Chapter Four: Unspoken Battles

The dining hall was as silent as a graveyard.

Julianne sat at the far end of the long mahogany table, watching Liam poke at his food. His tiny hands gripped the fork, but he barely ate.

Across from him, Adrian scrolled through his phone, barely acknowledging his son's presence. His suit was crisp, his posture stiff—like a man who had no time for emotions.

The tension from their earlier argument still lingered in the air.

Julianne swallowed her frustration.

Did he even realize how much his son needed him?

With a soft smile, she nudged Liam's plate closer. "Not hungry?"

Liam shook his head.

Julianne glanced at the untouched pancakes. An idea sparked in her mind.

She grabbed a bottle of syrup and, with an exaggerated gasp, said, "You know, I heard something special about pancakes."

Liam peeked up at her, curiosity flickering in his tired eyes.

"They taste ten times better when shaped like a dinosaur," she whispered.

A tiny smile played on Liam's lips.

Julianne quickly cut the pancakes into a rough T-Rex shape, then drizzled syrup in careful lines. "There! A syrup T-Rex! He's a little funny-looking, but I think he'll taste delicious."

Liam giggled—the first genuine sound of joy she had heard from him. He picked up his fork and took a big bite.

Julianne grinned. "See? Told you."

Across the table, Adrian's fork stilled.

For the first time, he looked up from his phone, his gaze fixed on his son. His expression was unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes—something almost soft.

But then, as if catching himself, he looked away, his jaw tightening.

Julianne bit the inside of her cheek.

He had noticed.

He had seen the difference a little effort could make.

But he still refused to acknowledge it.

A Warning from the Housekeeper

Later that afternoon, Julianne was in the kitchen washing dishes when she heard footsteps behind her.

She turned to see Mrs. Collins, her arms folded, her expression sharp.

"You need to be careful," the housekeeper said.

Julianne frowned, drying her hands. "Careful?"

Mrs. Collins sighed, lowering her voice. "I've worked here for years. I've seen many come and go. And I've seen what happens when someone gets too close to the young master and his son."

Julianne's stomach twisted.

"What are you trying to say?"

Mrs. Collins gave her a pointed look. "The last nanny got fired because she thought she could 'fix' things. She got involved. She started telling Mr. Kingston how to raise his son."

Julianne stiffened.

"I know you mean well, dear," Mrs. Collins continued. "But Mr. Kingston does not like interference. He is a man who values control. If he sees you as a threat to that control…" She let the words hang in the air.

A warning.

Julianne swallowed.

She wasn't trying to fix anything. She wasn't trying to interfere.

But could she really stand by and do nothing when a child was suffering?

Before she could respond, a deep voice interrupted them.

"She's staying."

Both women turned sharply.

Adrian Kingston stood in the doorway. His sharp gaze locked onto Julianne, as if he had been listening to their entire conversation.

Mrs. Collins straightened. "Sir—"

"I don't pay you to warn my employees," Adrian said coldly.

Mrs. Collins pursed her lips but said nothing. With a stiff nod, she turned and exited the kitchen.

Adrian's gaze remained on Julianne.

"She was right about one thing," he said after a pause. "I don't like interference."

Julianne braced herself.

"But," Adrian continued, voice lower, "Liam seems comfortable with you."

Julianne's eyes widened.

Was this… acceptance?

Adrian's jaw tightened, as if the words were difficult for him. "For now, you can stay. But understand this—Liam is my son. I will raise him as I see fit."

Julianne met his gaze, her heart pounding.

He was warning her.

But… he was also letting her stay.

And somehow, that felt like a small victory.