Chapter 9 - MORNING AT THE MANOR
Golden morning sunlight filtered through the grand stained-glass windows of the Greenwich estate the following day.
In the luxury kitchen, Maria was preparing a bottle of warm milk for infant Thomas, wearing a clean white apron.
The framed US flag on the wood-paneled wall caught the morning light, standing as a proud symbol of home.
Jonathan walked into the kitchen wearing a navy blue tailored suit, holding his morning coffee and newspapers.
"Good morning, Maria. How did Thomas sleep last night?" Jonathan asked, taking a seat at the marble island.
"He slept straight through until six o'clock, sir," Maria replied with a warm, genuine smile.
Jonathan looked at her thoughtfully, taking a small white envelope from his inner suit jacket pocket.
He slid the envelope across the marble island, stopping it right beside her hands.
"This is a certified deed for a private cottage on the estate grounds, along with a full trust fund in your name," he said.
Maria gasped, stepping back slightly in total disbelief. "Mr. Sterling... I can't accept this! I'm just the nanny."
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"You protected my son at the risk of your own life, Maria," Jonathan said softly. "You are family now."
***
