The Nanny and the Heiress

I was raised to be utterly useless, so after graduation, my only choice was to follow my familys arrangements and become a nanny.

When my boyfriend, Collin Sterling, found out I was a nanny, he broke up with me in a rage that very night.

He was stepping out of a luxury car with a prim and proper campus queen, their arms intertwined, just as I was stepping out in my apron to take out the trash. The campus queen saw me and immediately wrinkled her nose in disgust, taking two steps back.

Honey, look at her! Shes doing this just to gross me out! Shes clearly still not over you!

Collin kicked the trash bag out of my hands, his warning sharp and vicious. Anna Hayes, stop clinging to me! If you mess up my contract signing with the Sterling Group, you couldnt afford to pay me back even if you were a nanny for the rest of your life!

I cried all the way back to my employers house. My employers wife was even more frantic than I was, immediately calling her husband, who was in a meeting at the Sterling Group, to come home. It took both of them to finally calm me down.

Collin Sterling would never have dreamed that, yes, I was a nanny, but my employers were my own brother and his wife.

The moment the trash bag was kicked open, a cascade of designer watches and handbags spilled out. The campus queen, Amelia Vance, paused for a moment, then clung to Collins arm, looking down her nose at me.

Tch! Just a bunch of junk. Only you would treasure such things!

Despite her words, Amelias gaze was glued to a limited-edition handbag on the ground, worth two hundred thousand dollars. She complained petulantly to Collin, Honey, didnt I tell you? Leaving her was the right decision. I was wondering why shed willingly be a nanny. It seems like its a quick way to make money, huh?

After all, how much can a nanny make? These things might be worth a little if she sells them secondhand! She must have stolen them from her employers!

I quickly waved my hands. No, thats not it!

We have a rule in our family, no matter how poor we are, we cant pick up trash!

You shouldnt pick them up either. My parents said that people who pick up trash will become poor!

I was trying to be helpful, but Amelias face instantly soured. Who are you looking down on?!

Collin inherited his familys company right after graduation! Hes the youngest CEO right now!

You couldnt even afford a single toilet in the mansion he lives in, even if you were a nanny for your entire life!

I was shocked. A toilet that even my three-hundred-thousand-dollar monthly salary couldnt buy? That must be really expensive.

Although I knew Collins family had some money when we were dating, my family wasnt bad either! But before I could tell him about my family, he had already broken up with me in a sudden, drastic manner.

Amelia proudly puffed out her chest, snorting through her nose. Youre a proper university graduate, after all. Is it that hard to find a decent job at your age? What future is there in being a lowly nanny?!

While youre on your knees scrubbing floors, Im sitting on the sofa, sipping afternoon tea!

Though her words were harsh, I thought she had a point. I really was incompetent, unable to even find a proper job. I could only live off my brother and his wife at home

Collin saw me with my head bowed in silence, assumed I was feeling insecure, and his vanity was greatly satisfied. Forget it, Amelia. Talking to her is like playing a piano to a cow. Here! He handed me a business card condescendingly. For the sake of our past relationship and being university classmates, dont say I didnt help you. My branch office is looking for a receptionist.

Mention my name, and they can raise your salary to thirty-eight hundred. Its definitely more respectable than being a nanny here!

Collin, youre too kind! Amelia said, full of admiration, clinging to him. She then turned to me, her gaze condescending. But Im warning you, Collin will only help you this once. Dont even think about clinging to him in the future!

I nodded, blushing. He was so nice, willing to find me a job.

Alright, alright! Lets not waste time with her. Dont forget were signing a contract with the Sterling Group today!

Anna Hayes, stop clinging to me! If you mess up my contract with the Sterling Group, you couldnt afford to pay me back even if you were a nanny for the rest of your life!

I scratched my head. The Sterling Group? Wasnt that my familys company?

Collin, after the breakup, was a bit fierce, completely different from when we were dating. I had never been treated like this. Normally, I would have already been in tears. Id probably be crying my eyes out at home, needing my brother and his wife to comfort me all day. This time, however, I managed to hold it in. My sister-in-law said I was a grown-up now and couldnt cry at the drop of a hat. But I wasn't born a crybaby. It was just that I had never really been wronged before.

I was raised to be a sweet, quiet girl with a clumsy tongue. When I was bullied, I would just go home and cry under the covers. My parents were frustrated. Our family runs one of the biggest companies in the country!

Those other rich kids, their families are far less wealthy than ours, but theyre all arrogant and extravagant!

And look at you, so meek. When people bully you, all you do is cry!

Cant you be a bit tougher? With our familys background, what are you so afraid of?!

I would shrink my neck, unable to look up, but I never changed. Later, my sister-in-law couldn't stand it anymore. She waved her hand dismissively. Fine, let her be. Our family has money. You can just stay home and do nothing. Your brother and I will take care of you! I was incredibly moved, but I was also afraid of being called a freeloader. So I insisted on doing something for my brother and sister-in-law. My sister-in-law reluctantly let me be the nanny who takes out the trash. My job was basically to occasionally clear out out-of-season clothes, bags, and watches. I figured, with a salary and annual leave, it was a proper job, right? My sister-in-law paid me three hundred thousand a month, with three hundred and sixty-five days of annual leave. As for the work itself, my sister-in-law said that taking care of myself was more important than anything else.

When I had cleaned up the trash on the ground and returned home, Collin and Amelia were bowing and scraping to our housekeeper. Maam, is Mr. Hayes home? We have an appointment to sign a contract today, the Sterling project

The housekeeper told them to wait and turned to get them some water. Collin immediately rushed forward. Oh, maam, please dont bother! Ill get it, Ill get it! We can handle such small things ourselves! He grabbed the water pitcher, his movements as eager as a waiters.

Hearing footsteps, they thought my brother had returned. They quickly stood up and gave me a ninety-degree bow. Mr. Hayes, you

Our eyes met, and the smiles on their faces instantly froze. What are you doing here? Amelia asked, her eyebrows knitted. I scratched my head and answered honestly, Im the nanny here.

Amelia wanted to ask more, but the sound of clicking heels echoed from the stairs. It was my brother and sister-in-law coming down. My sister-in-law was poised and elegant, my brother exuded a natural authority, and I looked on with a fawning expression. Collin and Amelia immediately straightened up, their faces wrinkled with smiles.

But my sister-in-law didnt even glance at them. She turned to me with a stern face. Did you throw out all that trash?

Yes, yes, all of it! I quickly replied, afraid she would get angry. My sister-in-law snorted coldly. Good. You need to know your place!

Whats for you and whats not, youd better figure it out! I shrank back in fear, repeatedly saying I wouldnt dare. Although my things werent the absolute top of the line, they were still big brands. But my sister-in-law said they were trash and didnt belong in our house.

Collin and Amelia had an I knew it expression on their faces. Some nannies just get too big for their britches. Its only because Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are so nice that theyre willing to give her a chance.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, you should check carefully. Make sure nothing is missing from your house!

My brother and sister-in-law gave them a bewildered look. You know her? my brother asked. This made Collin ecstatic. After all, Mr. Hayes initiating a conversation was the beginning of building a relationship!

We were university classmates, he said, avoiding the fact that we had dated. Back then, she was known for being a bit slow in school! Not only was she not very bright, but she cried all the time, as if someone was bullying her!

Amelia covered her mouth and giggled. Thats right.

Collin even made a bet with the other guys, who could be the first to win her over. It turned out she was so easy!

Just bring her breakfast and say a few encouraging words, and shed be moved to tears.

Amelia got more and more carried away. She should take a look at herself. A person who can only be a nanny after graduation, why would she think someone could genuinely like her! Hahaha

Enough! Where did you two come from? my brother roared. The crystal chandelier in the living room trembled. Maria, how many times have I told you? Dont let just any riff-raff into the house.

Collin and Amelia were stunned, thinking my brother was annoyed by their chatter. They quickly changed the subject. Oh, Mr. Hayes, we forgot to introduce ourselves. Im Collin Sterling. I called your secretary before, about signing the contract, you see

Collin rambled on with his introduction. But my brothers gaze was fixed on me. I had my head bowed, twisting the hem of my apron. My eyes were already red, tears welling up, but I held them back, determined not to cry.

My sister-in-laws face instantly changed. Maria, show them out!

Collin and Amelia were completely stunned. Ah? Mrs. Hayes, what whats wrong? We havent even the contract

Get out! My sister-in-laws anger was even more terrifying than my brothers. I was so scared I ran back to my room.

Collin and Amelia were dragged out, still not knowing how they had offended the Sterling Group.

They were right, actually. I really wasnt very likable. In school, I was like an outcast, always alone and quiet, crying at the slightest provocation. So when Collin appeared, I truly thought I had seen the light. It wasnt until today that I realized that the warmth I thought I had found was just a bet from the very beginning.

There was a soft knock on the door. Anna, dont be sad, my sister-in-law said gently, her voice incredibly soft. Ive already kicked them out. Its all your brothers fault! Where did he find those two? Theyre not even worthy of setting foot in our house.

Yes, yes, my fault. Ill blacklist them immediately!

Dont listen to their nonsense. In my eyes, our Anna is kind and lovely, a hundred times better than those rich girls who only know how to spend money!

My nose stung, and tears almost fell. Exactly, my brother chimed in. So what if my sister is introverted? So what if shes not good with words? She has us! You could lie at home all day and eat until youre a pig, and wed still support you!

I giggled, and as soon as I opened the door, my sister-in-law hugged me, stroking my head. Maria made your favorite little cakes. If we dont go now, Max will eat them all!

In the middle of the night, I snuck out to retrieve the trash I had thrown away. Even though my sister-in-law said those things were beneath me, they had been with me for so long that I had grown attached. I figured she wouldnt know if I hid them. But after searching for half an hour, they were all gone! Damn it, are the garbage collectors really that fast now?

That night, I thought for a long time. My brother and sister-in-law were so good to me; I couldnt really lie around at home for the rest of my life. After much consideration, I decided to go out and find a job, to toughen myself up a bit. My brother and sister-in-law couldnt dissuade me and reluctantly agreed, on the condition that I first get used to working at our own company.

The next morning, Maria packed my things with teary eyes. If anyone bullies you out there, just run. If you cant outrun them, call us. Dont just hide and cry by yourself!

When the car was filled with bags of all sizes, my brother laughed in exasperation. Are you going to work, or on a pilgrimage?

At the company, my brother personally handed me over to the HR manager. Give her an easy job! The manager nodded with a smile and then took me to the reception desk.

The morning passed quickly. At lunchtime, I had just taken out the lunchbox Maria had prepared for me when the elevator doors opened. Amelia, clinging to Collin, walked towards me, holding a high-end gift box. But the handbag she was carrying why did it look so familiar, like the one I had just thrown away last night?

I squinted at it. They saw me and looked like they had just swallowed a fly. Why are you here again? She hid the bag behind her back, then said, Oh.

Did you offend Mrs. Hayes? She wanted to kick you out, but She looked at me mysteriously. Mr. Hayes felt sorry for you? So he put you in the company?

Anna Hayes, I didnt realize you were so manipulative!

No I Oh, my clumsy tongue. I stammered for a while, unable to get the words out. Forget it, Ill just eat.

When I opened my lunchbox, a small Australian lobster lay on a bed of rice, next to Marias secret-recipe abalone and foie gras, with a small dish of black truffle sauce on the side. Amelia was stunned at first, then burst out laughing.

Anna Hayes, a nanny trying to pretend shes rich!

You can fool them, but you want to put on an act in front of us? Hahaha When she had laughed her fill, she lectured me in a patronizing tone. You should be more down-to-earth. If you dont have the life for it, dont try to fake it. Be careful not to overdo it and get caught by Mrs. Hayes!

Just then, a ding! sounded. The elevator doors opened again, and my brother strode out. Collin and Amelias eyes lit up. They immediately held up the gift box with a fawning expression. Mr. Hayes, you dont have to come down to get us!

We can go up ourselves

But my brother walked straight to me, took my chopsticks, and put a piece of food in his mouth. Dont eat it all, leave some for me! I nodded with my cheeks puffed out. Because of what happened the other day, my sister-in-law had specifically told Maria not to prepare any food for my brother. He was now out looking for food, hungry. But he was also extremely busy, and only had a few bites before he had to go to another meeting.

Collin and Amelia stood to the side, too surprised to say anything. Finally, Collin, not giving up, approached. Mr. Hayes, about the contract

My brother didnt even turn his head. Well talk about it later, later!

Amelias face was very unpleasant. Dont be so smug. You just got lucky this time!

My first day at work was actually quite nice. Everyone was very kind to me, constantly feeding me snacks. My mouth didnt stop moving all day. When it was time to go home, I packed my things and prepared to wait for my brother at the entrance.

Just as I stepped out of the main door, Amelia and Collin appeared again. They saw me standing in front of an electric scooter. Yo! Didnt Mr. Hayes even get you a car?

It seems youre not that important to him after all!

As a classmate, let me give you some friendly advice. Being a mistress doesnt end well!

I quickly waved my hands. This isnt my scooter! Im waiting for someone

Waiting for what? Waiting for Mr. Hayes to pick you up? Hahaha, Anna Hayes, give you an inch and you take a mile!

The words had barely left her mouth when a car horn honked. My brother sat in the back seat, rolling down the window to look at me. Get in! What are you waiting for?! I slowly opened my brothers car door and sat down beside him. In the rearview mirror, Amelia and Collin looked at each other, their faces filled with disbelief.

That night, Collin actually sent me a text. Anna, are you asleep?

Ive been thinking for a long time, and I want to apologize for my immaturity back then.

Seeing you these past few days has brought back all our memories.

Even though it was just a bet back then, I really did love you!

I quickly threw my phone under the bed. Sister-in-law! So scary, they made another bet!

I thought ignoring his texts would be enough, but Collin actually chased me to the company. It was the same old routine, preparing breakfast for me, then saying sweetly, You can do it today! The old me might have fallen for it, but these past few days, my colleagues had told me, When a scumbag comes back, its only for revenge!

So scared that as soon as he stepped into the company, I hid in the bathroom. He stayed for a day, I hid for a day!

That day, I had just come out of the bathroom and found a crowd of people gathered at the reception desk, chattering away, as if watching some drama unfold. Amelia was pointing a finger at Collins nose, screaming at him. Collin Sterling, you dont really think this kept mistress and nanny, Anna Hayes, can save your familys company, do you?!