Page 144 of The Rebel Billionaire

To my dad, I was his big girl, brave and strong.

I’d scrape my knee and bite my lip.

When I broke my arm, I asked everyone to sign my cast. Today there’s no physical wound, but the principle is no different. Life must go on.

* * *

The office is quiet when I arrive. Still no call from Kat, but maybe that’s a good thing. My sister doesn’t need to hear me like this. None of them does. Maybe fate had me talking to Pen last night instead of one of the others. Despite loving my father as if he were her own, she’s one step removed, and whatever she or any of the others say, I’ll never stop blaming myself for his death.

“Brooke?” I look up to find Alex standing in front of me, his brows drawn together.

CHAPTER 42

ALEX

“Brooke,” I say again.

Hollow eyes stare up at me, but I’m not even sure she’s hearing me.

“Brooke,” I say more sharply.

This time her eyes focus.

“Sorry,” she says, appearing to give herself a mental shake.

“Are you okay? I’ve called your name five times.”

The elevator dings in the distance, announcing someone’s arrival.

Fuck!

She straightens her spine and gives me a dazzling smile, one that fails to reach her eyes.

Bloodshot eyes!

“I’m fine. Sorry, I was miles away. Did you want something?”

Want something?

I do, but I can’t remember for the life of me what it is. Seeing her like this, I’m struck by how lost and broken she looks.

“Brooke, are you sure you’re okay?”

She nods. “I had a late night. I got caught up watching an old movie. I woke up on the sofa at three. Stupid of me…”

I can tell she’s lying. I just don’t understand why, but I don’t press her. There isn’t time, and besides, it’s none of my business.

Boundaries.

In half an hour I’ll be facing a group of St Clair’s major international department store buyers.

“Do you have the packs ready for the meeting?”

“I’ve already laid them out in the boardroom,” she says. “Drinks and breakfast pastries have been arranged. I’ve spoken to Monty. They’ll be delivered as soon as everyone arrives.”

“Great.”

I incline my head, and she smiles. “Let me know if you need anything else.”