Chapter 2

Husband Kevin quickly stepped between us, reaching to pull the price list off the fridge.

"What are you doing? Why are we talking about money when we're family?"

Brenda slapped Kevin's hand away, protecting the paper.

"Even close family members need to be clear about money! I practically wiped your butt when you were a baby, and now I have to take care of your wife and child. What's wrong with me asking for some hard-earned money?"

Kevin turned to me.

"Audrey, Brenda was just kidding around. Don't take her too seriously; just go along with what she says."

I avoided Kevin's hand and turned towards the study.

"I'm not taking her too seriously. I think what Brenda said makes a lot of sense."

I opened my laptop, pulled up an "Advanced Nanny Employment Contract," and started modifying the clauses.

Ten minutes later, I spread the contract flat on the table and pushed it towards Brenda.

"Brenda, these are the service standards for a $1,500 monthly salary. Please take a look."

Brenda picked up the contract, mumbling.

"Don't give me any of that nonsense. I can read just as well as you can."

I pulled out a chair and sat down.

"First clause: working hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM. During this time, you must ensure the baby's feeding, sleep, and basic early education."

"Second clause: as per nanny standards, you need to record the baby's milk intake, bowel movements, and temperature changes daily."

Brenda slammed the contract onto the table.

"Are you trying to catch me doing something wrong? I've raised more kids than you've ever seen!"

I maintained my smile.

"Brenda, you're asking for a nanny's price, so naturally, you'll be held to a nanny's standards."

"Third clause: if the baby falls ill or gets injured due to improper care, the medical expenses will be borne by Party B — that's you — and twenty percent of your monthly performance bonus will be deducted."

Kevin panicked, grabbing the contract.

"Audrey, are you out of your mind? This is Brenda! You want her to pay for damages?"

I turned to Kevin.

"Kevin, Brenda was the one who voluntarily proposed an employment relationship. As her employer, setting up performance indicators is perfectly reasonable."

I looked back at Brenda, pushing the inkpad closer.

"Brenda, as soon as you sign, I'll transfer the three thousand dollars for mental distress straight to your account."

Brenda's eyes lit up at the mention of three thousand dollars.

She pushed Kevin aside and snatched the pen from the table.

"Sign, then! My own grandson, how could I mess him up? Transfer the money to me now!"

She signed her name on both copies of the contract and then pressed her thumbprint.

I picked up one copy of the contract, checked it carefully, then pulled out my phone.

"PayPal notification: three thousand dollars deposited."

Brenda's face crinkled with a wide smile.

She casually stuffed the contracts under the table and turned to coo at the baby in the crib.

"Oh, my precious grandson, I'm going to buy you some goodies right now."

I stood up and locked my copy of the contract in the safe in my study.

Kevin followed me into the study, closing the door behind him.

"Do you really have to make our home feel like a company? Couldn't you just give Brenda some pocket money if she wanted cash?"

I looked at Kevin's face and replied calmly.

"Kevin, pocket money is a favor; a salary is an obligation."

"Since she's taking a salary, she has to follow the rules."