Page 219 of The Rebel Billionaire

“I’m sorry,” she says.

Dishing up the porridge, I pass her a bowl and spoon.

“It is what it is,” I say, not wanting to relay my inner anguish. “We just need to find this person.”

“You will. I have every faith.”

I wish I felt as confident. Whoever is selling our designs knows what they’re doing and is covering their tracks. Like Elise, I hate the fact that I’m looking around constantly, wondering who our snake in the grass is.

* * *

I look up as Brooke enters my office, lunch in hand.

“Here you go,” she says, placing it on my desk.

“You not eating?”

She shakes her head, her nose wrinkling.

“Are you okay?”

“My stomach’s still feeling a little tender today. I’m sure it’s just a knock-on effect of the norovirus.”

I frown.

“It’s been a couple of weeks,” I say.

“Apparently I might be tender for a while.”

“If you need to see a doctor, make an appointment.”

She grins. “Yes, boss.”

“If you want something bland, I’m sure Monty will make you something. You seem to have that man wrapped around your little finger,” I say.

Monty, not far off retirement, treats Brooke like a granddaughter.

Her eyes sparkle, and I’m glad to see some of her usual sassiness returning.

“I will if I get hungry later. In the meantime, this is yours. Stop and eat it.”

* * *

When Brooke is sick again the next morning, I decide enough is enough.

“I’ve made you an appointment with my primary care physician.”

“I don’t need to see a GP. I’m fine. I’m sure it’s just my stomach being overly sensitive.”

“Don’t argue with me. Go and see him. If it’s nothing, then that’s fine, but you may need something to help settle your stomach. You’ve lost a fair bit of weight since you had norovirus.”

“Did your mother never tell you it’s rude to comment on a woman’s weight?”

I pull her into my arms. “She did, but when it’s the woman I care about, then I’m not going to beat around the bush. Get checked out, if for no other reason than to put my mind at rest.”

I drop a kiss on her lips. “Humour me, please.”

Her lips turn up in a smile against mine.