:05:09Charles shot him

01:05:10a cold look.

01:05:10So when you

01:05:11and your bride

01:05:11kept humiliating

01:05:12your ex-fiancé,

01:05:13threatening her,

01:05:14and forcing her

01:05:15to be her wed's maids

01:05:16when she was

01:05:16at her lowest,

01:05:17none of that

01:05:18has anything

01:05:18to do with you?

01:05:19Jason was left

01:05:19speechless.

01:05:20The guests exchanged

01:05:21bewildered glances.

01:05:23Stunned,

01:05:23the room was buzzing

01:05:24with hushed whispers.

01:05:25Wait,

01:05:26Sophia was the

01:05:26ex-fiancé?

01:05:27Claire snatched

01:05:28her sister's fiancé?

01:05:29Oh my god,

01:05:31so that's how

01:05:31she got the money

01:05:32for the Porsche.

01:05:33I remember

01:05:33what happened

01:05:34to Professor Chase.

01:05:35Everyone in academia

01:05:36said it was

01:05:36a miscarriage

01:05:37of justice.

01:05:38Claire's wedding gown

01:05:39trailed along

01:05:40the red carpet,

01:05:40its cheap replica fabric

01:05:42costing $1,300,

01:05:44glaringly tacky

01:05:45under the lights.

01:05:46Her makeup

01:05:46was a mess,

01:05:47her voice trembling.

01:05:49Sophia,

01:05:49you ruined

01:05:50my wedding!

01:05:51Putting the mic

01:05:51back on its stand.

01:05:52Your wedding?

01:05:53From the very start,

01:05:54you built all of this

01:05:55out of everything

01:05:56that belonged to me.

01:05:58The fiancé was mine,

01:05:59the date was mine,

01:06:01the planner was mine.

01:06:02You stripped me

01:06:03of everything,

01:06:03and now you're just

01:06:04giving a tiny piece back.

01:06:06I walked off the stage.

01:06:07As I passed Richard,

01:06:08he reached out,

01:06:08trying to grab my arm.

01:06:09Sophia,

01:06:10he said.

01:06:11I stepped back.

01:06:11Richard,

01:06:12a lawyer will be

01:06:13in touch with you tomorrow.

01:06:15You can either

01:06:15turn yourself in

01:06:16or wait for the summons.

01:06:18I said,

01:06:18his hand froze

01:06:19in midair.

01:06:20I walked up to Charles.

01:06:21He tilted his head

01:06:22slightly,

01:06:22looking at me.

01:06:23Ready to go?

01:06:23He asked.

01:06:24Yeah.

01:06:24I replied.

01:06:25He reached out his hand.

01:06:26I took it.

01:06:26We walked out

01:06:27of the banquet hall together.

01:06:28The sounds of chaos

01:06:29echoed behind us,

01:06:30crying,

01:06:30shouting,

01:06:31chairs toppling over.

01:06:32I didn't look back,

01:06:33not even once.

01:06:34We walked out of the hotel

01:06:35and slid into the Maybach.

01:06:36As the car pulled away,

01:06:37I realized my hands

01:06:38were shaking.

01:06:38Charles didn't say a word.

01:06:40He just reached

01:06:40into the car's cooler

01:06:41and passed me

01:06:42a bottle of water.

01:06:42I took a couple of sips

01:06:43and slowly,

01:06:44my nerves started to settle.

01:06:46You okay?

01:06:46Charles asked.

01:06:47Yes.

01:06:48Did it feel good

01:06:49to get back at them?

01:06:50He asked.

01:06:51Hard to say.

01:06:51Watching the city

01:06:52blur past the window.

01:06:53It wasn't as satisfying

01:06:54as I thought it would be.

01:06:56Because you weren't

01:06:57doing it for satisfaction.

01:06:58Charles said.

01:06:59You were doing it

01:07:00for justice.

01:07:01I turned to look at him.

01:07:02The sunset lit up

01:07:03his profile.

01:07:03Charles.

01:07:04I said.

01:07:05Yes.

01:07:05He replied.

01:07:06You just canceled

01:07:06Jason's $10 million loan

01:07:08and three projects today.

01:07:10Aren't you worried

01:07:11about losing out?

01:07:12I asked.

01:07:12Those projects

01:07:13were never important.

01:07:14Charles said.

01:07:15Jason's company

01:07:16is way too small.

01:07:17Land and Corp,

01:07:18it's just pocket change.

01:07:19Then why did you approve

01:07:20the loan in the first place?

01:07:22I asked.

01:07:23I barely noticed.

01:07:24Charles replied.

01:07:25Loans of such small amounts

01:07:26are all approved

01:07:27by junior staff.

01:07:28He made it sound

01:07:29like it was nothing.

01:07:30$10 million

01:07:30was just pocket change

01:07:31to him.

01:07:32For the first time,

01:07:33I really got

01:07:33just how filthy rich

01:07:34this guy was.

01:07:35When we got back

01:07:36to the estate,

01:07:37Leo was sitting by the door

01:07:38waiting for me.

01:07:39When he saw me

01:07:39get out of the car,

01:07:40he ran over.

01:07:41Sophia, you're back.

01:07:43Yeah, I'm back.

01:07:44I replied.

01:07:44Did you beat

01:07:45the big bad wolf?

01:07:46Leo asked.

01:07:47I crouched down

01:07:47and hugged him.

01:07:48Yeah, I did.

01:07:49I said.

01:07:49Yay!

01:07:50Leo cheered.

01:07:51Leo cheered.

01:07:52He hugged my neck,

01:07:52laughing out loud.

01:07:53I laughed too.

01:07:54This was the moment

01:07:55that truly made it

01:07:55all worthwhile.

01:07:56Not when I exposed Claire

01:07:57in front of everyone

01:07:58at the wedding,

01:07:59but coming back here

01:07:59to find a little person

01:08:00waiting for me.

01:08:01That night,

01:08:02Charles stayed downstairs

01:08:02for once instead

01:08:03of heading up

01:08:04to the third floor.

01:08:05He sat on the couch

01:08:05going through some paperwork

01:08:06while I read a picture book

01:08:08to Leo.

01:08:08Leo listened for a while

01:08:09then leaned against me

01:08:10and fell asleep.

01:08:11I carried him upstairs.

01:08:12Charles came up

01:08:13right behind me.

01:08:14I lay Leo down

01:08:14on the bed

01:08:15and tucked him in.

01:08:16He's getting really

01:08:16attached to you.

01:08:17Charles said.

01:08:18That's a good thing.

01:08:19I said.

01:08:20For him, it is.

01:08:21Charles replied.

01:08:21He fixed his gaze on me.

01:08:23But what about you?

01:08:23He asked.

01:08:24What do you mean?

01:08:25I asked.

01:08:25You're not going to

01:08:26stay here with us forever.

01:08:27He said.

01:08:27I stared at him

01:08:28for a moment.

01:08:29Who says so?

01:08:30I asked.

01:08:31You can't be a nanny forever.

01:08:33Charles said.

01:08:34You've got your own

01:08:35life ahead of you.

01:08:36Once Professor Chase

01:08:37is vinditated,

01:08:38your academic reputation

01:08:39will bounce back.

01:08:40There'll be plenty

01:08:41of institutions

01:08:42knocking on your door.

01:08:43He was just stating

01:08:44the facts,

01:08:45calm as ever.

01:08:46Everything he said

01:08:47was true.

01:08:48But something inside me

01:08:48wanted to push back.

01:08:49I told you I'm not leaving.

01:08:52I said.

01:08:53You told Leo that.

01:08:54Charles said.

01:08:55I'm telling you

01:08:56the same thing.

01:08:57I replied.

01:09:00His expression flickered

01:09:01for a moment.

01:09:03Sophia.

01:09:05I'm not making

01:09:06any promises.

01:09:07I said.

01:09:07I'm just saying

01:09:08right now,

01:09:08at this moment,

01:09:09I don't want to leave.

01:09:11He looked at me

01:09:12for a long moment,

01:09:13then he smiled.

01:09:13It was a faint,

01:09:14almost imperceptible smile,

01:09:16but it was the first time

01:09:17I'd ever seen him smile.

01:09:18Okay.

01:09:19He said.

01:09:20Just one word,

01:09:21but it was enough.

01:09:22Three days after the wedding,

01:09:23everything blew up online.

01:09:24Someone caught everything

01:09:25on camera at the wedding.

01:09:26Footage of Claire

01:09:27being exposed in public,

01:09:28Richard's bank statements,

01:09:29and the scene where

01:09:30Jason dropped to his knees

01:09:31before Charles all

01:09:32ended up circulating online.

01:09:33Social media was flooded

01:09:35with trending hashtags.

01:09:36Northbridge University's genius

01:09:37sold out by her own father.

01:09:39Bride snatches

01:09:40her sister's fiancé

01:09:41and gets publicly humiliated

01:09:42at the wedding.

01:09:43And Northbridge's richest man

01:09:45cancels a $10 million deal

01:09:46to defend his nanny.

01:09:47All the comments

01:09:48were firmly on my side.

01:09:49Claire is just plain nasty.

01:09:51Richard is the worst dad ever.

01:09:52He sold his own daughter

01:09:53for $150,000.

01:09:55Jason is the ultimate scumbag.

01:09:57Charles is so hot.

01:09:58Now that's what a real man

01:09:59looks like.

01:10:00Sophia,

01:10:01you deserve so much better.

01:10:02Claire's social media presence

01:10:04vanished overnight.

01:10:04Jason's company's stock price

01:10:06dropped by 30%.

01:10:07Richard got called in

01:10:08by the police.

01:10:09Everything was unfolding

01:10:10just as it should,

01:10:11but the story wasn't over yet.

01:10:12That afternoon,

01:10:13the butler came over

01:10:13looking serious.

01:10:15A woman named Isabel

01:10:16just sent a lawyer's letter

01:10:17to the estate,

01:10:18he said.

01:10:18I took the letter

01:10:19and read through it.

01:10:20Isabel was petitioning

01:10:20to regain full custody of Leo.

01:10:22Her reason was that

01:10:23the nanny Charles had hired

01:10:24came from a troubled background

01:10:25with a chaotic family dynamic,

01:10:27making her unfit

01:10:28to be around the child.

01:10:29She was using the wedding scandal

01:10:30as evidence against me.

01:10:32My heart sank.

01:10:32Does Mr. Landon know?

01:10:34I asked.

01:10:34Kelsey already told him.

01:10:36The butler replied.

01:10:37Five minutes later,

01:10:38Charles called.

01:10:38Did you see the lawyer's letter?

01:10:40He asked.

01:10:40Yeah, I saw it.

01:10:41I replied.

01:10:42Don't worry.

01:10:42Charles said.

01:10:43She won't get custody.

01:10:44But what about

01:10:45all those things she said?

01:10:46Those arguments

01:10:47don't hold up.

01:10:48Do with your

01:10:49professional competence.

01:10:52But...

01:10:53I started.

01:10:53Sophia, listen to me.

01:10:54Charles said.

01:10:55Isabel's been fighting

01:10:56for visitation rights

01:10:57for three years

01:10:57and hasn't gotten anywhere.

01:10:58I know the lawyer

01:10:59she hired.

01:11:00He's nothing but a trickster.

01:11:01Leave this matter to me.

01:11:02Okay.

01:11:03But I knew this wasn't

01:11:04going to be that simple.

01:11:05Isabel didn't really want Leo.

01:11:07What she really wanted

01:11:07was money.

01:11:08And now she'd found

01:11:09a new bargaining chip.

01:11:10Me.

01:11:10Two days later,

01:11:11Isabel reached out

01:11:12and invited me to meet her

01:11:13at a cafe.

01:11:13The butler wouldn't let me go

01:11:15and neither would Charles.

01:11:16But I said,

01:11:17If I don't go,

01:11:17she'll think I've got

01:11:18something to hide.

01:11:18Charles looked at me

01:11:19for a few seconds and said,

01:11:21Kelsey will go with you.

01:11:22Alright.

01:11:23I said,

01:11:25At the cafe,

01:11:25Isabel was sitting by the window

01:11:27dressed in a crisp white dress

01:11:28with flawless makeup.

01:11:29She was strikingly beautiful.

01:11:30It was the kind of icy,

01:11:32fierce beauty

01:11:32that made people want

01:11:33to keep their distance.

01:11:34Isabel smiled at me.

01:11:35Sophia,

01:11:36so we finally meet face to face.

01:11:39What do you want?

01:11:40I asked.

01:11:41Straight to the point.

01:11:42I like that.

01:11:43She said.

01:11:44She took a sip of her coffee.

01:11:46Sophia,

01:11:46I know all about you.

01:11:48She said.

01:11:49Your dad sold you out,

01:11:50your fiance ditched you

01:11:51and you hit rock bottom

01:11:52as a nanny.

01:11:53Pretty pathetic.

01:11:55So what?

01:11:56I asked.

01:11:57So here's my advice.

01:11:59Leave the Landon family.

01:12:01Isabel said.

01:12:02Why?

01:12:02I pressed.

01:12:03Because if you stay,

01:12:05you'll just bring trouble to Leo.

01:12:07She said.

01:12:08Look at you.

01:12:09Your dad's under investigation

01:12:10for a crime.

01:12:11Your family's a mess.

01:12:12Sooner or later,

01:12:13the press will dig up

01:12:14all your dirty laundry.

01:12:15Headlines will scream,

01:12:16the nanny working for

01:12:17Northbridge Richest Guy

01:12:18is a criminal's daughter.

01:12:21Do you really think

01:12:22that's good for Leo?

01:12:23Her words sounded logical,

01:12:24but her eyes were telling

01:12:25a whole different story.

01:12:27What are you really

01:12:28trying to say?

01:12:29I asked.

01:12:30Her smile faded.

01:12:32What I'm really saying is,

01:12:34stay away from Charles.

01:12:35He's my ex-husband.

01:12:37Leo is my son.

01:12:38You're nothing but an outsider,

01:12:40so you have no business

01:12:41getting involved

01:12:42in our family affairs.

01:12:44You gave up custody of Leo

01:12:45when he was just

01:12:46six months old

01:12:47and left him alone

01:12:48in a mall for three hours.

01:12:50What gives you the right

01:12:51to say this is

01:12:52your family matter?

01:12:53I shot back.

01:12:54She tried to defend herself.

01:12:55That was an accident.

01:12:56Accident?

01:12:57You left your kid behind

01:12:59just to chase after

01:13:00your lover over Z's.

01:13:01That's not an accident.

01:13:03That's straight-up abandonment.

01:13:04I shot.

01:13:05You?

01:13:06Isabel,

01:13:06I'm not going anywhere.

01:13:07If you want a lawsuit,

01:13:09bring it on.

01:13:10But let me remind you,

01:13:12Charles has the top legal team

01:13:13in all of Northbridge,

01:13:14and you had to pay

01:13:15your last lawyer

01:13:16with a credit card.

01:13:17I said.

01:13:17Her face went pale.

01:13:19How did you know?

01:13:20You don't need to know

01:13:21how I know.

01:13:22I said.

01:13:23I just know

01:13:24you can't afford to lose.

01:13:25I stood up.

01:13:27If you really cared

01:13:28about Leo,

01:13:29you wouldn't be using him

01:13:31as ledge to squeeze

01:13:31money out of me.

01:13:33Let's be real,

01:13:33you never cared about him.

01:13:35It's always been about you.

01:13:36I said.

01:13:37I walked out.

01:13:38Behind me,

01:13:38the coffee cup shattered.

01:13:40I didn't look back.

01:13:41Kelsey was waiting outside.

01:13:43He saw me come out

01:13:43and asked,

01:13:44How did it go?

01:13:45It's fine.

01:13:46She won't bother us again.

01:13:47How can you be sure?

01:13:49Because she's got nothing

01:13:50left to use against us.

01:13:51I replied.

01:13:52And sure enough,

01:13:53Isabel never bothered us again.

01:13:55A week later,

01:13:55she withdrew her lawyer's letter.

01:13:57The butler said

01:13:57she'd gone abroad.

01:13:58Nobody cared

01:13:59where she ended up.

01:14:00Three weeks later,

01:14:01Samuel's case

01:14:01finally wrapped up.

01:14:03Richard confessed

01:14:04to faking evidence

01:14:05and got two years in prison.

01:14:06Michael, for his part,

01:14:07was sentenced

01:14:08to three years behind bars.

01:14:10Samuel's reputation

01:14:11was officially restored.

01:14:12Northbridge University

01:14:13released a public statement

01:14:14admitting they messed up

01:14:16the investigation

01:14:16and publicly apologized

01:14:17to Samuel.

01:14:18At the same time,

01:14:19my academic record

01:14:20was restored.

01:14:21Northbridge University

01:14:22reissued me

01:14:23my honors diploma

01:14:24and scholarship.

01:14:25Three top medical research

01:14:26institutions reached out to me.

01:14:28Even the biggest

01:14:28children's hospital

01:14:29in Northbridge

01:14:30offered me a position

01:14:30as a special consultant

01:14:32in their child psychology department.

01:14:33The day the news broke,

01:14:34I was at the estate

01:14:35painting with Leo.

01:14:36Leo had just finished a drawing.

01:14:38There was a house

01:14:39along with a tall figure

01:14:40and a short one

01:14:41and a little gray rabbit.

01:14:42But this time,

01:14:43there was someone else

01:14:44right beside the short figure.

01:14:46Who's this?

01:14:46I asked.

01:14:47That's Sophia.

01:14:48Leo said.

01:14:49He pointed at the tall figure.

01:14:50That's dad.

01:14:51That's Leo.

01:14:52He pointed at the rabbit.

01:14:54That's bunny.

01:14:55Then he drew a wobbly circle

01:14:56around all four of them.

01:14:58We're a family.

01:14:59Leo said.

01:15:00I stared at the drawing,

01:15:01my throat tightening.

01:15:03Leo?

01:15:03I said softly.

01:15:04Yes?

01:15:04He answered.

01:15:05You did such a great job

01:15:06with this drawing.

01:15:07I praised him.

01:15:08I didn't know how long

01:15:09Charles had been standing

01:15:10in the doorway,

01:15:11just watching us.

01:15:11When he finally walked over,

01:15:12he picked up the drawing

01:15:13and looked at it for a long moment.

01:15:15Then he crouched down,

01:15:16meeting Leo at eye level.

01:15:17Leo, do you want Sophia

01:15:18to stay here with us forever?

01:15:20Charles asked.

01:15:21Leo nodded hard.

01:15:22Go on, ask her if she wants to stay.

01:15:24He said.

01:15:25Leo turned to me

01:15:26and grabbed my hand.

01:15:27Leo asked.

01:15:28Sophia, will you stay here

01:15:29with us forever?

01:15:30Looking up at me

01:15:31with hope in his eyes,

01:15:31I looked at Leo,

01:15:32then turned my gaze to Charles.

01:15:34His expression was calm.

01:15:36Yes, I said,

01:15:37my voice soft but certain.

01:15:39Leo let out a happy shout

01:15:40and jumped into my arms,

01:15:41hugging me tight.

01:15:42Charles stood up.

01:15:44We stood face to face.

01:15:46So?

01:15:47He said.

01:15:47So?

01:15:48I prompted.

01:15:49You really want to stay here?

01:15:50He asked.

01:15:51For good?

01:15:51I said yes,

01:15:52I replied.

01:15:53And your identity

01:15:54being Leo's nanny?

01:15:55What?

01:15:56Would you be open

01:15:57to changing that?

01:15:58He asked.

01:15:59My heart was pounding.

01:16:01Changing it to what?

01:16:02I asked.

01:16:03He extended his hand toward me.

01:16:05Why don't we start

01:16:06by making you Mrs. Landon?

01:16:08He said.

01:16:09I stared at his hand.

01:16:11His hand was long and elegant,

01:16:13knuckles defined,

01:16:14palm open and waiting.

01:16:15A year ago,

01:16:16I was sitting on the floor

01:16:17in a hospital hallway

01:16:18with just $100 to my name.

01:16:20Half a year ago,

01:16:21I walked into this estate

01:16:22as the ninth nanny they'd hired.

01:16:24Three months ago,

01:16:24a kid who hadn't said a word before

01:16:26called me Miss Winters

01:16:27for the very first time.

01:16:29And now,

01:16:29the man who used to be

01:16:30as cold as ice

01:16:31reached out his hand to me,

01:16:32right in front of his son.

01:16:33I took it.

01:16:34His hand was warm.

01:16:35Five years later,

01:16:36in Northbridge,

01:16:37I stood in front of

01:16:38the Northbridge Children's Medical Center,

01:16:40gazing at the golden sign

01:16:41at the entrance.

01:16:42Sophia Winters Center

01:16:44for Child Psychology.

01:16:46The research center

01:16:47bearing my name

01:16:48was one of the largest

01:16:49early intervention centers

01:16:50for childhood autism

01:16:51in the nation.

01:16:52It treated over

01:16:5320,000 children every year.

01:16:55Three years ago,

01:16:55my research was featured

01:16:56in a top international journal.

01:16:58Two years ago,

01:16:59I won the top award

01:17:00in international child psychology.

01:17:02A year ago,

01:17:02I was appointed

01:17:03as the youngest visiting professor

01:17:04at Northbridge University.

01:17:05Samuel served as an honorary consultant

01:17:07for the research center,

01:17:09flying in for a week every month.

01:17:10He said,

01:17:11Sophia,

01:17:11you've done even better

01:17:12than I ever could.

01:17:13Leo was nine years old now.

01:17:14He went to the best elementary school

01:17:16in Northbridge

01:17:16and his grades

01:17:17were always at the top.

01:17:18He wasn't scared

01:17:18of strangers anymore

01:17:19and he didn't worry

01:17:20about being left behind.

01:17:21He had friends,

01:17:22things he loved

01:17:23and he was always smiling.

01:17:24Drawing was his favorite.

01:17:25Leo's drawings

01:17:26were hung all over the wall

01:17:27in the bedroom

01:17:28Charles and I shared.

01:17:29He still loved drawing

01:17:29our family the most,

01:17:30but lately,

01:17:31there was a tiny new addition

01:17:32in his pictures.

01:17:33It was his little sister.

01:17:34Charles named her

01:17:35Lila Landon.

01:17:36Lila was two years old now,

01:17:38chubby and round,

01:17:39just like a little marshmallow.

01:17:40She had Charles' looks

01:17:41and my personality.

01:17:42She was adorable,

01:17:43but she was stubborn as hell.

01:17:44Leo was totally wrapped

01:17:46around her finger.

01:17:47Every day when he got home

01:17:48from school,

01:17:48the first thing he did

01:17:49was go see his little sister.

01:17:51Did Lila cry today?

01:17:52He'd ask,

01:17:53nope,

01:17:54I'd say.

01:17:55Good.

01:17:55He'd reply.

01:17:56He said,

01:17:57Mrs. Winters,

01:17:59I've been with the Landon family

01:18:00for 20 years,

01:18:01and these have been

01:18:02the happiest years of my life.

01:18:06Richard got out of prison.

01:18:07He sent me a letter

01:18:08through someone.

01:18:08I never opened it.

01:18:09Lily and Claire

01:18:10had left Northbridge

01:18:11a long time ago.

01:18:12Claire and Jason

01:18:12never ended up getting married.

01:18:14After the fiasco

01:18:14at the wedding,

01:18:15Jason's company

01:18:16went bankrupt

01:18:16within six months.

01:18:17Now he was running

01:18:18a small business

01:18:19in a small town,

01:18:20just barely getting by.

01:18:21Claire left him

01:18:22and married a small-time

01:18:23businessman,

01:18:23and word was,

01:18:24she was just getting by.

01:18:25I caught her on the news once.

01:18:27She'd gotten pretty heavy then,

01:18:28standing at the entrance

01:18:29of some apartment complex,

01:18:30having a shouting match

01:18:31with someone.

01:18:32I clicked away.

01:18:32Still thinking about her?

01:18:34No.

01:18:35I just suddenly thought

01:18:36if she hadn't gotten

01:18:37between Jason and me

01:18:38back then,

01:18:38maybe I would have

01:18:39married him instead.

01:18:40And then what?

01:18:41Then I wouldn't have

01:18:42you in my life.

01:18:43A smile tugged

01:18:44at his lips.

01:18:44Compared to five years prior,

01:18:46he smiled a great deal more,

01:18:47and there was a gentle warmth

01:18:48in every smile.

01:18:49Sophia.

01:18:50He said.

01:18:50Yes?

01:18:51I said.

01:18:51That nampy job

01:18:52you applied for back then

01:18:53wasn't actually open

01:18:54to the public.

01:18:54I turned to look at him.

01:18:57What do you mean?

01:18:57Professor Chaser asked me

01:18:58to post that job listing.

01:19:00Professor Chase?

01:19:02When you were struggling

01:19:03the most,

01:19:04Professor Chase

01:19:04reached out to me.

01:19:06He told me he had a student,

01:19:07someone he considered

01:19:08the most talented

01:19:09he'd ever seen,

01:19:10but she was going

01:19:10through a rough patch.

01:19:11So it was never

01:19:12a coincidence?

01:19:13The nanny job was real.

01:19:15The $150,000 a month

01:19:17was real.

01:19:17Leo genuinely needed

01:19:18someone good

01:19:19to look after him.

01:19:20But the job posting

01:19:21was meant just for you.

01:19:23He fixed his gaze on me.

01:19:25Professor Chase said

01:19:26you'd come.

01:19:26He was sure of it

01:19:27because you're the kind

01:19:29of person who never

01:19:29backs down no matter what.

01:19:31My nose stung.

01:19:32And you?

01:19:33Did you decide to keep me

01:19:34the very first time

01:19:35you saw me?

01:19:36No.

01:19:37He said.

01:19:37Then when was it?

01:19:39The night you asked me

01:19:40if you could get

01:19:40your paycheck early.

01:19:41Just because I asked

01:19:42for an advance?

01:19:43Because even when

01:19:44things were at their worst,

01:19:45you didn't break down

01:19:45or beg anyone for help.

01:19:47You just sent a message

01:19:47asking if you could

01:19:48get your paycheck early.

01:19:49You kept your cool

01:19:50and stayed in control.

01:19:51Right then,

01:19:52pausing briefly,

01:19:52he said.

01:19:53I knew nothing

01:19:53could ever feed you.

01:19:54The sunlight outside

01:19:55was perfect.

01:19:56Lila was babbling away

01:19:57in the living room.

01:19:58Leela threw the bunny again!

01:20:01Leo's voice drifted down

01:20:02from upstairs.

01:20:03The butler was busy

01:20:04in the kitchen

01:20:04getting dinner ready.

01:20:06Charles.

01:20:07I said.

01:20:08Yes?

01:20:09What brand was the candy

01:20:10you gave me

01:20:10when we first met?

01:20:11He paused,

01:20:12a little surprised.

01:20:13You still remember that?

01:20:14Of course I remember.

01:20:15I ate it.

01:20:16That candy was for my mom.

01:20:18I stared at him

01:20:18for a moment.

01:20:20Before she passed away,

01:20:21she gave me a jar of candy.

01:20:22She told me to eat one

01:20:24whenever I felt sad,

01:20:25but I never touched them.

01:20:27But you gave one to me.

01:20:29Because you needed it

01:20:30more than I did,

01:20:31he said.

01:20:32I reached out

01:20:33and traced a word

01:20:33on his palm.

01:20:34He looked down.

01:20:36What does it say?

01:20:37He asked.

01:20:39Home,

01:20:39I said.

01:20:40He wrapped his hand

01:20:41around mine,

01:20:41holding me tight.

01:20:42He didn't let go

01:20:43and his hand

01:20:44was so warm.

01:20:45Outside,

01:20:46the sunset

01:20:46painted the lake

01:20:47in gold.

01:20:48Leo's gray stuffed bunny

01:20:50was still sitting

01:20:50on his bedside table.

01:20:52Beside it sat

01:20:52a smaller pink bunny.

01:20:54It was Lila's

01:20:54own little favorite.

01:20:55On the windowsill,

01:20:56there were three paper rabbits,

01:20:57one big,

01:20:58one medium,

01:20:59and one small.

01:20:59We made them together

01:21:00as a family.

01:21:01The one with one ear

01:21:02longer than the other

01:21:03was Charles's.

01:21:04He'd been trying

01:21:04for five years,

01:21:05but he still never managed

01:21:06to get it right.

01:21:07Lila tried to grab the bunny,

01:21:08but her little hands

01:21:09couldn't quite reach it.

01:21:11Here you go.

01:21:12Don't throw it again.

01:21:13Lila let out

01:21:14a happy gig.

01:21:15I stood in the doorway

01:21:16watching them.

01:21:17Charles came up behind me.

01:21:18What are you thinking about?

01:21:19He asked.

01:21:20Just thinking about the Sophia

01:21:21who squatted in that

01:21:22hospital hallway

01:21:23with just $100.

01:21:24She'd never imagined

01:21:25a life like this back then.

01:21:27She didn't need to dream.

01:21:29He said.

01:21:29All she had to do

01:21:30was walk in.

01:21:32What are you thinking about?

01:21:34What are you doing?

01:21:34What do you think about it?

01:21:36What are you doing?

01:21:37he told me what are theイst

01:21:37minha bet. Whatever.

Late To Arrive, Warm To Stay - Full Movie | Short Drama Series (Eng Dub)

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