The Billionaire's Widow

9

“Amy, please calm down. Jase didn’t mean what he said. We’re siblings, for heaven’s sake,” I said over the phone, trying to sound firm but gentle.

“Paige, I don’t even know why you’re begging me not to kick him out. He’s trouble. Yes, he’s our little brother, but he crossed the line when he said Mom and I are annoying. For fuck’s sake, we want what’s best for you.”

I sighed. “I know that. But chasing Jase out isn’t right. It’s too much, Amy.”

She scoffed. “Well, I don’t care. If he’s not out by tomorrow, I’m going to kill him.”

I froze. “What?! You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I am dead serious.”

“I can’t allow that,” I said, trying to sound brave—even if my heart was pounding.

“What?!”

“Amy, Jason is our brother—whether you like it or not. So he’s not going anywhere.”

“That is my house!” she shouted so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

“Not anymore,” I blurted out.

“Excuse me?”

I took a deep breath. “I’m going to be paying the rent from now on. Technically, that makes it my place.”

She went quiet.

“Listen, sis, I know you’re angry because he didn’t apologize—but trust me, he will.”

“I don’t want his stinking apology,” she snapped. “And since you want to keep him so bad, fine. But don’t come running to me when he causes trouble again.” She hung up.

“Ughhh!” I collapsed onto the couch.

Why does Amy have to be so stubborn? And where is all this anger coming from? I know Jason’s had his moments in the past, but he’s grown up. We all make mistakes. Why does she keep reminding him of his?

I stood up and headed to his room. I listened for any sounds. It was quiet. I knocked and let myself in.

“Jase?”

“I’m here,” he said from the balcony.

I walked out to him. “Hey. Are you okay?”

He smiled. “Paige, I’m fine. Amy doesn’t scare me, so relax.”

I let out a small breath of relief. “Are you okay?”

He chuckled. “Yeah. I just think I need to accept that you guys will never get along.”

“We will,” I said softly, “when she finally accepts you for who you are.”

He turned to me, and his voice cracked just a little. “Paige, what is wrong with them? You give them nothing but love. You always try to make them happy. But they still look down on you—just because you chose to come out.”

Hearing how hurt he was broke my heart.

“It’s okay, Jase.” I wrapped my arms around him. “Everything will be fine. Just focus on school for now, okay?” I pulled back and cupped his face. “Alright?”

“Okay.”

Hailey’s POV

“Paige!”

She jumped. “Huh?”

“What’s wrong with you? You’re not focused,” I said, raising a brow. But she just shook her head like she was trying to clear her thoughts.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Anders. Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.”

I sighed, looking into her eyes. “Is it a boy?”

She chuckled, clearly surprised. “Family problems. But I’ll be fine, I promise.”

I wasn’t convinced. “Don’t lie to me, Paige.”

She looked away.

“Okay. Just get these ready, and once you’re done, tell Bobby to bring the car around.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She nodded and walked back to her workstation.

I stared at her for a moment. I couldn’t help but wonder—what kind of family problems? Financial issues? Something deeper? Paige had been my best assistant by far. She was efficient, kind, and hard-working. It still shocked me that it had taken her two months to find a job before coming here.

I closed my laptop, gathered my things, and made my way out.

Paige’s POV

After telling Bobby to pull the car around, I got up to inform Hailey—but she came out before I could say anything.

“Oh—I was just about to let you know your driver’s waiting,” I said.

She smiled. “Perfect. Are you ready?”

“Me?” I blinked. “You want me to come with you?”

I immediately regretted asking. Of course she wanted me to come—it’s literally my job. To follow her everywhere. Whether it's an emergency trip to LA, Atlanta, D.C.—wherever she needs to go. Thank goodness for her private jets.

“Yeah. You’re coming with me.” She turned, and I nodded quickly, grabbing my bag and the phone she gave me.

The ride to Fifth Avenue was quiet. I was completely lost in my thoughts. She didn’t seem to mind, though—she was glued to her phone the entire time.

Still, I found it odd she hadn’t asked me to call the boutique ahead and request they close the store. That was her usual move.

“Okay. Come on.” She stepped out of the car, and I followed. We entered one of the most beautiful—and outrageously expensive—shops in the city. Immediately, people started gasping and pulling out their phones to snap pictures.

Hailey walked toward the handbag section, which was quieter and led to the manager’s office.

“Charlie!” she greeted, her voice warm.

“Hailey! Oh my goodness, hi!” The woman giggled and opened her arms. “What a surprise.”

“Yeah, I wanted to do some shopping. Can you please close for at least thirty minutes? I promise I won’t disappoint you.”

Charlie laughed. “Oh, Hailey, come on. You don’t have to convince me. I trust you.”

“Thank you, my good friend,” my boss said.

At least now I’d have thirty minutes to myself.

________________________