Page 66 of Nanny for the Firefighters

I lie there, trying to find a comfortable position, which is easier said than done with my belly leading the way. Finally, I find a spot that feels just right. I smile and let sleep take over.

When I wake up, it's with a start. I glance at the clock, heart pounding. "Oh, no, how long was I out?" I mutter to myself, rubbing my eyes. The nap, though brief, seems to have done wonders. I swing my legs over the side of the couch and stand, a little wobbly at first but quickly regaining my balance.

I head to the bedroom and pull out the outfit I had picked out for tonight, a sleek, black dress that hugs my curves just right, paired with a statement necklace and comfortable yet elegant flats. As I slip into the dress, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. "Not bad for a pregnant woman about to take down a con artist," I muse, giving my reflection a wry smile.

With a final glance at the clock, I grab my bag and head out the door. The restaurant where Vanessa is meeting her newest victim isn't far. As I walk, the warm evening air wraps around me like a blanket, and I feel a strange mix of nerves and determination. This is it. My last mission.

The restaurant is bustling when I arrive. Soft lighting, the clink of glasses, and low conversations create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. I spot Vanessa almost immediately, seated at a table near the back, her laughter floating through the air as she flirts with her latest prey—a wealthy businessman, by the looks of it. I take a seat at a table with a clear view of them and order a water and a small appetizer to keep up appearances.

I watch them from a distance, my eyes never straying far from Vanessa. She's in her element, all charm and deceit. As I nibble on my salad, my mind races through the plan. When Vanessa eventually excuses herself and heads to the bar, I know it's my moment.

I signal the bartender as I approach the bar. "A glass of lime juice, please," I order, flashing a polite smile. The bartender nods and gets to work. I sidle up next to Vanessa, who is too engrossed in her phone to notice me at first.

"Vanessa," I say, my voice steady. She looks up, eyes widening in surprise and then narrowing in recognition.

"Ella," she replies, a cold smile spreading across her face. "What brings you here?"

"I think you know why I'm here," I say, pulling the folder from my bag and placing it on the bar between us. "You need to leave town, Vanessa. Now."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And why would I do that?"

I open the folder, revealing the incriminating photos, financial records, and the fake marriage certificate from Vegas. Her eyes dart over the evidence, her confident demeanor faltering for the first time.

"You've been busy," she mutters, flipping through the pages. "But this doesn't change anything. You know what will happen if you cross me."

"Actually, it changes everything," I counter. "This is enough to expose you for the fraud you are. Your latest victim? He's a powerful man with connections. Once he sees this, you're done. So, leave now, while you still can."

The bartender places my lime juice on the bar, and I take a sip, hoping to calm my racing heart. Vanessa's face contorts with anger, but there's fear in her eyes too. She knows she's cornered.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" she hisses. "But you have no idea what you're dealing with."

"Maybe not," I reply, meeting her gaze steadily. "But I do know I'm not letting you ruin any more lives. This is your last chance. Leave, and don't come back."

She stands abruptly, gathering her things. "You'll regret this, Ella," she snaps, her voice low and venomous. "I promise you that."

As she storms out of the bar, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. It's done. I've won.

I take another sip of my lime juice, savoring the victory, but suddenly, the world starts to spin. The edges of my vision blur, and I feel a cold sweat break out on my forehead.

"What…" I manage to whisper, my hand gripping the bar for support.

The bartender looks at me with concern. "Ma'am, are you alright?"

But I can't respond. The room tilts violently, and my knees buckle. I feel myself falling. The last thing I hear is the clatter of the glass hitting the floor. Then, everything goes black.

When I come to, my head is throbbing and my vision blurry. As I blink, trying to clear the fog from my mind, I realize I'm bound to the seat of a car. The rough texture of the ropes digs into my wrists, and I can barely move.

Panic starts to rise in my chest as the events of the evening rush back to me. Vanessa. The bar. The lime juice. I try to twist and turn, but the bindings are too tight. My heart races, and my breathing quickens.

"Welcome back," a chillingly familiar voice coos beside me. Vanessa. I turn my head slowly, vision still swimming, and see her sitting next to me, a triumphant smirk on her face.

"Did you really think I wasn't keeping tabs on you too, Ella?" she asks, her tone mocking. She laughs bitterly. "You might be clever, but you're not the only one who can gather information."

I struggle to form words, my mouth dry and my voice barely a whisper. "What… what did you do?"

Vanessa's smile widens, her eyes gleaming with a twisted satisfaction. "I told the bartender to mix a sedative into your drink. A little something to make sure you wouldn't be a problem anymore."

She leans in closer, her face inches from mine. "You've made things very difficult for me, Ella. I can't let you get away with that."