My Billionaire Boss Is the Father of My Six Babies

Nicole Webb took a deep breath and faced her cousin with a determined smile. “I've made up my mind—I'm going to work as a housekeeper for a wealthy family!” She knew exactly how bad things were at home. Her cousin was already stretched thin trying to cover their living expenses, and the weight of it showed in his face. She needed a job. But more than that, she needed to know her kids would be safe and sound.

“That's amazing! As long as you're safe, that's all that matters!” Her cousin pressed a hand to his chest, as if making a vow.

“Thank you. And please, take care of the kids for me while I'm gone.” The responsibility settled over her shoulders like a stone.

“Don't worry about a thing. I've got them. And call me if you need anything—anything at all.”

“All right. I will.”

The next day, Nicole arrived at the estate.

Mathew Rogers stood on the second floor, leaning against the railing, watching her with a cool, assessing gaze.

“Our background check came back clean,” the butler reported, respectful. “Nicole Webb is twenty-two. She lives with her older cousin, Mark—twenty-seven, a farmer. They lost their parents young. No red flags. It seems they grew up in a rural area with very little exposure to the outside world. There's not much else to find.”

“That'll be all,” Mathew said curtly.

“Yes, sir.”

Nicole waited at the entrance until Lee Romero, the butler, came to escort her. He led her to the back garden, where she was introduced to the rest of the staff.

The head maid—a stern-looking Filipina with a ruler clutched in one hand—looked Nicole up and down with open disdain. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.” She sneered. “Is this the new recruit you mentioned?”

“Watch your mouth,” Lee snapped. “She's here at the daughter's request. Train her properly—or you'll answer to me.”

“Understood.” The woman's smile was forced.

The staff exchanged whispers.

“What on earth was Miss Brynlee thinking?”

“Right? Why bring someone so plain to work here?”

“Ugh. Just looking at her makes my skin crawl...”

Nicole didn't flinch. She held her composure and smiled calmly.

Once Lee was gone, the head maid fixed Nicole with a hard stare. “Listen up, Nicole Webb. This isn't like any job you've ever had. You'll go through intensive training. Pass the test in two weeks, and maybe you'll be qualified to serve Mr. Rogers and Miss Brynlee.” She shoved a basket of dirty clothes into Nicole's arms. “Wash all of these. Every last piece. And don't forget the dishes in the kitchen!”

Nicole's expression didn't change. She picked up the basket and walked away.

The head maid smirked to herself. Newcomers were always so obedient at first. Give them a day or two—they'd break down and beg to leave...

*

In the bedroom, Brynlee Rogers lay by the window, watching Nicole work tirelessly.

The door swung open. Brynlee jumped down and ran to Mathew, grabbing his hand.

“Daddy, I want...”

“What do you want?” Mathew asked, his icy demeanor softening.

Brynlee tugged him toward the window and pointed outside—at Nicole.

She wanted to play with her.

Following her finger, Mathew saw Nicole in her bright orange wig, busy hanging laundry to dry. His gaze caught on her and held for a beat.

“Sweetheart, Nicole only started today. Give her time to settle in. I’ll ask whether she can spend the afternoon with you,” he assured her, gently patting Brynlee's head.

Brynlee pouted but kept watching Nicole with longing, as if the person she'd been dreaming of was right there—just out of reach.

Outside, in the backyard, the head maid shouted, “Nicole Webb, look what you've done!” She whipped a piece of clothing at Nicole's face.

“What's the matter?” Nicole caught the garment.

“Who taught you to wash clothes like this? If you can't do the job, get out! This is designer—a Gucci exclusive from the spring-summer collection!” the head maid raged, raising her ruler to strike.

Nicole caught the ruler, her eyes cold. “Is there a problem?”

The head maid blinked, taken aback, then yanked her hand back. “Of course there is! You ruined my clothes!”

“That wasn't me,” Nicole said evenly. “Look at the cuts. Someone deliberately took scissors to it—and now they're trying to pin it on me.”

“Nonsense! Who would do such a thing?” The head maid's eyes darted away with guilt.

“Anyone with eyes can see this thing is worn out. It was headed for the trash anyway.” Nicole shrugged. “If you think I'm some clueless newbie you can use as a scapegoat, think again. If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work.”

“What kind of attitude is that? You're paying for this!”

“No, I'm not.”

“Fine! If you won't pay, I'll take it to Mr. Romero and let him decide!” the head maid threatened.

Nicole didn't bother looking back. She just returned to her tasks.

Brynlee couldn't stand it anymore.

Why was that woman being so cruel to her beloved orange-wigged lady?

That was her chosen playmate!

Determined, Brynlee balled her tiny fists and ran out of the room.

Mathew frowned and followed quickly, his long strides catching up with ease. “Brynlee, where are you going? Slow down!”

But Brynlee didn't care. She raced down the stairs as fast as her little legs could carry her.

Her anger boiled over at the sight of her wigged friend being bullied.

It was the first time Mathew had ever seen his daughter show such a strong emotion.

“Stop right there!”

Brynlee spread her arms wide, blocking the head maid's path, and glared up at her fiercely.

“Miss Brynlee, do you need something?” The head maid flinched.

Then she saw the tall, imposing figure of Mathew behind the child and immediately bent into a hasty bow. “Good day, Mr. Rogers!”

Hearing the commotion, Nicole turned and bowed as well. “Good day, Mr. Rogers! Good day, Miss Brynlee!” She wondered what had brought them to the backyard.

“Apologize!” Brynlee commanded the head maid, her voice firm.

Mathew's cold eyes flickered with surprise.

His daughter... had actually spoken to a servant.

The head maid was just as shocked.

Wasn't Miss Brynlee supposed to have selective mutism?

And apologize? For what?

Then realization dawned on her.

“Did you hear that, Nicole Webb? Even Miss Brynlee is appalled by your actions! Aren't you going to listen and apologize?”

Nicole blinked, puzzled. “Huh?”

“You apologize to her!” Brynlee insisted, using sign language to emphasize her point.

Nicole's heart melted. Her eyes sparkled with admiration.

Miss Brynlee was standing up for her?

Oh my goodness, she was adorable.

She absolutely adored this beautiful, spirited little girl.

“Miss Brynlee, you must be mistaken. Mr. Rogers, please, I implore you to resolve this!” The head maid dropped to her knees, holding up the damaged garment. “Nicole's duty on her first day was to handle everyone's laundry. It's clear she did this on purpose! I refuse to apologize...”

“Then leave!” Mathew's voice was as cold as ice, his gaze commanding and absolute. “If you're disobedient to the daughter, what use do we have for a servant like you?”

“But I...” The head maid panicked.

Nicole was taken aback by how protective Mathew was of his daughter.

Clearly, he was utterly devoted to her.

“Are you still here?” Mathew's eyes narrowed dangerously. “Guards, take her away and make sure she doesn't cause any more trouble!”