Page 36 of The Rebel Billionaire

I pause, my heart thundering in my chest as I pick up the pen.

Chrissie frowns. “Is everything okay?”

I give her a lopsided smile while reining in my anxiety.

You’ve got this! Sophia said you’re safe here.

“Sorry, I’ve only just arrived. I had to think for a moment.”

She smiles. “Take your time. I remember how it was when I first got here. I can get it from HR if you’d prefer?”

“No, it’s fine.”

I exhale as I jot down my home address.

As we make our way to the door, I catch my reflection in one of the floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

I do a double-take, struggling to even recognise myself. My hair, my make-up, my clothes. Something loosens in my chest, and my nerves begin to settle, although they don’t completely disappear. I’m now a walking poster girl for the St Clair fashion house. Designer clothes are familiar territory. I just hope no one stares too closely at the person wearing them.

As I follow Callie upstairs, listening to her chatter, I know I need to learn to be super-efficient, but professionally invisible. It’s time to put on the performance of a lifetime.

I can do that. Of course I can!

CHAPTER 11

HARPER

Callie takes the task of training me to a whole new level.

She’s the perfect teacher, kind and thoughtful, but she doesn’t let anything slide, which I’m grateful for.

I grab a second notebook from the stationery cupboard and begin taking copious notes. Callie will be here for less than two weeks. I can’t mess this up.

“Alex likes his routine,” she says.

“Morning coffee, Americano, with three shots,” I say.

A man after my own heart, and my brothers. Alex and Gabriel would get on like a house on fire.

“Perfect,” Callie says. “Next⁠—”

“Reports need to be on his desk along with the day’s itinerary for him to go over, whilst drinking said coffee.”

Callie chuckles, biting her lip as Alex comes out of his office.

“Callie, do you have the reports I need for the Henderson meeting tomorrow?” he asks, his gaze locked on Callie, ignoring me.

It’s been the same since I arrived. A brief nod, then nothing. Alex directs all his questions and requests to Callie as if I’m her invisible sidekick. I should be grateful, blending into the background and all that. However, it’s getting a little tedious. I’m about to take over. Ignoring me does not bode well for our future.

“They’re on their way. Colin had some final changes he wanted to make.”

Alex harrumphs. “Get them to me as soon as possible,” he says, before turning and disappearing back into his office.

Callie rolls her eyes.

“I’m not sure he’s happy I’m here,” I say, my shoulders drooping.

Callie shakes her head. “He doesn’t like change. Me leaving… he has a lot on his plate. New collections, fashion week in a few months, photoshoots. Remember, Alex is the bridge between the St Clair creative vision and commercial reality. The buck stops with him when it comes to ensuring the brand remains exclusive, relevant and profitable. There are many people out there who want what he has,” she says. “And don’t forget, I know how he works, his likes and dislikes. There’s going to be a period of adaptation for you both until you find your own routine.”