The Billionaire's Widow

6

Paige’s POV

I kicked off my heels, and the moment my feet touched the cool floor, a wave of relief washed over me. Home sweet home, I muttered, collapsing onto the couch.

My phone vibrated. I groaned and checked the caller ID. “Hello?”

“Honey, hi! I’ve been calling you all day—you didn’t answer. Are you okay?”

I sighed. “Mom, I’m fine. My boss doesn’t allow personal calls during work hours.”

“Oh, right—you told me about the job! How was your first day?”

I wish I could say fun. “Exhausting, Mom. I’m completely worn out.”

She chuckled. “First days are always like that, honey. But trust me—you’ll get the hang of it.”

A small smile crept onto my face. “Thanks, Mom. How’s Dad? And the little troublemaker, Jason?”

She laughed. “Your father’s doing well, and Jason is… Jason. Don’t forget he’s coming tomorrow.”

Of course I forgot.

“Of course I remember. His room is already cleaned. I can’t wait to see my little brother,” I said quickly.

“His flight lands at 3:45 p.m. Please don’t forget to pick him up. I don’t want another one of my babies getting lost.”

“I can’t pick him up, Mom—I have work tomorrow.”

“But Paige, who’s going to pick him up?” she asked, her voice rising.

“I don’t know… Amy, maybe?” She has a car. I don’t.

“Honey, Amy’s job is very demanding. I’m sure she can’t.”

Wait, what?

“And mine isn’t? Wow. I can’t believe you just said that.”

“Paige, you’re just an assistant. I’m sure you can spare a few minutes to go get your brother.”

Just an assistant. My jaw clenched.

“Wow. As if you know anything about being a personal assistant to Hailey freaking Anders.” I let out a bitter laugh. “You know what? I’m not in the mood to argue. I’ll pick him up. But if I lose my job, it’s on you.”

I hung up and let out a frustrated sigh.

Now would be a good time to mention: my relationship with my mother is… complicated. I’m a daddy’s girl, always have been. He gets me. She doesn’t. Ever since she found out about my sexuality, it’s like everything I do lost value in her eyes. Amy is the golden child—career-driven, straight, the picture-perfect daughter. Meanwhile, I’m barely visible. Never mind that I’m currently making more money than Amy—her job is still somehow more important.

I shook off the feeling. I was used to it.

I dragged myself to the shower, trying to rinse the day—and the conversation—down the drain.

Hailey’s POV

A knock came at the door. “Come in.”

Paige walked in, dressed to perfection—as always. Day two, and she was already proving herself. Efficient, sharp, composed. Marcus ran a full background check on her. Nothing suspicious. No messy baggage. Just a smart girl from a modest family.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Anders, but your best friend is here to see you.”

I nodded. “Let her in.”

A few seconds later, Brooke strolled in wearing her hospital scrubs. I raised an eyebrow.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the hospital?”

She grinned. “Took a break to have lunch with my favorite person.” She set a takeout bag on my desk. “I brought food.”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“I know,” she said with a smirk. “By the way, nice assistant. She’s gorgeous.”

I nodded. “I only hire the best. You know me.”

We both laughed.

I picked up my phone and called Paige. “I need you in my office.”

“I’m on my way,” she said, and showed up moments later. Always punctual.

“You called?”

“Heat this up and plate it for us, please.”

She nodded and got to work. One thing I already appreciated—Paige was quick and didn’t need instructions repeated. I had everything I needed in my office, so she didn’t even need to leave to do it.

“So, I’m leaving tonight,” Brooke said.

“Why?”

“Surgery. I’ve got a patient waiting in L.A.—need to be there first thing tomorrow.”

I nodded. “When are you coming back?”

“Tomorrow evening.”

“You can use the jet.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Hailey. I don’t mind flying commercial, though.”

I shook my head. “No. I insist. I’ll have it prepped for you.”

Just then, Paige placed our food neatly in front of us.

“Okay, since you insist… I’d love that,” Brooke said.

“Perfect. Paige?”

She looked up.

“Make sure the jet is ready for Brooke tonight.”

“I’ll get on it right away.” She turned and left quickly.

Paige’s POV

I glanced at the time. 1:41 p.m. Jason’s flight lands in just over two hours. God, what am I going to do?

I called Amy—straight to voicemail. Great.

My office phone rang. I picked it up automatically. “Anders Constructions. Paige speaking. How can I help you?”

“Hi, I’d like to speak to Hailey Anders, your boss,” a deep older voice said.

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“Greg Clark. CEO of NECTA.”

NECTA—as in the global tech company. Right.

“Please hold, Mr. Clark.” I quickly transferred the call to Hailey’s line. “Mrs. Anders, Mr. Greg Clark is on the line. He’d like to speak with you.”

“Oh, okay. Put him through.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I did just that, then hung up and leaned back in my chair.

But my mind was far from work. I still had no idea how I was going to make it to the airport, pick up my brother, and not get fired.

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