Page 68 of The Rebel Billionaire

“You don’t use the gym at St Clair?”

I shake my head. I’ve never enjoyed working out with a full face of makeup.

“I’m not comfortable using it,” I say.

Sophia nods.

“I’ve had Elaine prepare us some lunch. You can tell me how it’s going at St Clair. I hope Sandro is treating you well.”

I freeze.

Please don’t tell me she wants me to spy for her.

I’m grateful she helped get me a job, but Alex is my boss, and we’re finally developing a stable working relationship.

Sophia laughs as if reading my mind. “The look on your face. I’ve no intention of asking you to spill company secrets. I trust my son and the way he runs the company. I simply want to know how you’re doing since Callie left. I’m sure it’s been intense.”

My shoulders relax, and I smile back.

“It has, but I’m loving the challenge. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming. Organising Callie’s party helped me meet a lot of people.” It seems like a lifetime ago now.

Sophia’s smile freezes. “There’ve been no issues? No fallout? I saw how much attention you were receiving that night. You made yourself quite visible.” My hackles rise. It’s not as if any of this is my fault. Her bloody son asked me to organise the party. I couldn’t exactly say no.

I shake my head. “None. I was petrified when Alessandro first set me the task, but Harvey did an amazing job with my hair, and as you said, my makeup has contoured my face. I sometimes even fail to recognise myself.”

Some of the tension in her shoulders loosens, and she smiles. This time, it reaches her eyes.

“I’m pleased to hear it. I was worried when Sandro told me what he’d asked you to do. I must admit, young lady, that was one hell of a send-off you organised. But somehow that doesn’t surprise me. Your mother always knew how to throw the best of parties.”

It’s my turn to smile at her mention of my mother.

“She did, does. She taught me everything I know.”

I laugh.

“Mum never said how you two know one another,” I say, unsure whether Sophia will be happy to share.

“We were at school together… good friends,” she says with a hint of a smile. “What feels like a lifetime ago.”

“She’s pretty awesome,” I say, my stomach clenching.

I’d like nothing more than one of my mother’s hugs right now, telling me everything is going to be okay.

Elaine appears. “Are you ready for lunch now, Mrs Bianchi?”

Sophia looks at me, and I shrug with a smile.

“That would be lovely, Elaine.”

She disappears, then reappears with several young women, all carrying large salad plates, which they place on the table.

“Thank you, ladies, that will be all.”

They disappear without another word, and we take our seats.

“This looks amazing,” I say, placing a napkin on my lap.

“Sandro said you had a run-in with a film crew yesterday outside the office.”