Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Secretary

WILLOW

I ducked instinctively, nearly sliding off the leather seat.

Rocco chuckled. “It’s tinted, Miss Willow. It will be completely dark from the outside.”

Finished.

“I know,” I whispered anyway, still crouching lower, my heart racing like Tristan could somehow sense my presence through tinted bulletproof glass.

Still, I tilted my head just enough to look again.

Tristan stood a few feet away, tall and broad–shouldered, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that looked like it had been custom–built for his body. His jaw was tight, his brows drawn together as he spoke to someone on his phone. Even from here, I could tell he was angry.

God, he looked unfairly handsome this morning.

I clenched my jaw. Focus, Willow.

He gestured sharply with one hand, appearing to be emphasizing a point. Whoever was on the other end of that call was in trouble. Then he ended the call abruptly and turned toward the building.

He took a step forward but stopped right next to the window of the back seat of this car.

My heart practically leapt into my throat.

Slowly, Tristan turned his head toward the car window. Toward me.

I froze.

“Is this really tinted?” I whispered.

Rocco smiled. “Yes, Miss Willow.”

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12:33 pm

ppp.

Chapter 17 Secretory

Pushed

I didn’t trust it. I held my breath as Tristan took a step closer, his reflection faintly visible in the glass. My pulse pounded so loudly I was convinced everyone could hear it.

For a moment, I thought he could see me. The way his gaze locked onto mine made it feel like he had seen through the tinted glass.

However, instead of advancing forward, he merely adjusted his cuff and then fixed his collar. Without another glance, he turned and strode into the building.

I slumped back into the seat, exhaling shakily.

“Oh my goodness,” I whispered. “I think I just aged ten years.”

Rocco was looking at me with an expression that was far too amused.

“You seem quite uncomfortable around him,” he said, lips twitching.

I cleared my throat and straightened my blazer, pretending I had all the composure in the world. “Well,” I said lightly, “he is my soon–to–be ex–husband’s brother.”

Rocco’s smile faded slightly as understanding dawned on his face. “Ah.”

“Yes. Ah.” I echoed.

Then something clicked in

my mind.

“Why is he here?” I asked, suddenly suspicious.

Rocco turned slightly in his seat to face me. “You have a meeting with him.”

“What?” I exclaimed, far louder than I meant to.

The driver was surprised, his shoulders jumping.

“What?” I repeated, softer this time. “Why would I have a meeting with him?”

Rocco remained calm, far too calm for the bomb he had just dropped on me. “It was set beforehand.”

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12:33 pm P pp.

Chapter 17Secretary

I stared at him. “Set by who?”

Finished

“Your father,” he replied gently. “I told you yesterday about the possible collaborations with the shareholders. Mr. Hale wants to present his proposal.”

I leaned back, pressing my head against the seat. “Of all people,” I muttered. “Of course it had to be him.”

“I cannot cancel it without raising questions,” Rocco added.

“I know.” I said quietly.

I closed my eyes for a brief second, thinking fast.

One thing was for sure–I couldn’t let him know who I was right now. It would just complicate everything. Tristan might divulge the information to Marcus. If Marcus found out I was the heir to Fiorane, he’d bark like a dog just to get on my good side.

I tapped Rocco’s shoulder when I thought of something.

“Rocco,” I said slowly, an idea forming that was either brilliant or incredibly stupid. “Is it out who the new owner of Fiorane is?”

He shook his head. “No. That is up to you.”

Relief washed over me, followed immediately by mischief.

“Good,” I said. Then, leaning forward slightly, lowering my voice like we were conspiring to rob a bank, I added, “Can you tell him that I’m just the secretary of the new heir?”

Rocco blinked,

“The… secretary,” he repeated.

“Yes,” I said, nodding far too eagerly.

He raised a brow.

I cleared my throat, suddenly very aware of how ridiculous this sounded. “I mean

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12:33 pm Pppp.

Chapter 1 Secretary

Finished

–“I rushed on, trying to sound logical. “Not everyone in the company knows who I am.”

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