The Billionaires Too (#2)

Betrayal

Jorge did not know how to face his sister again after their last conversation. He knew he was to blame for Alastair Cooper's death, but there was nothing he could have done; no matter what he did, someone was going to die anyway.

MJ was very important to him, he just wished she could see that; but MJ always saw and believed whatever she wanted, no matter what. She was quick to jump to conclusions and declare war, and that was something that haunted him every day and night.

MJ had declared war against him, except, he was not willing to fight her. She was his sister and he loved her despite everything she stood for. He was going to do whatever it took to get back into her life and by her side; that was how it had always been, Jorge and MJ Billings against the world.

The thought of losing her and their relationship, rattled him, she was the only family he had left. He could not remember the last time he had a decent conversation with their father, it was as if he just vanished off the surface of the earth.

He sighed and laid back again MJ's chair. He was waiting in her office from the last two hours, and she was still not in. He knew she had been coming to the main building for the past few days and that she was trying to get the company running again.

She spent most of her time in here and left late at night, she was so engrossed in the business that she even missed Alastair's burial; something Sandra seemed to approve of.

Jorge spent years trying to understand the relationship between MJ and Alastair Cooper. They were not close, and yet, they were inseparable. Alastair seemed to agree with all of MJ's decisions no matter how bad they were, and he always took her side and supported her.

Jorge hated the man. He hated the fact that Alastair was the one to rescue his sister from the streets and give her a better life. He hated the fact that Alastair was always there and never gave them the space to be the family they used to be. He blamed him for changing his sister into a heartless monster, and if anyone had to die, it had to be him.

But even in death, he still builds a bridge between Jorge and his sister. She hated him and she loved him, but the hatred she carried for him was stronger than the love she had for him.

He touched his cheek, his fingers running over the huge scar left by MJ's diamond ring. He still remembered that night very well; all the hurtful things he said to her, the pain in her eyes, her hatred, the coldness in her voice. He wished he had handled the matter differently. But whenever Sonya was involved, he lost his mind.

He sighed and downed his sixth glass of whiskey. Just then, his phone blared up, and an unknown number popped up on the screen. He swallowed as he stared at the phone as it rang, this was the same number that called him before his meeting at McEnroe Construction Company, when he planned his sister's birthday, and the day before the bank robbery.

He gulped and answered, "Hello."

"Ah, Jorge!" Esperanza's devious voice sang. "I was starting to think that you were ignoring me."

Jorge cleared his throat and sat up straight. "No, of course not."

"I knew you wouldn't." She said sweetly. "Anyway, you must be wondering why I am calling you at this time of the day." She sighed dreadfully. "Your sister has put a price on my head." Jorge closed his eyes. "Get her off my back." She said coldly.

"You know I can't do that." He gritted.

"Don't push me, Jorge. I'd hate to watch your fiancée and her grandmother drown in that pool."

Jorge jumped from his seat, knocking the glass off by mistake. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he bit his teeth and grabbed at his hair. "Esperanza..." He called softly. "Esperanza, don't do anything you will regret later."

"I don't regret." She bit coldly. Jorge paled as her words sank in. He knew what she was capable of, she was the most dangerous 18-year-old he had ever come across. "Get MJ Billings off my back, and nothing happens to your little girlfriend." She warned and hung up before he could respond.

Jorge dropped the phone on the table and bit into his balled fist to cover his cries. He sank onto the chair, his body shaking due to his sobs.

How did I end up in this situation? He wondered.

He could not stop crying, and he did not want his sister to see him like this. Not only because he would be forced to tell her the truth, he was just not ready for her insults; whenever she saw him cry, it was a sign of weakness to her.

He quickly wiped away his tears and grabbed his things before he got up to leave, but MJ's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"We need to talk." She said as she threw her stuff on the couch before she sat down.

"Not now, MJ. I need to–"

"Sit down."

Jorge stood still and looked at her. There was something different about her; besides her bruises, her face looked a bit softer and peaceful. She was wearing casual clothing and she seemed to have abandoned her untouchable attitude.

He sighed and sat down. "You look great." He said with a small smile.

MJ cleared her throat and looked away. "Thank you."

"You are welcome."

For the first time in a while, MJ cracked a smile, and Jorge copied her actions. "I wanted to check what the proceedings are with McEnroe Construction Company; did you draw up the contract?" She asked.

"Yes, they took the 45% offer."

"Great. I need you to give them a new offer"

Jorge sat up in surprise. "What?"

"I want you to draw up a new contract for McEnroe Construction Company, with their initial offer of 75-25."

Jorge did not know what to say. "But..."

"Look, I realized that I was wrong and unfair with the way I handled the whole thing, I was upset about everything that happened with Logan Parker." Jorge was rendered speechless. "I made a lot of mistakes and said things I shouldn't have, especially with you, and I am sorry." She sucked in a deep breath. "Alastair's death made me realise that life is too short, Jorge. You are the only family I have left, and I don't want to lose you too." She stood up and walked towards his desk. "I know I am overbearing and difficult most of the time, but I am willing to try, if you will still have me." She shrugged and sighed.

Jorge stood up and pulled her into a tight hug. MJ tensed at first, but relaxed a bit and hugged him back. Jorge wished he could freeze this moment and forget about Esperanza and everything else. He knew that as much as MJ was willing to try, he was going to keep disappointing her until she can't take it anymore.