Page 19 of The Rebel Billionaire

It was love at first sight, at least for him. She gave him shit because his reputation preceded him. I smile at the memory.

“What will be, will be,” I say, downplaying my apprehension.

Am I concerned? Hell yes. My logical, strategic mind is floundering, because it can’t predict what’s coming.

I rub my forehead. I need to be patient. Trust the process.

Callie doesn’t put up with any of my shit either. But it works because she’s not constantly trying to change me. She has a way of knowing what I need, even before I do. She runs interference when it’s needed and handles our very important clients-VICs-with class. No one and nothing gets past her.

Double fuck!

When did I become so reliant on one person? When did I relinquish that much control?

In the office, I’m meticulous, disciplined, and industrious. There’s no room for error when you run one of the world’s top luxury brands. It’s true, I like to run a tight ship. But at nearly forty, I’m too old to apologise or change who I am.

Callie leaving could be a disaster. If my system breaks, my world is likely to come crashing down, taking everything, I’ve worked so hard to build with it. The number of plates I’m spinning is ridiculous.

“Let’s get drunk,” Orlando says. “It’s the weekend.”

Dante sticks up his hand and calls over our waitress, ordering another round of drinks.

My phone pings, and I pull it out. Shit, it’s gone nine.

Callie has sent over her shortlist of interviewees for Monday.

I fire off a quick message.

ME:

Thank you, but you should be putting your feet up.

CALLIE:

I am, I promise. David is even giving me a foot massage.

ME:

TMI. I don’t need to know my best friend’s kinks.

CALLIE:

Transparency. Letting you know he knows what I’m up to.

Any questions on the list, let me know.

I’ve freed up your schedule for Monday morning. And Alex, I refuse to leave until we find the right replacement.

No pressure! Sadly, that’s never going to happen, but I don’t tell her that.

ME:

Thank you. Now rest! I’ll take a look and see you on Monday.

I stand up, throwing some money on the table.

“Calling it a night already?” Dante asks.

“I need to go. Callie just sent over the list of applicants for me to check. I have interviews to prepare for.”