Page 14 of The Billionaire's Proposal

What? My body goes completely numb.

“Mr. Worthington, she said thank you,” Captain Cameron says as she touches my back.

The tightness in my chest isn’t supposed to be there anymore. It’s been five years.

“You’re welcome,” I manage to choke out as I swiftly pivot and retreat into the bathroom downstairs, letting the cool water splash onto my face. Lost in a whirlwind of emotions, I lose track of time as I stand before the mirror, trying to compose myself.

When I finally emerge, I’m met by cameras waiting to capture my every move. The intrusion of their presence jolts me back to reality, reminding me of the facade I must maintain in front of the public eye.

“Would you all please leave me alone?” I snap, the frustration and exhaustion evident in my voice. I realize how I had forgotten about the constant surveillance, being engrossed in the simple pleasure of fishing on the vast blue waters.

Cameron’s voice cuts through the tense atmosphere as she taunts me, her words laced with sarcasm. “There’s the true Mr. Worthington. Unable to uphold that fun-loving face for long, huh?”

The mockery in her tone strikes a nerve, making it harder for me to control myself. Instead of making another scene, I place my sunglasses over my eyes, turn my hat bill to the back, and stride past everyone. “Fuck life,” I mumble.

Chapter Nine

CAMERON

Dressed in black swimsuits and coverups, the family sits peacefully on the boat. The middle-aged couple and three children in their late teens or early twenties rarely say a word until we reach the spot by a tiny island where we stop for the memorial service.

The dad stands up and recalls memories he had with his father who passed. Each child says a memory about a time they spent with their grandfather, and then they take turns sprinkling the ashes.

I watch from up top, as the father breaks down, and his wife tries to console him. Mr. Worthington puts his arm around his shoulder and walks him to the front of the boat. Although I can’t hear what they’re saying, I see that Winslow Worthington has a caring side.

Minutes pass, and Orlando stands at the bottom of the steps. “They’re ready to return.”

I nod and try to get out of my own head. Thoughts can bring me down in an instant.

When we’re back to land, Orlando, Mr. Worthington, and I thank the family for allowing us to help in memorializing their loved one, and then we all take a deep breath. Orlando knows this was difficult for me and for an unknown reason, also Mr. Worthington.

“Let’s clean up the boat, and we can call it a day.”

I hand the spray solution and a towel to my shadow, and he cleans without a single word or retort. Orlando checks our stock of bait and tools while I check tomorrow’s bookings.

“Finished. What else needs to be done?” he asks.

“Nothing. You can go.”

“We’re not finished. I need to take you to dinner.” I roll my eyes. “It’s part of the show, being with you at work, and then sharing a meal.” He stares at me through his Oakleys.

I hesitate, but a little voice on my shoulder urges me to have dinner with the grumpy billionaire. “I have something I need to do. I’ll meet you back here in two hours.”

“I’ll bring takeout. Do you like your wine as stiff as your coffee?” He chuckles. “Sorry, red or white?”

“Red. But you don’t need to impress me.”

“Just want to give you a little something so you can tolerate me.”

“Better bring two bottles.” I step off the boat and feel him smiling behind me.

My house isn’t far, so I take a quick shower, scrub under my nails, and spread buttery lotion over my limbs. I dry my hair, leaving it long and straight. I have an appointment with my lawyer, so I put on a dress and throw a three-quarter-sleeve jacket over it.

The first thing my lawyer says is, “All you have to do is take it down, and this is over,” referencing the WHAT NOT TO DO video starring Worthington.

“He shouldn’t be able to get away with scaring people. Plus, his company needs to learn a lesson.”

“Okay, give him this when you meet him tonight.” My attorney hands me a folder with a piece of paper in it.

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