Her phone.

The paper bird inside a book to keep it flat.

Maisie came downstairs because she asked to say goodbye.

Julian went with her.

She stopped two steps from the nanny.

“Can I hug?”

Anna crouched.

“Yes.”

The child held her carefully.

As though being locked in a room might have made her fragile in places Maisie couldn’t see.

“I didn’t say quit.”

“I know.”

“I said laundry.”

“That helped.”

Anna did not tell her she saved the day.

She did not turn the child’s frightening choice into a role she would have to keep performing.

She thanked her for telling the truth.

Then she stood.

Julian asked whether they wanted a car.

Beth said theirs was outside.

He nodded.

Anna looked at him.

“I’m not making a decision about work tonight.”

“You don’t need to.”

“And please don’t ask Maisie to ask me.”

His face tightened.

He deserved the instruction.

“I won’t.”

The nanny left through the front door.

Not the service entrance.

Not because Julian made a display of respect.

Because it was the closest way to the car.

She was allowed to choose that too.

Estelle left separately.

Her sister collected her.

The engagement had not yet been formally ended.

That would require practical conversations.

But she would not remain in the house with Maisie.

Julian told her plainly.

She accused him of choosing staff over his future wife.

He answered:

“Anna is a person you confined. That does not become acceptable because I pay her wages.”

Estelle said the child had confused everything.

He looked at her.

“You told her what to say.”

“Children need guidance.”

“Not in concealing where an adult is being held.”

Her face changed.

He did not continue.