Page 58 of The Rebel Billionaire

He glances over at me.

“Over there,” I say, pointing to the stage and the tables where all Callie’s baby gifts are hiding.

He disappears into the crowd, heading in the direction of the stage.

“Wow, you pulled it off,” Sue says, appearing beside me. “Her face was a picture.”

I grin, my chest expanding. “I did, didn’t I?”

I look around and spot all the balloons and banners. Baby Shower, not birthday. Ralph made it back in time!

Molly appears at my side, handing me a glass of bubbles.

“I think you deserve this,” she says.

I accept the glass. “Thank you, Molly,” I say, taking a tiny sip.

There’s no way I’m drinking, lowering my guard and risking getting caught. It’s tough enough being Brooke with a clear head, let alone an alcohol-fuelled one. I’ll need my wits about me tonight, that’s for sure. Cameras are already out, and people are busy taking photos and videos, capturing the moment ready to upload to their social media accounts.

Oh hell, was anyone videoing the elevator reveal?

My stomach drops at the thought. I should have stayed upstairs and made an excuse to come down later.

I slink off to the side, swapping it for a juice glass.

“Quite the party you’ve arranged,” Sophia says, coming to stand next to me.

“Sophia, I wasn’t sure you were going to make it,” I say, straightening.

“Callie was my PA for four years before Sandro took over. I wanted to be here to say goodbye.”

“You don’t think she’ll be back?”

She turns her head to look at me. “Do you?”

I smile. “No, not that she’s realised it yet. But I have a feeling once her baby arrives, she’s not going to want to be separated from them.”

“It’s been a battle for them both,” Sophia says. “I’m just happy it’s all worked out.”

The party is in full flow when Alessandro takes to the stage.

He knocks a metal spoon against his glass next to the microphone, causing feedback.

I flinch.

It takes a moment for the room to quieten down.

“Thank you all for coming. I’d say to celebrate Callie leaving, but we’re celebrating her moving on to a new chapter in her life. Come on up, Callie. Mother.”

Sophia steps onto the stage next to him, and I realise what she’s doing. She’s stepping up so I don’t have to, knowing this moment is going to be recorded and posted. Potentially scrutinised. My heart starts to thunder in my chest, and I move further back, only stopping when my back hits the wall.

Callie makes her way to the stage.

“Callie, we had a small whip-round,” Alessandro says, his eyes finding mine. I sent him a message letting him know exactly how much had been collected and what I was going to do with it. “We’ve arranged for a few gifts for you and the baby.”

I recognise two of the kitchen staff, who step forward and move the tables, leaving the presents I wrapped last night, centre stage.

Callie’s hand flies to her mouth, her head spinning to David, who is simply smiling up at her.