Page 29 of The Rebel Billionaire

She chuckles. “I’m not telling you what to do. I would not presume.”

I raise an eyebrow, and she laughs, her eyes crinkling, her hand going to her stomach to support it.

“Presume away—please,” I say eventually, knowing I need to support Callie the way she’s supported me over the years.

“All I’m saying is, the other candidates fell short in one or more areas. How much harder can it be to train someone from scratch? Someone who clearly has an aptitude for this kind of work, even if she doesn’t know it yet.”

I’m still reeling. Five candidates were interviewed, and not one was suitable.

I pinch the skin beneath my chin.

“Brooke wasn’t here for an interview, but I got better vibes off her than any of the other candidates we met this morning. And she wasn’t prepped, at least not by your mother. Sophia was shocked when I told her I was leaving so soon. I get the impression that what you saw from Brooke today was all her.” She pauses. “Alex, I know Sophia, I was trained by her, remember. Brooke was not a persona your mother cooked up.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

I already know what she’s going to suggest, and my back is up against the wall. I either accept one of the women I interviewed or give this Brooke woman a trial. But for Callie’s sake, I need to decide, and fast.

My thoughts wander back to Brooke. The defensive tension in her shoulders, that strong, confident stare, the tilt of her chin.

Callie’s role requires someone with a backbone, someone who can politely stand up and run interference.

With Brooke, I know I’m playing with fire. There’s something about her, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Is it because she was with my mother? Or because she’s green and will be Callie’s responsibility? If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be back to square one, only this time Callie will be gone.

“Fine,” I say. “If Sue agrees, and you think she’s up to it, she’s all yours. But Callie, if it’s not working out, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Callie smiles, her eyes sparkling. I hope I haven’t just walked into a well-constructed conspiracy.

“My gut tells me you’re not going to regret it,” she says.

Truth be told, I already am, but I have more pressing matters on my mind. Finding a replacement PA is not something I have the inclination or patience for right now.

Callie turns to leave and pauses, her hand resting on the handle, smiling over her shoulder. “I really don’t think you’ll have a problem. I think this is going to work out perfectly. But if it makes you feel any better, then of course I’ll let you know.”

“Just make sure you do. I don’t need David on my back,” I say before adding, “Call Sue.”

“Already done,” she says with a smirk.

She closes the door behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts, wondering what the hell I’ve just agreed to.

CHAPTER 10

HARPER

I’m sitting watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns when the phone rings.

“Brooke?”

“Er, yes,” I say after a beat.

I really need to stop blinking every time someone says my name. It’s a tell that I need to drop and fast.

“This is Sue Hanson, head of Human Resources at St Clair.”

My breath catches in my throat.

Have they uncovered an anomaly in my application? Is my cover blown?

“We have a position for you,” she continues.