Page 106 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Thank you, Mr Bianchi,” she says, holding out her hand.

“Edoardo, please.”

“Edoardo,” she says with a shy smile.

Mother claps her hands. “Everyone inside. No need to congregate in the hall.”

I step forward and take the bag she’s holding, our fingers brushing before she releases it. Her eyes catch mine, but she then looks away.

“Merry Christmas, Brooke,” I say.

“Merry Christmas, Alex.”

Gabbi marches Brooke further into the house.

As always, Mother has outdone herself, or at least the help has. The house has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Wreaths and lights climb the bannisters, with Christmas decorations in every corner. Brooke inhales sharply at the tree that’s taken pride of place in the window of the main room.

“Mother likes to go all out,” I tell her.

“A woman after my own heart. I love Christmas,” Brooke says.

“How about your family?”

Her expression falls, and I regret my words instantly. “They love it too. I spoke to them earlier and played a board game remotely.”

I raise an eyebrow, and she smiles.

“Another family tradition?” I ask.

She nods. “My family loves board games.”

Mother chuckles, surprising me. “Reminds me of our time at school. Your mother…” she trails off, clearly not wanting to say anymore.

Brooke smiles warmly.

“She told me all about it,” she admits with a grin, a knowing look passing between them.

“What board games does your niece like to play?” Avril asks, coming to stand next to us.

“We play Monopoly, although she also likes to play Scruples, but I think that’s more to see her dad and uncles squirm.”

Avril laughs. “She sounds like my kind of person,” she says, shooting her dad and me a look.

“Don’t get any ideas,” I grumble, making her laugh.

I love my niece, but she has her father wrapped around her little finger. I think it’s mainly because he doesn’t want to be cut out of her life, especially when he works in London, and she’s here in the States. Sometimes I wonder if he’s making a rod for his own back, never standing up to her.

“I think you’d like her,” Brooke says with a wink.

I move away, not wanting to crowd our new arrival. Her laughter fills the air, like a punch to my solar plexus. Even Mother is smiling.

The Brooke Effect. That’s what I’m going to call it. I know she’s constantly being invited out in the office, but declines politely, unless that’s just for my benefit, not that I’ve heard anything to the contrary.

Elaine appears, announcing that lunch is ready.

Gabbi has placed all Brooke’s table presents at the correct place settings.

Avril picks up her beautifully wrapped gift.