My Boss's Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42 New House

WILLOW

“You’re going out on a Sunday?” Kath asked from the couch, her voice still thick with sleep.

I turned from the window where I had been peeking through the curtains. Rocco’s car was already parked outside near the back entrance of the building.

Kath was wearing an oversized shirt that hung off one shoulder and a pair of loose shorts. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun.

“Yes,” I answered, grabbing my bag from the counter. “I have to check on something.”

She narrowed her eyes. “This corporate thing is really making you busy. We barely have time to speak now.”

Her words made me pause.

For a moment, guilt pressed against my chest. Kath had been there through everything. Through the tears. Through the silent nights when my marriage felt one–sided.

“I know,” I said softly. “We’ll talk really soon. I promise.”

I meant it.

I had been planning to tell her everything. I couldn’t take hiding my situation from here any longer.

“We’d better,” she replied, pointing at me lazily. “Now go and make some money. We still have to fulfill our dreams of buying a Fiorane bag together.”

I almost laughed.

If she only knew.

If she only knew that I was not just working at Fiorane.

“Yeah,” I said lightly. “Let’s do just that.”

I slipped on my shoes and headed out before my expression betrayed anything.

The morning air was cool, and the sunlight felt gentle against my skin. I went out of the elevator and to the back entrance, smiling slightly as I slid into the back seat.

“Miss Willow,” Rocco greeted warmly from the driver’s seat.

“Good morning,” I replied. “No driver today?”

He chuckled softly. “We’re going to your new house. I reckon you do not want anyone to know except for me.”

My breath caught.

“It’s already finished?” I asked.

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Chapter 42 New House

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“It was already being built when Sir William asked me to look for you,” he explained. “I simply made sure everything was completed according to his standards.”

His voice softened. “I am just sad that he did not get to see it.”

I swallowed.

“So am I. I admitted quietly.

For a moment, silence filled the car. Then he started driving.

The city slowly shifted from bustling streets to quieter roads as we moved farther from the center. I watched the buildings pass by, my mind drifting.

“I heard something from the office,” Rocco said carefully.

I stiffened. Word has definitely gotten around, huh?

“What did you hear?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

“I heard Mr. Fawn is giving you a hard time.”

I bit my lip and internally cursed.

“It’s not that bad,” I replied, forcing a small smile even though he could not see it clearly from the front.

“It’s all over the office,” he continued gently. “They are saying you are incompetent. They are not using pretty words.”

“They are not a hundred percent wrong,” I muttered before I could stop myself.

Rocco’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror immediately.

“Miss Willow.”

“It’s just that…” I exhaled slowly. “They’re acting petty. I can tell they do not like me.”

I stared out the window, watching the scenery blur past.

“I am new. I am young. I do not have their trust yet. That is understandable.”

Rocco sighed.

“This always happens,” he said. “That is why I have been taking care of Mr. William all this time. People resist change. They fear people doing better than them.”

“I know,” I replied.

“I will talk to them,” he offered.

“You don’t have to,” I said immediately.

“Why is that?”

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Chapter 42 New House

I leaned back against the seat.

“Because I want to reveal myself when I have proven something,” I explained. “If I come out now as the new CEO, I am sure they would look down on me even more. At least, behind my back.”

“You also can’t defend me all the time. We have to make everyone believe we aren’t close like that.”

I paused.

“Along with that, it’s better for them to bring me down within my vision. I don’t want them backstabbing me. At least, that way, I know what to expect.”

It sounded colder than I intended, but it was the truth.

Tristan’s words echoed faintly in my head.

You survive at the bottom first.

Rocco was quiet for a moment before nodding slightly.

“Whatever you say, Miss Willow.”

We continued traversing through quieter neighborhoods. The roads grew wider. The houses became more spaced out.

“It is pretty far from the center,” Rocco commented. “But this lot is excellent. Not that many houses nearby. Very private.”

“Thanks, Rocco,” I said. “Private is just the way I like it.”

I looked out of the window again, the trees along the road looking oddly familiar.

I leaned forward slightly, narrowing my eyes at the view ahead.

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