However, I had not prepared for Victoria.
The morning of Claire's first day, I found myself in the kitchen at 6 AM, reviewing security protocols I'd already memorized. Mrs. Lee, our housekeeper for the past decade, watched me with the particular expression she reserved for moments when I was being ridiculous.
"You've checked that list four times, Mr. Sterling."
"I want everything perfect."
"For the tutor." Her tone was carefully neutral.
"For Millie," I corrected. "This needs to work, Mrs. Lee. She needs this."
Mrs. Lee set a cup of coffee in front of me. "The child needs someone who sees her. From what you've told me, this young woman already does." She paused. "The room is ready. The supplies are ready. Perhaps you should focus on being ready yourself."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you're hovering like a helicopter, and Miss Cross hasn't even arrived yet." She smiled, softening the observation. "Let her do her job. That's what you're paying her for."
I took the coffee, and she wasn’t wrong. Control was my default setting, I knew that. But relinquishing it, even partially, felt like stepping off a cliff blindfolded.
By 1:45 PM, I'd relocated to my study on the second floor, positioning myself where I could hear the front door. Millie was with Mrs. Lee in the kitchen, pattering around with barely contained excitement. She'd changed her outfit three times and arranged her favorite books in a precise stack to show Miss Claire.
"Daddy, what if she doesn't like my books?" she'd asked at breakfast.
"She'll love them. She's a teacher. Teachers love books."
"What if she doesn't likeme?"
The question made my heart drop. "Impossible," I'd said firmly. "You're extremely likable. It'sscientificallyproven."
She'd giggled at that, the sound lighter than I'd heard in months.
The doorbell chimed at exactly 2:00 PM. I moved to the top of the staircase, intending to greet Claire myself, to establish from the first moment that she had authority here, that she mattered.
Victoria was faster.
Her voice floated up from the foyer, honey laced with arsenic. "Ah. You must be the famous Claire."
I descended quickly, my footsteps silent on the runner, arriving in time to see Victoria circling Claire like a predator assessing unexpected prey. Claire stood in the center of the marble foyer, composed in a simple navy dress and flats, a leather satchel over her shoulder. She looked professional. Shealso looked very young and very out of place in this cold, glittering space.
"So you're the savior," Victoria continued. "More informal than I expected. I suppose that's public school for you."
Claire extended her hand, posture straight. "Claire Cross. It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Sterling."
Victoria's gaze swept over the offered hand as if it were something unpleasant. She didn't take it.
"Private tutors usually come with more substantial credentials." Victoria's smile didn't reach her eyes. "But I suppose when you find someone at the right price point, qualifications matter less."
The implication landed exactly as intended.You're cheap labor. You're here because you were affordable, not because you're worthy.
A faint flush crept up Claire's neck, but her voice remained steady. "I'm a certified teacher with five years of classroom experience and a master's in elementary education. My credentials are a matter of public record."
"Oh, I'm sure that's sufficient fortutoring." Victoria made the word sound vaguely dirty. "I just hope everyone's clear about boundaries. We wouldn't want any confusion about roles."
"That's enough." I stepped between them, positioning myself as a shield. "Claire is a valued professional staff member. If you have concerns about her qualifications, discuss them with our attorneys."
Victoria's mask slipped, fury flashing hot and bright, before the pleasant smile snapped back. "Just looking out for our family, darling." She turned to Claire. "The tutoring happens on the third floor. I've prepared curriculum guidelines."
"Actually," I said, "the morning room on the second floor has been prepared. And Claire has complete autonomy over Millie's education."
