Page 70 of The Rebel Billionaire

Don’t worry, Harper, it seems you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t!

We eat the rest of our lunch in silence. I now understand why I was invited.

Lunch with the perfect side of a dressing-down.

Does she have any idea how hard this is for me? Has she even thought about it from my perspective? But then she probably just sees Francesca Frazer’s youngest daughter, the rebel and delinquent. Again, my own fault.

I’ll stay hidden, despite slowly going stir-crazy. As someone who has always been socially driven, sitting at home alone with no friends to turn to is driving me insane. But thanks for the nugget of wisdom about my position as PA. It would have saved me several hours of extra work last night after everyone had gone home if I’d known I could simply call downstairs.

As if sensing she’s pushed me as far as she can, Sophia moves on to more neutral topics, and before I know it, Benjamin has arrived to return me to my apartment.

“Thank you for lunch, Sophia,” I say, returning her hug.

I need to reset. I made a mistake, not one I’ll repeat. The worst part is that I now have additional pressure. Alex cannot find out who I really am. I owe Sophia a lot. She offered me refuge when I needed it most. I can’t let her down.

“Take care,” Sophia says. “And remember what I’ve said.”

I step away only to feel her hand on my arm. “It won’t be forever.” Her voice has softened.

I press my lips together and nod, only to find myself pulled in for another hug.

“I just want to keep you safe. I’m not trying to be difficult,” she whispers against my ear.

I pull back, meeting her gaze. “I know, and I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”

Her hand comes up and pats my cheek.

“Safe trip back,” she says, stepping away.

Benjamin is waiting by the car.

“Good lunch, Miss?”

“Lovely, thank you, Benjamin,” I say, getting in.

He catches my eye in the mirror. “Would you like me to put on the radio, or would you prefer silence?”

I offer him a weak smile. “The radio would be lovely, thank you.”

He smiles and switches on one of the local channels. One of Caleb’s favourite songs is playing.

I send him a message.

ME:

Hey.

CALEB:

Hey, you. How are you doing?

ME:

I’m okay, tired. Sorry if I’ve disturbed your evening.

CALEB:

No, the boys are all around. It’s poker night.