Page 149 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Sorry to disappoint,” I say.

She pulls back but holds on to my upper arm, squeezing gently.

“I’m glad we’ve had this talk. It may seem like I’m being tough on you, but I want you to be safe. I promised your mother.”

I close my eyes.

“And I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I really do,” I say, returning the squeeze when she pulls me in for another hug.

She means well, but sometimes treats me like I have no comprehension of what’s going on around me. I probably have more of an idea than she does. Does she know there’s an extraction plan in place if the shit really does hit the fan? Does she truly understand what might happen to me if these bastards find me? Part of me hopes she doesn’t. I don’t need anyone else worrying about me.

She leaves the same way she arrived, in a rush of perfume and grace.

“Take care, Brooke. And try to get some sleep. Eye bags are not a good look and will lead to premature ageing,” she says with a smile and a wink.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say as she makes her way to the elevator, Benjamin in tow. He obviously remained in the hallway, waiting for her.

I move to the sofa, unfold my throw, take out my sketchbook, and place it on the coffee table. I open it and return to my work-in-progress, shutting out the rest of the world.

CHAPTER 44

HARPER

After Sophia leaves, I knock on Dan and Mitch’s door to let them know I’m home.

“How are you doing?” Dan asks, his face a picture of concern.

“Surviving,” I tell him truthfully, offering what I know must be a very weak smile. “But I’ll get there. I just want this to be over. Hopefully, with the new evidence…”

He nods and gently squeezes my arm. I’m fooling no one with my ‘I’m fine’ routine, so why bother?

“I saw you had a visitor,” he says.

I nod. “Yes, I messed up at the office. Alex covered for me. Sophia was fishing for an explanation.”

She’s not the only one who wants to know why. Alex is a perfectionist who doesn’t make mistakes, and everyone knows that. But today he covered for me when he didn’t need to.

“Hang in there. If there’s anything Mitch or I can do, you just need to let us know. In the meantime, know that the team is working on the information you gave us.”

“Thank you. I know everyone is working hard behind the scenes. It’s just… finding out about Dad.”

I can’t even bring myself to say the words.

He sighs. His expression softens. “It’s okay to be scared. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t. But know that we’re here and that there’s a team scouring the social media accounts of the people you named at the party. Seven years is a long time. It’s not going to happen overnight. They’re also working to recover your accounts to see if they can find anything.”

I nod. “I’m grateful you’re here. Please know that.”

“We’ve got you,” he says with a smile.

“Let me know if you need me,” I say before turning and leaving.

* * *

I’ve sat in the same spot for hours, staring into space.

Without realising it, this apartment has become my sanctuary, the only place I can be myself, whether that’s Harper or Brooke. And I’m grateful for the two men sitting across the hall.

My phone rings, jerking me into the present. Alex’s name appears on the screen.