564: Unwelcome Arrivals

Emma's car sped towards the Smirnoff family home, her mind whirling with the information the housekeeper had relayed. Mia's unexpected arrival and the chaos it had sparked were the last things she needed after a day fraught with professional and personal negotiations. The thought of Mia, Alex's lifelong caretaker, stirring trouble in her meticulously managed household was more than just inconvenient; it threatened the fragile peace that had only just begun to settle. As she drove, Emma reflected on her decision to allow Alex to recuperate at their home. Initially, she had been opposed to the idea, wary of the complications it could bring. Her brothers had been persuasive, citing obligations of gratitude and strategic advantages. Yet, Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that their motives extended beyond mere repayment of a debt. Mrs. Batzee’s suggestion to resume her training in perfumery had been a welcome diversion, one that promised to reconnect her with a passion she had set aside