Page 3 of The Rebel Billionaire

“As I said, you’re not the only one affected, and until we sort this out and have all the perpetrators in custody, your life and the lives of others are at risk.”

I draw a breath. “Are you saying someone wants to kill me?”

She shakes her head, her nose wrinkling. “In some ways, what we’ve uncovered would be worse than death. These men, if you can call them that, run a human trafficking gang. If they get you, I’m not sure even we will be able to find you.”

My blood runs cold at her words. My hand trembles as I take another sip of water.

She continues before I can think too much about her words.

“Remember, Harper, these men are not after money. They want leverage and power. Taking you would give them that, and more.” Our eyes meet. “Tell me, what would your brothers, sister, mother do if someone threatened you?”

I bite my lip, wanting to deny it, but knowing I can’t. She’s right. They’d turn the world upside down to ensure my safety. Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched them tear themselves apart, wanting to protect me but knowing they can’t.

Getting on this plane was supposed to be my escape, a break from the guilt of what I’ve put them through. My impulsivity over the past seven years has finally caught up with me and bitten me on the arse.

“What are you saying?” I ask. “That someone wants to kidnap me? But Crawley is dead.”

“Crawley may be dead, but he was not the one calling the shots. He became a loose cannon. We’re not even sure he knew who was at the top of the pyramid, and the others we’ve arrested aren’t talking. They’re scared.”

A shiver racks my body.

There’s a reason they say ignorance is bliss.

“We’re still going through all the documents and files we uncovered, but we need you on board. If not, I cannot guarantee your safety.”

My hand goes to the envelope.

“And this?” I ask.

“This contains your new identity,” she says calmly. “The moment you land in the United States, Harper Frazer disappears, and Brooke Feldmann, a girl from a tiny village in southern England, is born. You’ll be hiding in plain sight, but will need to blend in. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you tell and trust no one with your real identity.” Her voice hardens. “Only Sophia Bianchi can know the truth, and that is only because your mother contacted her, and she’s expecting you.” She sighs. “If I change that part of the plan, then Francesca will recall you, and we’ll be back to square one.”

“You want me to lie to my mother?”

“No, I want you to do what she’s expecting. Allow Sophia Bianchi to assist you, hide you.” She stares me down. “But make no mistake, Harper. This operation’s success is entirely on you.”

My gaze shifts to Kris, sitting across the aisle.

His eyes meet mine, unwavering and firm.

Sucking in a breath, I pick up the envelope, emptying the contents onto the table. A new passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate, school reports, exam certificates. Shit, they’ve covered everything. There’s even a CV.

“The references are real. If someone calls or writes, they’ll receive either a verbal or written response.”

I glance over the documents. Brooke studied the same subjects as I did—helpful. At least I’m not expected to know facts I haven’t learned. The grades, however, aren’t mine. This is Brooke. Harper Frazer is a straight-A student. Brooke is average at best.

I flick through the passport. It contains several entry and exit stamps. Again, places I’ve travelled to.

“Nothing will flag up. Brooke exists. She’s you,” she says confidently.

“Who are you?”

“I’m a friend, and provided you don’t cross me or put my officers and this investigation at risk⁠—”

“And if I do?”

Her expression hardens, her mouth forming a tight line. “It’s not something I would advise.”

I pick up each item, then place them back into the envelope before holding up one final booklet.