Page 146 of The Rebel Billionaire

Our eyes meet, her shoulders dropping as she nods at me, and I can’t miss the quiver in her hand as she reaches for the door handle.

Whatever is going on with her today has knocked her completely off-kilter, and because of that, I can’t have her here. I need to concentrate on the job at hand.

When she disappears, I turn my attention to the men and women in front of me. Since when have I cared so much about a member of staff that I struggle to focus on a meeting? I haven’t, at least not before a young British woman invaded my world.

The meeting drags on for two hours. By the time we’re done, my patience is frayed, and I want to lock myself away in a darkened room. I hate this time of year, yet love it in equal measure.

When I return, Brooke is nowhere in sight. An internal message from HR flashes on my computer screen.

“Brooke has gone home sick.”

My office door opens without warning.

“Want to tell me what all that was about?” Mother asks, throwing her bag down on the couch in the corner of my room.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t take me for a fool, Sandro. It doesn’t suit you.”

“And you need to remember who runs this company. You were only at the meeting out of courtesy and because those very important clients of ours like the gossip you provide.”

She ignores me, which I knew she would. “Where is she?”

“Where’s who?”

“Are we really playing this game?”

“It’s no game, Mother, and if you’re asking about my PA, she’s gone home sick. Should never have come in this morning.”

“She nearly messed up an important meeting.”

“No, I nearly messed up an important meeting,” I fire back, not sure why I’m protecting Brooke from my mother of all people. She introduced us.

“Still going with that story?”

“It’s the truth.”

Not a complete lie. I knew Brooke was out of sorts this morning. I should have sent her home. Instead, I let her stay. Therefore, the mistake is mine to bear.

“Fine,” she says. “But don’t let yourself get derailed or be made to look like a fool by a pretty face.”

I freeze, my blood sizzling in my veins. “You think? Oh, Mother, you need to stop worrying about me. Brooke is my PA and happens to be incredibly adept at her job. For the record, I don’t give a flying hoot what you and others think. I run this company and believe it or not, I can and will make mistakes like any human being, the same way you did when you were in charge.”

She stares me down, but I refuse to bend. It was a low blow, but she needs to be brought back into line.

“And I paid a heavy price,” she says, her gaze dropping to the floor.

I rub the back of my neck. “I’m sorry. That was out of line.”

“It was, but it’s true. I just don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.”

She sniffs and turns to the couch, picking up her bag and sliding it onto her forearm.

“I’m no longer married. I think it’s safe to say I already made that mistake.”

She steps forward and pats my cheek.

“We were always similar. It’s just that people aren’t always what they seem. I just want you to be careful.”