Friends

Charlotte

We continued in the museum, on the fourth floor, where the dinosaur fossil exhibit was, Eloá's favorite. The lively conversation between Mr. Mackenzie and Eloá continued, while I remained discreet. Mrs. Melanie included me in the conversations subtly, showing interest in my work at Mackenzie's house.

I realized that she also didn't like Martina, as her statements indicated her agreement with me regarding the unpleasant treatment Martina gave Eloá. Although we didn't directly mention it, I understood her opinion.

"I don't understand why Martina needs to have two nannies," she said at one point, and I looked at her alarmed. "Eloá is the calmest child I've ever seen in my entire life, and Martina doesn't even work."

I remained silent because I didn't even know what to say. I also feared saying something foolish and preferred not to take that risk.

"But I'm very happy to see that Eloá has you and Nicole with her," she said, surprising me once again. "It's evident how much Nicole loves Eloá, and I would say that you also care a lot for our little girl."

"Yes, Mrs. Melanie," I agreed because it was the absolute truth.

"You don't have to call me Mrs.," she responded, and that made me feel like you and Nicole are like members of our own family, the way you both treat our little one."

"Yes, Mrs.," I quickly agreed.

I had become so accustomed to not expressing anything beyond yes and no in Mackenzie's house that when Mrs. Melanie stopped me and looked at me seriously, holding my hand, I quickly analyzed what could have caused her reaction, but I couldn't find anything in my behavior, and I became nervous.

"I know that Martina is a wicked woman and probably treats you all very poorly, including her own daughter, which I find abominable," she spoke, looking at me attentively. "But don't think that we are all the same as her. Quite the opposite."

I nodded without saying anything, acknowledging the kindness and love those people showed both towards Eloá and me. However, Mr. Taylor was an exception. His stern and closed demeanor remained unchanged, except when Eloá said something funny and he smiled. Most of the time, he engaged in serious conversations with everyone, while I felt his watchful gaze on me.

I tried to avoid his gaze, but something involuntarily drew me towards him, and I noticed that he was also observing me with an unreadable expression. At the end of the outing, we went to a famous café and sat at an outdoor table. I thanked Mr. Mackenzie for asking me not to wear the nanny uniform, as it would attract less attention. While everyone continued their lively conversation, Mr. Taylor, who was observing me intently, noticed that Eloá was tired before I could even mention it and commented on it.

"I believe it's time for us to go," he said. "Eloá seems tired, doesn't she, Charlotte?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, lowering my gaze because I was certain my cheeks had turned completely red, feeling the heat in my cheeks.

"Then let's all go," Melanie agreed. "I'm not as young as I used to be either," she added with a smile.

They all said their goodbyes, and I simply waved, stepping away and taking Eloá with me, who was yawning and just smiled at everyone as I took her hand and began to walk. But Mrs. Melanie came up to me and gave me a hug that left me a little stunned, as it was completely unexpected.

"You're a very mature young lady for your age, Charlotte. It's evident in your demeanor," she said, still holding onto my hands after releasing the hug. "I really enjoyed getting to know you. You're a special girl, just like Nicole is."

"Um... thank you, Mrs. Melanie," I spoke timidly.

"You don't have to thank me for anything. Eloá is very lucky to have both of you. And remember, just call me Melanie."

I smiled at Melanie's spontaneous nature, as I found her to be a very kind person, completely different from her nephew Taylor.

"Goodbye, Charlotte," Mr. Carter said as he approached us. "It was a pleasure meeting you."

"Thank you, Mr. Carter."

Despite everyone being there, Mr. Taylor only waved at me and walked away.

"Let's go, Aunt," he said in his stern tone.

"Don't pay attention to him," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "He's a fine young man."

I looked at her with doubt but didn't say anything. I couldn't, considering I was just a nanny.

Brian

I signed the last sheet of the stack of documents that my secretary had placed on my desk over an hour ago and sighed with relief. I was tired.

The week had been hectic, both in the office and outside of it, and I didn't have much time for anything else besides work.

But that was something I was already accustomed to; after all, I was the CEO of a multimillion-dollar technology company, the largest company in the industry in the country, and that came with many responsibilities.

I built my empire through a lot of effort, and work never frightened me, but I had to admit that I had been feeling more tired lately. It was time to delegate some of my duties and consider the possibility of taking a real vacation. Not just a few days of distraction.

"Could you please call Carter and Mackenzie to my office, Margaret?" I asked my secretary, a woman in her fifties, very efficient, who had never failed in her work.

"Have you signed all the documents, Mr. Taylor?" she asked, taking advantage of the opportunity since I had declined her previous calls to avoid being disturbed.

I confirmed that she could come and get the documents as they were ready to be attached to the paperwork of our latest contract, and I ended the call.

"Is there a problem?" Douglas asked as soon as he entered my office a few minutes later.

"Etiquette dictates knocking before entering," I grumbled, just to be the annoying person everyone accused me of being.

Douglas Carter was in charge of the technology department, and I considered him the best in the field, second only to myself, of course. However, I had a multimillion-dollar company to run, so I entrusted that department to him, and since then, there had never been any reason for me to doubt his competence. The fact that he was one of my best friends was just a detail.

"You called me here, buddy," he didn't mind my complaint at all. "I don't know how you can stand yourself, Brian. You're the most annoying guy I've ever had the displeasure of knowing."

"I second that," Oliver chimed in.

Oliver had also just walked in without knocking and overheard Douglas' last words, taking the opportunity to tease me.

Oliver Mackenzie is my lawyer, both in matters related to the company and personal issues. He was multifunctional, I used to joke, but he had an entire team to provide the necessary support for his work, as well as great prestige for representing such an important company like Reloading Inc.