A Struggling Dad Worked as a Handyman, Not Knowing the Homeowner Was a Billionaire Falling Hard

A Handyman’s Unexpected Meeting

The broken railing nearly took off Sebastian Evans’ thumb as it splintered beneath his grip. It sent a flash of pain through his hand.

This reminded him why the sprawling estate on Lake View Drive desperately needed his services. He jerked back, sucking air through his teeth.

He carefully inspected the damage to both his skin and the weathered wood. “You okay Dad?” Lily’s voice called from the yard below.

His 10-year-old daughter sat cross-legged under a maple tree. A math workbook was spread across her lap.

“All good pumpkin,” Sebastian replied. He forced cheerfulness into his voice despite the throbbing in his hand.

“Just a splinter.” He brought Lily with him today because Mrs. Perkins had called in sick.

She was his usual emergency child care option when school was out for summer break. Being a single father meant constant improvisation.

This was especially true when you were a handyman with irregular work hours and a tight budget. That budget couldn’t accommodate full-time child care.

Sebastian examined the railing more closely. The entire back porch of this mansion would need to be rebuilt, not just patched up.

He’d mentioned as much on the phone when the property manager had called. But the woman had been insistent that he come take a look.

The fee they’d offered for the inspection alone would cover a week’s worth of groceries. So Sebastian hadn’t asked too many questions.

From what he’d gathered, the owner was rarely in residence. They were some wealthy business person who collected properties like baseball cards.

Sebastian had seen the type before. They were the ultra-rich who owned vacation homes they visited twice a year.

They left local property managers to handle the maintenance in between. This particular estate had apparently been neglected for some time.

This was judging by the state of disrepair he was documenting. “Dad, someone’s here,” Lily called out, gathering her books.

A sleek black Tesla pulled up the long driveway. Sebastian stood, brushing sawdust from his worn jeans.

He hadn’t expected to meet anyone besides the property manager today. Checking his watch, he confirmed he was still within the scheduled time window.

The car door opened and Sebastian’s breath caught slightly as a woman stepped out. She wore a simple white blouse tucked into tailored navy pants.

Her auburn hair was pulled back in a loose knot at the nape of her neck. She moved with the kind of confidence that usually intimidated him.

But there was something in her expression, a flicker of uncertainty perhaps. That made him pause.

“Hello,” she said, approaching the porch. “You must be the handyman.”

Her voice carried a slight accent he couldn’t place. “Sebastian Evans,” he confirmed, making his way down the steps to meet her.

“I was just assessing the porch. It’s in worse shape than your property manager described.”

The woman’s eyes, a striking hazel that reminded him of autumn leaves, traveled from his face to his tool belt and back again. “I’m Olivia Reed. This is my home.”

Sebastian felt his eyebrows rise. This wasn’t the absentee owner he’d imagined.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was told the owner was rarely here.”

“That was true until recently,” she replied, glancing past him at Lily. His daughter was now approaching cautiously.

“I’ve decided to make this my primary residence.” Sebastian nodded, aware that his palm was still bleeding slightly from the splinter.

“This is my daughter Lily. My child care fell through today, so she’s keeping me company.”

Olivia Reed’s expressions softened immediately. “Hello Lily. That’s a beautiful name.”

“Thank you,” Lily replied with the polite smile Sebastian had taught her to use with clients. “I was named after my mom’s favorite flower.”

A momentary shadow crossed Sebastian’s face. It had been 6 years since Kate’s death, but certain memories still held their sting.

“Well, it suits you perfectly,” Olivia said. “Would you like to see inside while your dad finishes his inspection?”

“I have a library that might interest you.” Lily’s eyes widened.

“A real library with lots of books?” Olivia laughed.

The sound was unexpectedly warm from someone who looked so polished. “More books than I know what to do with.”

“And a window seat where you can raid them.” Sebastian hesitated.

He didn’t know this woman, despite her being his potential employer. “I don’t want to impose.”

“It’s no imposition,” Olivia assured him. “Actually, I could use a second opinion on several other repairs needed inside.”

“The property manager mentioned you’re quite versatile.” There was something guarded in her eyes that intrigued him.

For someone who owned a mansion on the lake, she seemed almost uncomfortable with her surroundings. “I can do most things,” Sebastian confirmed.

“Carpentry, plumbing, basic electrical. If it’s something specialized, I have contacts.”

Olivia nodded. “Perfect. Please come in when you’re ready.”

As she and Lily walked toward the house, Sebastian found himself watching them. He saw the way Olivia naturally slowed her pace to match his daughter’s.

He saw how she listened intently as Lily chattered about her summer reading list. It was a small kindness, but one that registered.

Inside, the house was beautiful but sterile. It was as though it had been decorated from a catalog rather than by someone who actually lived there.