Chapter 18: Counsel and Conflict
---
A Quiet Observation
Elena stood in the doorway of the study, watching as Max sifted through reports. His brow furrowed, the stress etched into his features. The children's laughter floated in from the garden, but Max seemed detached, drowning in his work.
"You're missing it, you know," Elena said softly.
Max looked up, startled. "What am I missing?"
Elena stepped into the room. "Them. They're finally settling in, but you're too busy to notice."
---
Elena's Advice
Max sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Elena, I'm doing everything I can. Running a company and raising four kids isn't exactly easy."
"I know you're trying, Max," Elena said, her voice calm but firm. "But kids don't need perfection. They need presence. Take a break from being the CEO and just be their dad for a while."
Max frowned. "It's not that simple. You wouldn't understand the pressure I'm under."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "Try me. I've been a nanny for years, Max. I've seen what happens when parents prioritize everything but their children. It's not about doing it all—it's about doing enough."
---
The Tense Exchange
Max stood, his tone sharpening. "And you think you know what's best for them? You've been here for what, a few weeks? These are my brother's kids, Elena. My responsibility."
Elena met his gaze evenly. "Exactly. Your responsibility. That doesn't mean shutting yourself off from them."
"I'm not shutting myself off," Max snapped. "I'm doing what needs to be done to provide for them."
"And what happens when they need more than money?" Elena countered. "What happens when they need you?"
---
A Moment of Reflection
The tension crackled between them before Max turned away, running a hand through his hair. "You're overstepping, Elena."
"I'm stepping in where you're falling short," Elena replied, her voice softer now. "They're grieving, Max. They've lost their parents, and now they're trying to figure out where they fit in your world. Let them in."
Max didn't respond immediately. Her words lingered, striking a chord he wasn't ready to admit.
---
A Small Gesture
That evening, Max sat in the living room while the children played. Elena watched from the kitchen, her heart softening as Max joined Ella at the drawing table.
"What are you making?" he asked.
"A castle!" Ella exclaimed. "It's where we all live, and you're the king!"
Max chuckled, picking up a crayon. "A king needs a crown, right?"
As they worked together, the tension from earlier began to fade.
---
Cliffhanger (End of Chapter)
Late that night, as Elena cleaned up the kitchen, she found a note left on the counter:
You're right. I'll try harder.
She smiled, but her relief was short-lived when she glanced out the window and noticed a shadowy figure lingering near the garden gate.
Who was watching them, and why?
---