Page 201 of The Rebel Billionaire

She tuts. “Don’t put yourself down. She said that it was all you.”

Sitting back, she crosses her arms over her chest.

“Does Alex know?”

I drop my gaze. “About night school? No.”

“May I ask why?”

Why? Because it’s yet one more lie I’m keeping from him. Because I don’t want Sophia finding out, or Alex thinking I only took this job to fast-track my way into the company.

“I don’t want him to think there’s a conflict of interest, or that I’m unable to do my job because I’m distracted,” I say. “I’m also not sure I’m going to be able to continue, what with work commitments. I’ve already missed a couple of classes because I’ve needed to work late. I’m not sure how I ever thought I’d manage it. I’ve spoken to Debra, and she’s looking into switching me to the online course. I’ll miss Andie, but I’m not sure how else to do it.”

“Are you happy working as a PA?”

I lift my eyes to hers. “I am.”

“You know we offer internships?”

My chest lifts as adrenaline rushes through me.

An internship at St Clair.

Is Elise for real?

“Think about it. If what I saw last night is anything to go on, we’d be lucky to have you.”

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I admit.

Why does life have to be so cruel?

Nine months ago, this would have been my dream. I’d have bitten the hand off anyone offering me this kind of opportunity. But right now, I have more than enough to juggle.

“Think about it,” she adds, opening her drawer and pulling out a folder, holding it out towards me.

I take it, opening it.

“It’s a design brief. One we give to our interns. I’d be interested to see what you produce,” she says. “If you do find night classes too much, complete this. I can probably help.”

“But…”

She holds up her hand. “This can be your assignment for my module. You can turn it in when the others hand in their official assignments. I spoke to Debra, and she’s happy for me to give it to you.”

“I’m overwhelmed,” I admit, trying to hold my voice steady.

“Brooke, you clearly have a lot of natural talent. I’d hate to see it wasted. There’s no pressure. I simply want to see what you can do with it.”

I nod. “Okay.”

She grins.

“Great. And Brooke, I won’t say anything to Alex. This can remain between the two of us for now. But I really think you should speak to him. Don’t waste your talent.”

“Thank you,” I say, getting to my feet. “I better get back upstairs.”

“Before you go, I’ll give you one of these.” She hands me one of the team’s design sketchbooks. “As it’s a company design brief, I’d better follow company policy.”

I grin, taking the beautiful sketchbook from her. “Thank you. And thank you again for not saying anything.”