Hayley sucked the last drop of the clumpy formula down. She pulled off the nipple and let out a loud, satisfying burp. The heavy weight of the milk in her stomach immediately triggered a wave of intense exhaustion. Her eyelids fluttered shut, and she fell asleep almost instantly.
Edward stared at the empty bottle in his hand. He tossed it into the stainless steel sink with a loud clatter. It felt like he had just negotiated a hostile takeover.
He turned back to the bar. Hayley was fast asleep, wrapped tight in the ruined cashmere.
But the smell was still there. The faint, sharp odor of urine lingered in the air, scratching at his germaphobia.
There was absolutely no way he was changing a diaper.
He pulled his phone from his robe pocket and dialed his executive assistant, Corinne.
It was 2:00 AM. She answered on the second ring, her voice crisp and wide awake. "Mr. McClure. What do you need?"
"Fire the entire domestic staff," Edward ordered, his voice flat. "All of them."
"Understood," Corinne replied without missing a beat. "Severance will be wired by morning. Reason for termination?"
"Gross negligence," Edward snapped. "I need a new team. Specifically, a head nanny with a pediatric nursing degree and a Level One background check."
"I'll have a premium childcare team at the penthouse in thirty minutes." Corinne promised.
Edward hung up. He didn't look at Hayley again. He walked straight up the stairs, locked himself in his master bathroom, and turned the shower on scalding hot.
Hayley slept through the noise. The exhaustion of the infant body kept her under until a soft, warm sensation woke her up.
She opened her eyes. The cold marble counter was gone. She was lying in a brand-new, pristine crib. The wet, uncomfortable diaper had been replaced, and she was wearing a soft, dry cotton sleep sack.
A middle-aged woman in a crisp, gray uniform stood over her, holding a digital thermometer.
The woman smiled warmly. "Good morning, little angel. I'm Martha, your new nanny."
Hayley looked around. The nursery had been completely reorganized. Everything was spotless, and the air smelled faintly of lavender.
System update, the voice chimed in her head. Edward utilized his wealth to replace the entire staff at 3:00 AM.
Martha logged the temperature on an iPad. Hayley's stomach gave a small rumble. The terrible formula from last night hadn't lasted long.
Martha immediately walked over to the prep station to mix a fresh, perfectly measured bottle.
The nursery door opened.
Edward walked in. He was dressed in a flawless navy-blue bespoke suit, his tie perfectly knotted, his hair slicked back. He looked like a man ready to conquer the world.
He adjusted his cufflinks, his cold eyes sweeping over the clean room before landing on Martha.
Martha bowed her head respectfully. "Mr. McClure. The young miss's vitals are normal. I am preparing her morning feed."
Edward gave a short, dismissive nod. He turned on his heel, ready to leave for the office.
Warning! the system blared. Mandatory bonding task initiated. Do not let him leave without interaction!
Hayley panicked. She kicked her legs hard, throwing off the light blanket. She took a deep breath and let out a sharp, loud, "Ah!"
The sound cracked through the quiet room.
Edward's foot hovered over the threshold. He froze, his back stiffening.
