Page 148 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I’ve printed the packs for every client meeting in London, Milan, and Paris. The wrong ones got picked up, that’s all. As you probably saw, they’re identical except for the language.”

She harrumphs.

“That’s very organised.”

“I try to be,” I say honestly, wanting, no needing, to defuse the situation. Sophia has been my saviour, getting me a job at St Clair and offering me support. I don’t want to cause friction between her and Alex or between us.

“Sandro said you’re ill.”

“I had a migraine,” I lie, hoping he didn’t embellish on what was wrong with me.

“You look fine now.”

“I have special medication. If I catch it in time, it helps ease the pain but leaves me groggy. That’s why I left the office.”

Not entirely a lie, although I haven’t had a full-blown attack for several years.

“I do not enjoy lying to my son about you,” she says suddenly, and I wonder if it’s a veiled threat. “You look tired,” she adds.

“I didn’t sleep well,” I say, not really wanting to go into the details of what Pen and Elijah disclosed. Not knowing if I can. Another person I’m now lying to.

“Are you going out partying?” she asks, her eyes burning into me. “If you are, it must stop immediately, you know that? And if you’re dating…” She closes her eyes for a second. “Emotional attachments are dangerous. It’s easy to slip up, bringing everything crashing down.”

I know she cares, but I bristle at her tone.

I’m not a fucking child, and I have far more to lose in this scenario.

“I promise you, I’m neither dating nor going out partying,” I say truthfully.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?”

I sigh. “Sleep isn’t really my friend right now.”

She inclines her head. “But you have your security team?”

“I do.”

I don’t want to admit that dreams about her son and the wicked things I imagine him doing to my body leave me hot and wanting in the middle of the night. Nor do I want to admit that I work on designs late into the evening to stop my heart racing as I wonder whether someone will find me.

Sophia steps forward and pats my arm.

“I know this is a difficult time for you, but it will end.”

“That’s what everyone keeps telling me. But when? I’ve been here three months, and no one seems to be any closer.” There’s a sense of desperation in my voice, although with the new information that’s been uncovered… do I dare to hope? “It’s the not knowing that’s killing me, the constant need to watch over my shoulder. Do you know the last time I took a stroll down the street? Went shopping in person rather than online? Too long ago!”

Her eyes flick to my callisthenics equipment.

“I even work out here, alone,” I admit. “I’m terrified someone will see past my disguise at the company gym.”

I know I’m laying it on thick. In truth, I’ve never been one to enjoy working out in public. Sweaty photographs are never flattering, and as an influencer, it was all about the Harper Frazer brand and the public’s perception of perfection. Besides, when I’m working out, I want to concentrate, not socialise.

Sophia shoots me a look of sympathy but doesn’t offer me platitudes. Instead, she surprises me by stepping forward and pulling me in for a hug.

I stiffen, but when she doesn’t let go, I relax, enjoying the feel of someone’s arms around me.

“You’re a strong young woman. You’ve got this. I didn’t think you would. I feared you’d bring carnage and mayhem. But you’ve surprised me.”

I chuckle against her shoulder.