That last part feels more important than everything else combined.
Evelyn's gaze sharpens in a way that makes me feel like I've crossed a threshold without realizing it.
"You're not asking us to find someonelikeher," she says slowly. "You're asking us whether she could become your equal."
I meet her eyes.
The wordequalhangs uncomfortably in the air.
Catherine was my equal. And I had to bury her.
I learned that loving someone doesn’t make you stronger, it just makes their loss hurt more.
After her death everything narrowed down to essentials. Henry and work. Survival.
But an equal with Lindsay?
"Yes," I say finally. "That's what I'm asking."
Evelyn exhales—not quite a sigh, but something close.
"Lindsay Smith recently won a significant lottery," she says. "You're aware of that."
"I am."
"Then you understand she's no longer operating from the same framework she was when she worked for you."
I nod.
"That's part of why this might work."
Evelyn pauses, studying me.
"I reached out to Ms. Smith after her win," she says carefully. "I thought she could benefit from our services. But I haven't heard from her yet."
Disappointment flickers before I suppress it.
"In the meantime," Evelyn continues, "we can evaluate other potential partners for you. Build a profile. Identify candidates who meet your criteria."
I lean forward slightly.
"That sounds like an acceptable plan."
She nods, but there's something pointed in her expression now.
"One more note about Lindsay Smith," she says. "If she chooses to move forward with our services, she wouldn't be your employee anymore."
"I understand."
"And that goes for any potential match we arrange for you," Evelyn adds. "You will get a partner. An equal. Not a live-in nanny. Not a competent assistant who happens to share your space."
"If you're looking for someone to manage your household and care for your son without requiring emotional reciprocity," she continues, "hire better staff. Don't ask us to reframe servitude as partnership."
I don't answer immediately.
Not because I'm unsure.
But because I understand the cost now.
