Child Labour

Grace's heart warmed inexplicably and she felt a lump in her throat at Charles' careful gestures.

Despite his young age and autism, Charles still displayed a remarkable level of attentiveness and care for her, making her feel cherished and appreciated.

She couldn't resist plastering a kiss on his face as she sat down. "You're such a darling sweetheart with a heart of gold. I love you, dear."

Something seemed to explode in Charles's heart as soon as he finished processing what he had just heard.

This was the first time someone else was telling him that they loved him except for his father and uncle, of course, who only showed it in their actions.

His eyes lit up with happiness, and a bright smile spread across his face. Despite his challenges with communication, he understood the depth of Grace's affection and felt deeply touched by her words.

"Love… You…" Grace heard a soft voice whisper.

"Thanks dar…." She began, then stoooed abruptly, her eyes widening in astonishment as she realized it was Charles that just spoke.

His father had informed her the first time at his study that he hardly speaks which she had confirmed herself. Apart from the time he had spoken at the hospital, he hadn't said another word since she came to the house.

This was the second time he was hearing him speak. She turned towards him, her heart swelling with emotion.

"Charles... Did you just say that?"

Charles hung his head down, his cheeks flushed, looking embarrassed and at the same time happy.

Grace felt tears welling up in her eyes as she realized the significance of Charles's words. She reached out to him, pulling him into a warm embrace.

"Oh, Charles. That means the world to me. Thank you."

Charles hugged her back tightly, his small arms wrapping around her neck as he buried his face in her shoulder.

"Is everything alright, Grace?" A deep voice broke in causing them to break the embrace.

Grace looked up and saw Mr Fitz, a confused look etched on his face as he stared at them.

"Yes, Mr. Fitz. Everything's just perfect," she said, wiping away her tears.

She didn't know if she should share the good news with him, seeing how confused he looked, but decided against it.

After not hearing any explanation from Grace, Mr. Fitz said. "Don't hesitate to draw my attention if there's anything that bothers you."

"Thanks, Mr Fitz, I'll remember that."

Mr Fitz nodded quietly before exiting the room, a skeptical look still etched on his face.

After he left, the cook came in to serve them breakfast and Grace couldn't help but feel that it was the best breakfast she has had in days.

Seeing how happy Charles was the entire time, Grace couldn't bring herself to mention the school idea during breakfast and decided to use the rest of the morning to cement their relationship that had gotten to a whole new level.

She would talk to him about it after she has been able to build his trust in her.

After breakfast, they were playing fetch in the small playground Jace had constructed for Charles when Grace felt another presence. She turned around and saw someone glaring down at her.

Her actions were so fast that Regina did not have enough time to adjust her expression before she was caught by Grace.

"Hello," Grace greeted her all the same but had no intention of sparing her a smile.

"Hi," Regina said with something that looked like a ghost of a smile.

"I'm Regina, and you are?"

Grace sneered in her heart but made no attempt to take her outstretched hand. Who doesn't know that you're up to no good. She was a hundred percent sure she was the informant that sent the pompous Ms Beaumont to her doorstep very early yesterday morning.

However, for the sake of Charles by her side she just said, "I'm Grace Fowler, Charles' nanny."

Regina's lips rose in a mocking arch as she scrutinized Grace who from all indications was already wary of her. "Aren't you too young to be a nanny?"

"Is there any age specifications for hiring a nanny, or are you in anyway insinuating that Mr Brandon is into child labour?" Grace retorted.

Regina was rendered speechless. This was the first time she didn't know how to retaliate against an opponent.

When did she even insinuate that? If Mr Brandon should hear of this, wouldn't that be outright dismissal for her?

'Hmm, this lady is more challenging than I thought. No wonder even Ms Beaumont could not do anything to her yesterday. '

"How can that be? You look older than me," she eventually said, forcing a smile.

"Then I should be treated as an elder, then. As you can see I was busy doing my work here, so please excuse me, if you don't mind."

Grace gently held Charles's hand and stood to her feet, leaving Regina to stare after her as she left with Charles.

It was after she walked a few steps that Regina remembered why she had even come out in the first place.

The other staff had been talking about how stunning the new nanny looked in her work clothes, that she got irritated by them all.

"What's so good about a cripple? Whatever she wears will only end up in a pathetic wheelchair," she had scorned,

"You don't know already?" Isabella, one of the maids asked.

"Know what?"

"She can walk!" Isabella dropped the bombshell. "I heard Mr Fitz telling the cook this morning that she only sprained her ankle and needed the wheelchair to get around for a few days."

Finding the information too incredible to be true, she had hurried over to confirm for herself when she found out Grace was in the garden with Charles.

She didn't expect to see her not only walking tall and elegant but also with a special ability of rendering someone like her, speechless with her sharp tongue.

She clenched her fists as she stared at Grace's disappearing back with killing intent.

"You think you are something, huh? 'But I, Regina will surely clip your wings to size, just wait and see,' she muttered through gritted teeth.