My Stepdaughter Calls Me Mommy Now

Sebastian Knight had never been fond of Margo Powell. Overhearing her gossip about Layla Jensen's so-called intentions only grated on his nerves. With a cold, cutting stare, he addressed her, his voice icy and clipped.

"Mathias's business is none of your concern. Bring it up again, and don't bother coming back to work."

Margo, all too aware of her uncle’s rigid temperament, felt a chill run down her spine. Sebastian was legendary for his no-nonsense attitude, his aversion to romantic entanglements, and his zero patience for insolence. She shut up fast, sinking back into her seat without another word.

Sebastian got home at eight that evening to an oddly quiet house. He asked sharply, "Where are Layla and Avianna?"

Monica, the housekeeper, gestured upstairs, explaining, "Mrs. Jensen is teaching Miss Avianna to dance. They’re in the studio."

Sebastian's brows knitted, curiosity flickering as he climbed the stairs. Could Layla really dance? Hadn’t Margo mentioned she came from humble roots? How on earth could she have learned?

At the door of the dance studio, he paused, caught off guard by the captivating melody drifting out. Through a narrow gap, he caught a glimpse of Layla in a simple vintage dress, twirling gracefully with his daughter under the soft lights. The steps were simple, but Layla’s fluid grace and natural rhythm made it look effortless, the glow casting an almost ethereal radiance around her. She looked so vibrant, so radiant, her simple beauty amplified by the movement.

Sebastian found himself hesitating to interrupt.

The music finally ended, leaving only Avianna's enthusiastic applause. "Wow, Mommy, you danced like a fairy from a storybook! You're so pretty!"

Layla blushed, completely unaware of Sebastian watching from the doorway. She pulled Avianna close, answering modestly, "I just picked it up from some videos online. You have a real teacher, sweetheart—you dance beautifully."

"No, no! I think Mommy dances way better than my teacher. Mommy, will you be my new dance teacher?" Avianna asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Spotting her father at the door, she rushed to him, clinging to his leg with her usual exuberance. "Daddy! Mommy just danced so beautifully. Can she be my dance teacher?"

Sebastian felt an unfamiliar awkwardness creep in, but he couldn't deny Layla had some unexpected talents. Not only could she cook, but she'd taught herself to dance? That genuinely surprised him. Then Margo's earlier words echoed in his mind, and he quickly stamped down any budding admiration. With a stern look, he called out, "Layla. My study. Now."

A chill ran through Layla. Had she screwed up by talking so casually online? If so, she had no one to blame but herself for overstepping boundaries he was so prickly about.

She steadied her breath before following him into the study. Sebastian sat behind his desk, eyes cold as they scrutinized her, voice like ice. "I hear Mathias sent you quite a bit of money."

Layla’s heart plummeted, a nervous throb echoing in her chest. She knew she couldn't deny it. Her voice came out tight as she admitted, "Yes, he transferred $6,700 to me."

Although her actions might look shady, she'd stopped taking money the moment she realized he was Sebastian's nephew. The cash she had received was generous pay for her work.

Hearing the amount, Sebastian felt like his time was being wasted. Still, since it had come up, he pushed on. "Why did he give it to you? Why did you take it? If you're into him, why not just be with him? Why drag me into this?"

Grasping how serious this was, Layla's pulse raced with anxiety. She spoke earnestly, "His leg was hurt, and he asked me to bring him meals, so he paid me for it. I know I shouldn't have taken so much, but the moment I realized he was your nephew, I cut it off."

She fumbled with her phone, offering it to Sebastian with trembling hands. "I can pay it back, Mr. Knight. I just wanted to make some extra cash through my work—I wasn't trying to con your nephew."

Sebastian remained unreadable, unmoved by her fear. Though he saw no point in belaboring this, a thought crossed his mind: if Layla and Mathias had something going on, it might be the perfect excuse to end this farce of a marriage.

"Please, Mr. Knight, just open your payment app. I'll send the money right back. I swear I won't try to profit off your nephew again."

Terrified he might fire her on the spot, Layla's eyes glistened with unease as she held out her phone, hand shaking slightly.

Sebastian ignored the gesture, pressing further. "Are you really that broke? If so, why didn't you take me up on my offer to stay home and care for Avianna full-time?"

Not to mention he'd made it crystal clear that if she willingly shared his bed, doing her wifely duty, he'd compensate her generously. If money was so tight, why not go for that?

He couldn't figure out what game she was playing. Layla's voice stayed steady, but vulnerability seeped through. "I just want a stable job. And yeah, I need the money. If that weren't the case, I wouldn't have asked for those things at the start."

But seeing him ignore her outstretched phone, she quietly withdrew it. Her blunt honesty about her money troubles did pique Sebastian's interest. Did she actually think admitting the truth would earn his sympathy—or his help? Fat chance. He never gave a thing without getting something of equal value in return.

"As for the money Mathias gave you, I'll let it slide this once. Just remember: do your part, or you're out."

Sebastian's words cut like a blade, his face a mask of unyielding resolve. He dismissed her with a flick of his hand.

Layla left, breathing heavily as she shut the door behind her, feeling like she'd dodged a bullet. No matter what she did, Mr. Knight always seemed to know. But she didn't have any shady motives. She just wanted to stay off her parents' radar and earn her own living.

Did Sebastian think she was messing around with Mathias? No way—she was a married woman and knew better than to get tangled up in that kind of trouble. From now on, she vowed to have zero contact with Mathias.

The next morning, Layla arrived at the hospital early, still on edge about her future. Margo had promised to get her fired, and after Sebastian's outburst, he might have made it happen. She steeled herself for the nurse manager's announcement, bracing for the worst.