Chapter 4 - Unraveling the Bureaucracy
The following morning broke with pale autumn sunlight spilling across the polished marble floors of the penthouse. While Olivia slept deeply in the guest suite—her first uninterrupted night of rest in weeks—Caleb was already seated at his executive glass desk, a cup of strong black coffee at his elbow and his laptop open.
He wasn't looking at stock tickers or corporate mergers. Instead, his screen was filled with legal documents, housing listings, and adoption registries. If Olivia was to raise three orphaned infants as her own, she needed legal guardianship, stable housing, and financial security that went far beyond weekly housekeeping wages.
Around nine o’clock, the sound of soft footsteps drew his attention. Olivia emerged from the hallway, wearing a pair of soft cotton sweatpants and an oversized sweater that George had insisted she take from his wardrobe. Her hair was tied back, and though the dark circles under her eyes were still visible, the hollow, panicked look of desperation had faded.
“Mr. Hart,” she began hesitantly, wringing her hands together. “I… I don't know how to thank you for last night. But I need to start looking for a new place today, and—”
“Sit down, Olivia,” Caleb interrupted gently, gesturing to the leather armchair opposite his desk.
She complied slowly, looking apprehensive.
“First of all, drop the 'Mr. Hart.' Under this roof, it’s Caleb,” he said with a faint smile. “Second, you are not looking for an apartment today. Today, we are focusing on paperwork and protection.”
Caleb turned his laptop toward her, displaying a neatly organized digital folder. “I’ve already spoken with a top-tier family attorney friend of mine this morning. Since your sister didn't leave a formal will, we need to file emergency temporary guardianship for the triplets immediately. Once that’s secured, we can pursue permanent adoption so no one can ever challenge your right to raise them.”
Olivia stared at the screen, her breath catching in her throat. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over her lashes and tracking down her cheeks. She pressed her hands over her face, her shoulders shaking as silent, profound relief washed over her. For weeks, the terror of child services taking the babies away had haunted her every waking moment.
“Why… why are you doing all of this for me?” she asked through her sobs, looking up at him with raw vulnerability.
“Because for three years, you took care of my home with absolute dedication, Olivia,” Caleb answered softly, walking around the desk to stand near her chair. “It’s time someone took care of you.”
May you like
Just then, the soft cries of the babies echoed from the guest room. Olivia stood up quickly, wiping her cheeks, but Caleb gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Go check on them,” he said with a warm smile. “I’ll order breakfast for all of us. We have a lot of work to do, but this time, you aren't carrying the weight alone.”
