Page 49 of The Rebel Billionaire

Callie’s presents are being delivered this afternoon, and I managed to get a delivery of wrapping paper. I must admit, not being able to simply pop out to the shops is getting tiresome. So far, I’ve been lucky. No one has recognised me, but then who here would expect the infamous Harper Frazer to be working as a PA for a fashion house in Manhattan?

Being seen out on the street is a different risk. As Sophia pointed out in the beginning, it’s about keeping myself safe. To say The Seamstress put the fear of God into me is putting it mildly, and at the end of the day, it’s not just me. If what she said is true, then I must think about the rest of my family and the other women who are also at risk.

Fifteen minutes later, Molly appears.

“Hey, Brooke,” she says, her southern twang warm and inviting.

“Thank you, Molly. I really appreciate you bringing this up.”

“Don’t thank me. It got me out of the kitchen. It’s crazy with all the prep for tomorrow’s party. Everyone is super excited. Everyone loves Callie and wants this to be the best baby shower she could wish for.”

I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown to Callie and, in turn, to me. Over seven hundred staff members have RSVP’d to say they’re going to attend. The other fifty have sent their apologies as they have prior engagements. But the amount collected in the whip-round has blown my mind. Callie is clearly loved.

No pressure!

Molly places the lunches on my desk.

When she leaves, I head to the kitchen and make Alessandro his favourite coffee. I place it on a tray and carry it back to my desk. I also snag a bottle of chilled water from the fridge, unsure if he has any with him.

I lift the tray and carry it to his door.

Knocking twice, I wait.

I hear a harrumph from deep inside and bite my lip. It could be Gabriel. I pause.

“What?” A terse voice comes from within.

I don’t answer. I simply open the door and step inside.

Alessandro looks up, a frown marring his brow. “I asked not to be disturbed.”

“This isn’t me disturbing you. It’s simply me offering you fuel.” I place the tray on his desk and step away. “We all need sustenance,” I say.

Whatever he’s working on, it cannot be so important that he ignores his body’s needs.

I turn and walk away.

“Brooke…” I stop at the sound of my name. “Thank you. I didn’t realise the time.”

“You’re welcome,” I say, letting myself out.

I glance back briefly to see him staring at the food, his expression unreadable, before closing the door quietly behind me.

Callie returns a little while later.

“Nothing has changed,” she says, hanging up her bag and coat before lowering herself into the chair. “But I admit, I’m relieved.”

“That’s great news,” I say.

I know she was concerned she might need to begin taking insulin.

“Just think, from tomorrow, answering phones and organising Alessandro’s entire life will all be a distant memory. You can focus entirely on you and your Little Button.”

Callie groans. “I’m going to be bored out of my brains. Promise me you’ll call me if you need anything. Even if it’s just for a chat.”

“I promise,” I say, knowing I’m probably not going to have any free time to sneeze, let alone pick up a phone to gossip. But being alone, I get that. David, by all accounts, is like Alessandro, working ridiculous hours.

The afternoon flies by, and Callie packs at five.