Chapter 96

Things were different in the Stewart household. Will wasn’t as sullen as normal, and he been seen smiling more often. His office staff had noticed the change in his demeanor as well. Grace tried to capitalize on the upswing in his mood, but she wasn’t the source of his contentment. Not directly at least. He had become more attentive and wasn’t repulsed by any physical contact from her. She had been able to hug without feeling him stiffen at her touch. And Grace would take whatever victories she could get.
He started working from home more, so that he could be close by if she needed anything. Once his parents hired the nanny, he’d be able to go back to the office.
“I was thinking,” Will started at breakfast. “If it’s a boy, I’d like to name him for Pop.”
“Oh?” Grace looked up. “You don’t want a William Junior?”
“Ugh, no.”
“You don’t think Conrad is a heavy name for a baby?” Grace scrunched her nose in disagreement.
“Not at all. It’s a strong name.”
“We can add it to the shortlist,” she smiled. “Did you have any name ideas for a girl? Were you thinking to name her for your grandmother?”
“No. Gram never really liked her name. She always felt it was too fancy.”
“I was thinking we could name the baby after your mother if it’s a girl.”
“Absolutely not. It seems I can’t keep them out of my life or the baby’s life. I will not name my child after them.”
“I’m still in the first trimester. We have plenty of time to think of names.”
“Right.”
They finished breakfast in silence, and Will locked himself in the study to work. Grace took this opportunity to tie up some loose ends.
“Hello Mrs. Stewart,” the investigator answered when she called.
“Good morning. I’m calling to end the investigation. I’ve wired the payment per your instructions.”
“Understood. I will email the remainder of the photos to the email address you provided.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure. Please let me know if you’re ever in need of my services again.”
“I hope I don’t.”
“Everyone says that. Goodbye.”
Grace waited for the investigator’s email to come through. While Emma didn’t look pregnant as first glance, it was easy to see that she was. Knowing what to look for, Grace noticed her swollen ankles, and more rounded hips.
“Have a nice life, Emma,” Grace said to her through the photos. “Looks like I win.”
A few days later, Julia came to visit. She was flustered and yelled while throwing her hands in the air.
“Well, it’s taken forever but, I have finally hired a nanny for you.”
“That’s wonderful!” Grace clapped. “Just in time, my morning sickness has been terrible.”
“Let me go get her.” Julia dashed out of the house and returned with a woman. She was short, pale and had long, frizzy red hair that was slicked back and plaited behind her head.
“Hello. I’m Minerva. You can call me Minnie.”
“Ugh. I’ve already told you that’s not professional,” Julia scolded.
“And I’ve already told you that I’m a grown woman and I can be called whatever I want. I only took this job when I learned I wouldn’t be working for you.”
Will liked her instantly.
“She is mouthy,” Julia said through clenched teeth. “But she comes highly recommended, and I wanted to be sure my grandchild and daughter-in-law are in the best hands possible.”
“You are in good hands indeed. I’m also a certified doula and midwife.”
“She great,” Will said.
“You must be Mr. Stewart,” Minnie extended her out to him.
“Yes,” he shook her hand. “Call me Will.”
“That is not professional!” Julia screeched.
“You can go,” Will said to her.
“Don’t be like that,” Grace soothed. “She’s only looking out for us. And besides, she is right. Hello, I’m Mrs. Stewart.” Grace offered her hand and Minerva shook it.
“Great to meet you,” Minnie said with a tight, sarcastic smile.
“Let me show you to your quarters,” Will offered. They walked off and Julia walked to Grace.
“Have you talked to him about changing the will?”
“Not yet. But don’t worry. He’s going to change it.”
“Good. And I’m sorry about the nanny. She’s not the most courteous, but you will be well cared for.”
“Again, don’t worry. I’ll put that mouthy nanny in her place.”
Will adored Minnie. She was snarky, mean, sarcastic, but also warm, caring and funny. He put in her charge of all the house’s attendants and things had never run more smoothly. Her motherly energy put him at ease, and he loved listening to her stories. She would be amazing for the baby.
“Good morning, Will,” she greeted as she oversaw breakfast. “And Mrs. Stewart. I’ve chosen a bedroom overlooking the garden for the nursery and I am working on remodeling it. I will, of course leave the themes and furniture selection to you both. However, you’ll find a portfolio with my recommendations in there.”
“That’s great. Thank you, Minnie,” Will beamed.
“Mrs. Stewart, I’d like the schedule for your doctor’s appointments so that I may accompany you.”
“No!” Grace said too quickly.
“Why not?” Will asked. “It’s her job.”
“I… I mean… No because I use my family’s private doctor and he doesn’t like for non-patients to be in his office.”
“I can arrange for a doctor that will come here to examine you.”
“No. I will continue with my family’s doctor.”
“I see. Well, I know just about every doctor in the city. Perhaps I can call him and arrange for an exception.”
“You don’t know him. He’s very exclusive.”
“All right,” Minnie gave up. A suspicion was beginning to creep up on her, but she decided she’d leave it alone for now. Will also felt strange about the exchange but had to leave for work. As soon as he was out of sight, Grace narrowed her eyes at Minnie.
“You need to learn not to question my authority. I am the lady of the house, and you are the help, and my word is law here! Do you understand?”
“Yes ma’am,” Minnie smiled. She’d dealt with similar employers before. But Grace was the worst.
“No, I don’t think you do,” Grace talked down to her. “My husband loves me and will fire you if I tell him to. You need to know your place in the house.
“My place is very clear. I’m here to care for you and your unborn child.” Minnie never lost her cool or composure. Grace was often mean and rude to her when Will was gone. As soon as Will returned, she was sweet and complementary. This wasn’t her first time dealing with a situation like this, but something didn’t sit right with her. As the weeks passed, Minnie couldn’t help but notice that Grace didn’t show any signs of pregnancy. She would talk about morning sickness and fatigue, but Minnie hadn’t witnessed any of it. She knew every pregnancy was different… but there was something wrong about this one. Something very wrong indeed.

The Billionaire's Contract Pet
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