Paige’s POV
“I’ll be right back,” I muttered with a sigh and walked quickly back to my office.
Elaine had told me earlier that there was a master key card in one of my desk drawers. It opened almost every door in the hotel—and considering most of the doors used card access, it was exactly what I needed now.
Sure enough, I found the card exactly where she said it would be. I grabbed it and hurried back to where Ryder was waiting, standing awkwardly by the bathroom door.
I swiped the card. A soft beep, then a click.
The door unlocked.
Ryder exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Miss Carson.”
I gave her a nod and stepped inside.
The staff bathroom was clean, with a long mirror stretched across the sinks and several stalls lined up opposite. Only one was occupied.
Had to be her.
I knocked lightly on the stall door.
No response. Not even a shuffle.
I knocked again, louder this time.
From inside, I heard a frustrated growl. Then the sound of someone jumping down—probably from sitting on the toilet tank. A moment later, the door swung open.
“You people don’t know how to leave someone alone—”
The second I heard the voice, I knew.
Kim.
The same annoying Kim I had kicked out of AC over a month ago. The same rebellious, stubborn Kim I was now supposed to work with.
Unbelievable.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. Kim?” I stared in disbelief.
She blinked. “Paige? What the hell are you doing here? You lost or something?”
“Lost?” I echoed, stunned.
She pulled out her AirPods, finally registering Ryder standing by the sink.
“Ry, why didn’t you tell this lady this is a staff-only area?”
“She knows,” Ryder replied quietly.
Kim frowned. “How?”
“Ryder, give us a minute,” I said.
Ryder nodded and stepped out.
The moment the door closed, I faced Kim fully. “What are you doing here? Seriously—you couldn’t find a better job?”
Kim scoffed. “Don’t act like you run my life. And how did you even find me?”
“If I was looking for someone, trust me—you wouldn’t make the list. I work here.”
She blinked in confusion, then laughed. “Wait—so the new director already hired someone?”
I folded my arms. “I am the new director, Kim.”
Her smile disappeared. “Logan hired you? Of all people? Why would he—?”
“Look, I don’t have time for this,” I said, cutting her off. “Working with you is already making me question my decisions. Just get back to work.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh baby, trust me—I don’t want to be here either.”
“Then do yourself a favor. Quit.”
She smirked, adjusting her uniform. “Ask Logan about that. Excuse me.”
And just like that, she walked out—leaving me fuming and talking to the air.
“Ughhhhhh!” I groaned, throwing a punch at nothing. “Why her?! Dammit!”
Hailey’s POV
“Come in,” I called, looking up from my laptop as Darsie walked in.
“The new PA is here,” she said.
“Send her in.”
A few seconds later, the door opened and a woman stepped in wearing a sleek black suit. Her hair was styled loose, parted down the middle, and she walked with quiet confidence.
“Please, have a seat,” I said, motioning to the chair across from me.
This process was exhausting. I thought I was done hiring when Paige came along, but now that she was gone, I was back to square one—interviewing strangers and silently missing her.
“Good morning, Mrs. Anders,” the woman greeted politely.
I shook my head. “It’s Miss Finley, please.”
She looked a little startled. “Sorry, ma’am.”
“It’s alright,” I said gently. “So, I’ve looked over your CV. Very impressive. What really stood out is that you describe yourself as a fast learner. That’s what I need. But before we continue, I have one question.”
She straightened slightly. “Yes?”
“Are you looking for something long-term? I mean, would you be willing to work for me permanently?”
She hesitated briefly. “Permanently?”
I nodded. “That is—if you don’t break my rules and get yourself fired.”
She thought for a moment. “I’ve decided, Miss Finley. I’m in.”
I smiled. “Great. Then go through this contract, and if everything’s clear, sign at the bottom.”
I handed her the pen and document. She read everything carefully and signed.
“Alright, Mabel. You start tomorrow morning at eight. If you’re late, you’re fired. Understood?”
“Understood,” she said firmly.
“Do you have a car?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Right.” I pulled out my cheque book, filled it in, and handed her the check.
“Take this to Audi Manhattan. Bruce will help you choose a reliable vehicle. It’ll be used for errands and whatever tasks I assign you—unless we use my car or the jets.”
Her eyes widened. “Thank you so much, Miss Finley.”
“You’re welcome. Darsie is waiting in the lobby to take you out. Have a good day.”
“You too,” she beamed, and left.
Kim’s POV
“Come in,” Paige’s voice called.
I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.
She groaned. “Not you again.”
“Relax,” I said, hands raised. “I’m not here to argue. I just want to talk.”
She looked unimpressed. “Shouldn’t you be working like everyone else?”
I smirked. “It’s not like you can fire me.”
She inhaled slowly, trying to stay calm.
“You act like I planned this,” I muttered. “Believe me, if I had known you were replacing Martin, I’d have put in for a transfer.”
“Please,” She laughed softly. “Wouldn’t put it past you to cozy up to Logan just to keep me nearby.”
She scowled. “You really think too highly of yourself.”
“What do you want, Kim? I have actual work to do.”
“I wanted to talk,” I said with a shrug. “But never mind. I’ll let you get back to it.”
I turned to leave, but paused at the door. “Actually... maybe working here won’t be so bad now that you’re around.”
She glared at me.
“Kim, I’m here for work, not for you. We are done. Get that through your head.”
I chuckled as I walked out.
“We’ll see about that.”
_______________________
YOU ARE READING
The Billionaire's Widow
RomanceHailey Anders After the death of her husband, the only thing that can keep Hailey going are her two little kids. They remind her that he still lives in them. Together with the company he left for her. Paige Carson Fresh out of college with impressi...
