Page 34 of The Rebel Billionaire

Callie chuckles. “For some reason, I’m struggling to see you taking a back seat in anything. But I might be wrong.”

My face must drop because she places a hand on my arm and squeezes. “I meant that as a compliment. You’re stunningly beautiful and have the grace of a model. Not to mention, your dress sense is impeccable, and you exude a natural air of confidence. I think you’re going to be perfect as my replacement.”

I swallow. “How can you tell? You only met me briefly yesterday.”

“I just do,” she says with a wink. “I’ll see to it that you know everything you need to before I leave.”

“Thank you,” I say. “I only hope I can live up to your expectations.”

And that of the man in charge. But I don’t say that.

I realise I don’t want to let Callie or Sophia down either.

“I love it, that’s so British. But be warned, Alex might sound British, but many of his British mannerisms have worn off over time. He’s very much a man of two worlds.”

“Noted,” I say, realising we’ve arrived at HR.

Sue is waiting for us and holds out her hand in greeting. “Welcome aboard, Brooke. If you have any questions, please let me know. Callie is well-versed in everything St Clair, so you’re in great hands.”

“Thank you,” I say again, beginning to sound like a scratched record.

“Now if I can get you to sign these documents, I can give you your pass and let you and Callie get on with your day.”

I take my time reading through my contract and the NDA. It’s all pretty straightforward and similar to documents I’ve encountered through my family before.

“At least I’m not signing away my firstborn,” I say.

“Not yet anyway,” Sue says, with a chuckle. “As I said before, if you have any questions and Callie isn’t around, pop down or drop me an email. We’re here to help.”

I smile and nod.

“Let’s go,” Callie says. “It’s time to fill up your wardrobe.”

We head downstairs to the on-site store.

“Here we go,” Callie says, pushing open the door.

My eyes pop out on stalks as I take in the racks of St Clair clothes, bags and shoes.

“You’ll need at least fourteen outfits. If you can’t do it all today, don’t panic. We’ll find you enough to see you through, and you can come back later. Anything you choose will be shipped to your apartment this evening, unless it needs altering, of course. Our in-house tailors are quick, so even then it will only be a couple of days.”

I move forward towards the racks, noticing items I have back in England.

I turn away. Those are Harper’s items. I need to choose sensible office attire for Brooke.

I begin to move up and down the aisles, Callie following. She appears in her element, holding up clothing, handing them to the assistant to put in the changing room. It’s like shopping with a close friend. She has an amazing eye.

“How long have you worked for Alessandro?” I ask, as I step into the changing room, pulling the curtain closed.

“Five years, since he took over as CEO. Before that I was Sophia’s PA.”

“No pressure then,” I mutter, making Callie laugh.

“As I said, you’ll be fine. Alex’s bark is far worse than his bite. He likes to be in control. It’s why he makes such a great CEO. He’s meticulous. His attention to detail is second to none. He’s also an amazing designer.”

I pop my head out from inside the curtain.

“Designer?”