Page 98 of The Rebel Billionaire

“Well, now we’ve cleared that up, maybe we can get on with the tasks at hand.”

“Of course,” I say, standing up. “I have all the reports ready for you.”

He stares at me. “All of them?”

“Er, yes… if you have anything else that needs doing, I have extra capacity.”

“Brooke, sit down.”

I drop back into the chair, clasping my hands in my lap.

“Has someone said something to you?” he asks.

He presses his lips together, squinting at me.

“I’ll say this once. If I have a problem, I’ll speak directly to you about it. Do I make myself clear?”

He holds my gaze, and I nod.

“It’s just…” I say.

“Spit it out.”

“You’ve appeared distracted, and I assumed it was because of what happened.”

He sits back in his chair.

“It has nothing to do with you. Something is going on that I’m not at liberty to share. Don’t take it personally. I have a lot on my mind.”

I smile, the tight muscles in my stomach loosening. “No problem. Is that all?” I ask.

“Yes,” he says.

I stand, moving to the door.

“And, Brooke, why don’t you take an extended lunch break?” he says when I turn to face him.

“Would you like me to bring you something up?”

He smiles, and my heart flips. “That would be great. If you’re ahead, then I might as well take advantage of it. Maybe we can both get out of here early today.”

“Of course,” I say, letting myself out.

Extended lunch break, with who? I can sit and be Norma No-Mates, but what is the fun in that? It’s not like I can even go out and wander around the shops. This whole situation has left me isolated, and the loneliness is starting to get to me.

I glance at the clock. It’s twelve o’clock.

I switch the phones over and head down to the cafeteria.

“Hey, Brooke,” a voice says as I enter.

“Hey Molly. I’m going to have some lunch here, but Alex would like me to take something upstairs for him.”

She grins. “Of course. I’ll get Chef to prepare it and you can collect it when you’re done.”

I move along the counter, picking up a chicken salad and some fruit.

“Brooke.”