Page 33 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Good luck,” he says, offering me an encouraging smile.

I return it as someone else grabs the door before I have time to close it.

I drop my head, then remember Sophia’s words from the previous day. Squaring my shoulders, I enter reception and make my way to the main desk, where the woman from the previous day is seated, greeting everyone as they pass. Lucia.

I move towards her counter.

“Hi, I’m not sure if you can help me,” I say. “I’m starting. I’m not sure where I need to go.”

She looks up. “Ah, Brooke, Sue said to expect you.” She smiles before recognition flashes across her face. My lungs constrict. “Oh, you came in with Mrs Bianchi yesterday. Hi again, I’m Lucia.”

“Hi Lucia, a pleasure to meet you— again,” I say, returning her smile despite my thundering heart and light-headedness.

She grins. “I love your British accent.”

She picks up the phone next to her.

“It’s Lucia. Brooke has arrived.” There’s a pause as she listens to whoever is on the other end of the call. “Yes, of course, I’ll tell her to wait here.”

She returns the receiver to its cradle.

She points across to a set of plush sofas. “Take a seat. Callie will be down shortly.”

“Thank you.”

* * *

When Callie appears, I get to my feet, inhaling deeply.

“Lovely to see you again, Brooke,” she says.

The same sense of welcome returns.

“You too,” I say, meaning it.

There’s a warmth about Callie, an openness. I’m looking forward to getting to know her, even if it is only for a few weeks.

I follow her to the elevator while she talks.

“First, we’re going to head to HR. Sue has all the paperwork ready for you to sign. NDAs, etc.”

I open my eyes wide and stare at her. She smiles.

“It’s okay,” she says, placing a hand on my arm. “Nothing major. It’s just working as Alex’s PA means you’ll be privy to a lot of personal and confidential information.”

I nod.

“After that, we’ll head to the in-house store. Your dress is gorgeous, vintage Chanel, right?”

I nod again, impressed by her knowledge.

“I thought so. However, all St Clair employees are requested to wear St Clair attire while in the office.”

My mouth drops. “That’s quite the commitment for the company,” I say.

“But worth it, if you think about it. When you work here, you’re seen as an extension of the company and are expected to dress and behave accordingly. HR must have explained all this to you yesterday.”

“They did, but I was going to be a back-office clerk, not front and centre.”