My Boss's Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 48

Better Brother

Chapter 48 Rich People Zone

WILLOW

I stared at the schedule for next week with wide eyes.

The name glared back at me from the screen.

Meeting with Marcus Hale at 10AM sharp.

My heart slammed against my ribs, nearly sliding off the couch. I had been half–lying there, one leg tucked beneath me, with a soap opera playing in the background, when Rocco sent me my schedule for the next week. I knew it was going to be more packed because of the launch of a new product, but I definitely wasn’t expecting a business meeting with my ex–husband.

Kath was in the kitchen, humming while she cooked. The scent of garlic and butter drifted through the apartment.

I lowered the volume on my phone and quickly dialed Rocco.

It rang longer than usual.

By the time he answered, I was pacing.

“Yes, Miss Willow?” he said, slightly breathless. In the background, I heard children laughing, a cartoon blaring, and what sounded like someone arguing over snacks.

“I’m sorry,” I said immediately. “Are you with your grandchildren?”

“Yes, yes,” he chuckled. “I am on duty as a grandfather today.”

I felt guilty calling him at this time, but I had to clarify the schedule with him before I went insane.

“I have a meeting with Marcus?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

There was a pause.

“You already saw?” he asked carefully.

“Yes,” I replied. “How do I have a meeting with him?”

He sighed, and I heard a door close on his end, muffling the noise. “It was scheduled long ago. Your father set it before… everything.”

“How far back?” I asked.

“Even before he found you.”

My breath caught.

That far back?

“Yes,” Rocco continued gently. “You know, Mr. William’s personal appearances were usually pushed back a

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Charter 48 Rich People Zone

year because of his health. The slot was reserved long before the incident. I could not find a reasonable. excuse to cancel without drawing attention. Marcus Hale is still a Hale after all.”

“How are we going to do this?” I muttered, pressing my fingers to my temple.

“I can come as a dummy.” Rocco suggested. “I will sit in and redirect attention if necessary. You do not want to be found out as the new secretary and definitely not the new owner, right?”

“No,” I said immediately.

“I have already thought about this,” he reassured me. “Do not worry, Miss Willow.”

I let out a slow breath. “Okay. Thank you, Rocco.”

I ended the call and lowered the phone.

“Rocco, huh?”

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Kath was leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest. She had finished cooking faster than I realized.

“Important call?” she asked lightly, but her eyes were sharp.

“Yes,” I said too quickly.

She walked into the living room, wiping her hands on a towel. “You’ve been weird.”

My stomach dropped.

“Weird?” I repeated, trying to sound amused.

“For weeks,” she said. “First, you take calls all the time, and it does not feel like what a secretary would do. You sound like you are managing something, not assisting someone.”

I swallowed.

“You’re more secretive,” she continued. “You step outside to answer calls. You lower your voice. And along with that…”

She paused deliberately.

“The nice car that keeps coming here,” she said slowly. “The one that picks you up.”

My breath hitched.

She actually saw that?

“You thought I wouldn’t notice?” she asked, one eyebrow arching. “You live with me, Willow.”

“I can explain,” I said.

Explain,” she replied, firm but not angry.

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Chapter 46 Rich People Zone

As I looked into her eyes, the thought sank into me–it was long overdue.

I stared at her for a moment and then sighed.

“Get your car,” I said.

Her eyebrows furrowed. “What?”

“I’m taking you somewhere.”

“What about what I cooked?” she asked, glancing toward the kitchen.

“Let’s pack it up.” I said. “We can eat there.”

“Where are you taking me?” she asked cautiously.

“Do you want to know or not?” I countered.

She studied my face for a long moment.

Then she nodded.

We packed the food into containers and carried everything down. She drove while I gave her directions quietly.

The farther we went, the quieter she became.

Streetlights grew taller, and houses grew larger.

“Are you sure this is right?” she asked for the third time.

Yes.

“This is like… rich people zone,” she muttered. “Like extremely rich people zone.”

I stared straight ahead.

“I’m scared,” she added, half laughing.

“Just keep driving,” I said softly.

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