“Isabel, it’s 5:30 in the morning,” Lena muttered. “What’s wrong?”

“I need the biggest favor,” Isabel said. Her voice was strained and congested. “I’m sick. Really sick. I’ve been up all night with a fever and I can barely stand. But I have a shift at the Hart estate today, and if I don’t show up, I’ll lose this account. It’s my best client. Please, Lena—can you cover for me just this once?”

Lena sat up, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders as she processed the request. She had planned to spend the day working on her master’s thesis in early childhood education, but Isabel sounded desperate.

“The Hart estate?” Lena hesitated. “Isabel, I don’t know the first thing about—”

“You don’t need to,” Isabel interrupted. “Mr. Hart is barely home during the day. He’s a widower. Works nonstop. You just need to do basic cleaning. Maybe watch his son for a few hours if needed. He’s five. His name is Theo. He’s sweet but very shy. Please, Lena. I’ll owe you forever.”

Lena closed her eyes, thinking of all the times Isabel had helped her through college. Lent her money when things were tight. Stayed strong with her after their parents died three years ago in a car accident. They only had each other now.

“Okay,” Lena said finally. “Text me the address and whatever I need to know. But you owe me more than forever. At least two forevers.”

Isabel laughed, then coughed. “Deal. Thank you. You’re a lifesaver.”

Two hours later, Lena pulled up to a property that made her breath catch.

The Hart estate wasn’t just a house. It was a sprawling mansion set far back from the road, with manicured lawns, a fountain in the circular driveway, and architecture that whispered old money and restraint.

“So this is where Isabel works,” Lena muttered, suddenly feeling underdressed in her simple blue shirt and jeans.

She rang the bell. A moment later, the door opened.

A man stood there in a navy suit, clearly about to leave for work. He was tall, mid-thirties, dark-haired, with striking eyes dulled by exhaustion.

“You must be Isabel’s replacement,” he said politely. “I’m Julian Hart. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“Lena Carter,” she replied, offering her hand. “I’m her sister. She’s really sorry she couldn’t—”