The Contract

Chapter 62-The Announcement

I rubbed my eyes as I got down the stairs, walking into the kitchen, the sweet smell enveloped my nose. I glanced at the dining to see breakfast already served.

"Good morning, Mrs Ferrari" Evelyn greeted. "Morning" I murmured, going to pour myself some coffee and there was Hillary walking in.

"I've never slept this good in a long time" she commented and I chuckled. "Coffee?" I asked and she nodded, I handed her a mug and she sighed.

"Maybe I do need a chef, I suck at cooking"

"Join the club" I crooned and she grinned before taking a sip. "So, Travis didn't get back home last night?" She observed and just as I was about answering, we heard voices coming from the living room.

We walked in to find Travis, Adrian, and Harrison standing in the living room. Though they had just arrived, their black suits still looked crisp and impeccable.

"There's the lovely Pearl," Adrian said with a smirk. I shot him a polite smile before glancing at Travis.

"Speak of the devil. Where have you been?" Hillary chimed in before Travis could speak.

"When did you arrive?" Travis asked instead, his tone neutral.

"Last night. I wanted to surprise you, but you didn't show up," she replied, crossing her arms.

"Why are you here?" he asked, shrugging off his blazer. "Wow, way to be welcoming, Travis," she shot back, raising an eyebrow.

"You might recognize her from the wedding, Adrian" I spoke up, gesturing to Hillary. "This is Hillary."

"Nice to meet you," Adrian said, extending a hand.

"Trust me, I look better than this," Hillary replied with a grin, shaking his hand. I chuckled as they both lingered, unable to look away from each other.

"Well, if you gentlemen are hungry, breakfast was just served. You must've had a long night," I announced, walking back into the kitchen.

I didn't bother trying to play the role of a dutiful wife in their presence. Pretending, even for a second, might kill me this time. As I placed my mug in the sink and turned to leave, Travis was suddenly there, a few feet away, backing me into the counter.

"You're in my way," I said coolly.

"Are you still mad?" he asked, his voice low.

"Yes," I replied, slipping past him before he could say more.

Hillary appeared in the doorway. "I'll join you later," I told her before heading upstairs.

________________________________________

"Welcome to Paradise!" I declared, spreading my arms dramatically.

"Oh my gosh, Pearl in her business-queen mode," Hillary teased, laughing.

"Hillary!" Kourtney greeted her, walking over with a wide smile. "What's up, girl?"

"I'm good! Did you decide to join Pearl for work today?"

"Yeah, she wanted to show me around L.A. It's cool so far," Hillary said with a shrug.

"Where's Bethany?" I asked, scanning the room.

"She told me to tell you she's taking a week off."

"You see what it's like having friends as employees? Don't do it," I warned, making Hillary laugh as we made our way to my office. She flopped onto the sofa while I took my chair.

"We won't be here long, I promise," I said.

"Don't worry, do your thing. I've got my work," she replied, pulling out her laptop. I smiled at her just as Kourtney came in with a stack of files.