Walking Into The Lion's Den

ELENA'S POV

Justin’s stare didn’t waver, a silent question lingering in the air between us. Then, just as suddenly as it began, he broke the connection, turning his attention back to Noah, his expression unreadable.

Before I could process what had just happened, the guards surrounded me. His mother and several others had gathered near Justin, their hushed words blending with the cool afternoon air.

"Your identification?" one of the guards demanded, his tone brisk.

I fumbled with my bag, producing the necessary documents while swallowing down the knot in my throat. The interrogation felt endless, their scepticism gnawing at my nerves. By the time they were satisfied, I was exhausted and ready to leave.

The estate was sprawling, practically a small city with its maze of towering buildings and manicured lawns. As I walked toward the gate, unease crept over me like a shadow. Something about the Hunts’ home tugged at the edges of my memory, a vague familiarity I couldn’t place.

Where had I seen that driver before? And if he worked for the Hunts, did that mean I’d crossed paths with them too?

I shook my head, pushing the questions aside. Painful memories weren’t welcome now—not when my focus had to be on revenge against my stepmother.

The sharp blare of a horn shattered my thoughts.

I froze in the middle of the estate’s driveway, realizing too late that a car was speeding toward me. Tyres screeched as it came to an abrupt halt, inches away from knocking me over.

“What the hell were you doing in the middle of the road?”

The voice was sharp, grating, and unmistakably irritated. A woman stepped out of the car, her dishevelled appearance hinting at a wild night. Baggy clothes, ripped jeans, and a glint of disdain in her heavily lined eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I stammered, trying to explain, but she cut me off with a sneer.

“Sorry? You’re lucky I didn’t run you over. Not that you’d be much of a loss.” Her eyes raked over me, dripping with disdain. “You’d probably just leave a stain on my car.”

I clenched my fists, biting back the words burning in my throat.

“What’s someone like you even doing here?” she demanded.

“I’m... I applied for the nanny position,” I managed to say, my voice quieter than I intended.

Her expression shifted to one of lazy understanding. “Oh. Of course. Justin.” She rolled her eyes. “Why else would someone like you be here?”

With that, she turned, her dismissal clear as she slid back into the car.

As she started the engine, my eyes flicked to the passenger seat. A man sat there, typing something on his phone. For the briefest moment, his gaze lifted, meeting mine.

And that’s when it hit me.

Rachael and Roland.

The children of Mason Hunt’s first wife.

The realization settled heavily in my chest. No wonder she was so rude.

I inhaled deeply and turned away, steeling myself. I couldn’t let this family’s arrogance derail me. Not now. Not when I’d come this far.

For now, I would endure. Because this was just the beginning.

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft streaks of light across the hotel room. I adjusted my blouse, smoothing the fabric with trembling hands as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

“This has to work. It just has to,” I whispered, locking eyes with the determined woman staring back at me.

By the final day, only fourteen of us remained. Justin Hunt conducted the interviews personally, one after the other, while the rest of us waited with numbers pinned to our clothes. I sat stiffly in my chair, clutching my number: Eleven.

As I watched the candidates before me, the sinking expressions on their faces when they returned did little to ease my nerves. Still, I clung to my resolve. I wasn’t just here to be Noah’s nanny—I had a bigger plan. Winning this job was the first step, but my ultimate goal was far more calculated: I had to seduce Justin Hunt. It was the only way to capture his attention and exact my revenge.

Finally, my number was called. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and entered his home office.

I paused for a moment, taking in my surroundings. The room looked more like a corporate boardroom than a space in someone’s home. Shelves lined with leather-bound books, polished wood furniture, and a massive desk that dominated the room spoke of power and control.

And then there was Justin.

He sat in his chair, eyes closed, head tilted back against the headrest. His suit jacket lay draped over the couch, his tie loosened just enough to reveal the hollow of his throat. He shifted slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. I hated the way my heart skipped at the sight of him. He was painfully good-looking, exuding an effortless authority that made the air feel heavier.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted, my voice steady despite the storm of nerves swirling inside me.

His eyes opened slowly, piercing and unreadable. He straightened in his seat, motioning toward the chair opposite him. “Have a seat.”

I obeyed, clasping my hands tightly in my lap.

“Your name?” His tone was clipped, businesslike.

“Elena Williams, sir.”

To my surprise, he stood and walked toward me, a file in his hand. He perched casually on the arm of the couch beside me, his tall frame looming over mine. The proximity sent a shiver down my spine, his breath brushing against my neck.

"So you're applying to be Noah's nanny," he said gracefully, hollowing over me, I could feel his breath on my neck which sent shivers down my spine.

His voice was low and deliberate, his eyes scanning me as if searching for something he couldn’t quite name.

"Yes sir" I replied. "I'll try my best to serve him well."

He scoffed lightly, rising to his full height before walking around to sit directly in front of me. His gaze sharpened, laced with both curiosity and amusement.

“Did you really think you’d get this job?” he asked, leaning forward slightly, his tone laced with scepticism.

“Yes, sir,” I answered, holding his gaze. “I came here prepared to give it my all.”

He opened the file, skimming its contents. “Your profile says you were recently discharged from a psychiatric facility. And I’m supposed to trust you with my son’s safety?”

His words cut deep, but I forced myself to remain composed.

“Get out,” he said casually, without even looking up.

No. This couldn’t be it. Not after everything I’d been through to get here.

“Sir, my file also states that I’ve been fully cleared. I’ve undergone extensive evaluations, and I’ve been stable for over a year.” My voice trembled slightly, but I pushed forward, unwilling to let him dismiss me so easily.

He didn’t respond, flipping the pages in the file as though I weren’t even there.

Desperation clawed at me. “Your son likes me.”

The words tumbled out before I could stop them. Regret surged through me instantly. Noah didn’t deserve to be a pawn in this, but I had no other choice.

Justin’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. “What did you just say?”

I swallowed hard, meeting his gaze. “Your son likes me. Isn’t that what you want? Someone he feels comfortable with?”

His expression faltered for the first time. The cold mask cracked, revealing something raw—pain, regret, uncertainty.

For a moment, silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken emotions.

“Give me a trial, sir,” I pressed, my voice steady now. “I promise you won’t regret it.”

His eyes searched mine, the weight of his scrutiny nearly unbearable.