Page 212 of The Rebel Billionaire

I pinch the bridge of my nose, counting to ten.

“Mother, I have it under control. Elise and I…”

She sniffs in displeasure, but I ignore it.

“It’s clear I’m not needed. Maybe I’ll go and speak to Brooke,” she says, moving towards the door. “See if she can give me more insight.”

My hackles rise. “Leave Brooke alone. She’s my PA, not a gossip columnist.”

Or at least I hope she isn’t. My early concerns about her relationship with my mother raise their ugly heads, but I push them to one side.

My mother turns, her brows rising.

I close my eyes for a second and centre myself.

“What I mean is, we both have a lot of work to do. Just because this has happened, it doesn’t mean the day-to-day running of the company has stopped. Don’t make me regret having told you.”

She harrumphs this time, her hand going to the door handle.

“Not that you had a choice… well…”

“Well, nothing, Mother. Go home. I’ve got this under control. I’ll let you know as soon as anything changes.”

CHAPTER 63

HARPER

Ienter Alex’s penthouse to the sound of a ringing phone. After Kat’s illness, I began taking it everywhere with me, but with the new protocols in place at St Clair, all personal mobiles are banned on-site until further notice, so it has to stay at home.

I snatch it up.

“Hi,” I say breathlessly.

“Rebel.” Kat’s voice comes over the phone.

“Hey, sis. How are you and Jax?” I say, unable to keep the mischief from my voice. The fact that my sister has finally opened herself up to Jax is fantastic news. He’s always been like another brother after spending so much time at our house while I was growing up.

“I have some news,” she says. “We’ve set the date.”

I squeal, making her laugh, and I’m glad Alex is still at the office.

“There’s been a cancellation at the venue.”

“You mean the hotel in the Maldives?” I say. “That’s fantastic. When?”

“Three weeks.”

My heart sinks.

“Kat…”

“Before you say anything, Pen and Elijah have been working on the logistics. With Kris in attendance, we have the perfect cover to get you in and out. Although from the way the investigation is going, it may be unnecessary,” she says, her excitement very un-Kat-like.

“I…” My eyes fill with tears, my throat clogging. The thought of being with my family after seven months.

“Harps.” Kat’s voice catches, and my phone beeps as she switches me to a video call, her fingers touching the screen. I mirror the movement.

“The staff at the resort are all under legal contract, as with all Frazer hotels. We’re even chartering the seaplanes to fly the guests out, employing our own pilots. Your identity will not be compromised, I promise.”