Page 36 of Ruthless Heir

“I agree but he’s also manipulative and conniving. So weallneed to be careful.”

“Don’t worry. I will be.” I glance back at the door, wondering what Nolan will come up with next.

I can still see him through the glass door, walking down the corridor. Just before he reaches the end Portia and Nigel emerge from one of the rooms with my father.

My skin crawls at the sight of Portia. She’s got the same light blonde hair as her father and brother and looks like the female version of them.

“I have to go to my next meeting.” Hunter comes up to me and follows my gaze. “Please don’t get in any trouble.”

“Like I said, don’t worry about me.”

Hunter sighs and heads out.

I look back at Layla as she gathers up her notebook and pen.

She walks up to me and gives me a concerned stare. “I’ve never seen you get so worked up before.”

“Nolan really gets under my skin. Now more than ever.”

“I don’t trust him at all, so I understand.” It was Layla who first suspected that my publicist had gone rogue. “That meeting your father is heading into is about Nolan and Nigel getting on the board.”

I grit my teeth. “I don’t know what I can do to stop that from happening.”

“Nothing, apparently. At least not right now. You need to worry about yourself, Mister. Things just got worse. We have brand-new Monday morning problems to deal with.”

“God, what now?” I bring a hand to my head and stare back at her.

“You need a new publicist or someone who can manage the PR diary. There is a backlog of people and organizations wanting to meet with you. I’ve tried to fit most of them in as best as possible but it’s cutting into my work time. You’re gonna need someone soon.”

“Damn it.”

“Maybe I can get a temp in. Ortwo. Truthfully you need do two people. One on a full-time contract and an assistant. I can do all the training for both positions.” She smiles, seeming to like the idea of using her skills. Apart from yoga, her background is PR and business management. She just enjoys the business side of things more.

“We can get two people, but I don’t want a temp for either of those positions. We need to hold interviews as quickly as possible. I need people I can trust.”

“You’re right. Nolan may pull the same stunt again or do some other shit despite your warning.”

“Exactly, so I need someone here who can’t be swayed. Tell everyone waiting on me that I’m booked out for a month. I need to prioritize the most important things.”

“Which is your dates with the potentials?”

“Yeah.” Thank goodness I can be real with her and that she can be discreet. The papers would have another field day with this story. I can see it now.

Billionaire heir seeks wife to secure position in company.

“All the women have signed new NDAs and I’ve made arrangements for you to meet them by Saturday. Starting tonight at six.”

“Thanks. That’s perfect timing.” And in line with my plans. Hopefully I’ll be able to pick a couple of options by Saturday.

Layla’s eyes light up with the spark of an idea. “I think you’lllovemy friend Alexis. She’s your final date on Sunday. Let’s just say I saved the best for last.”

“Well, if you think she’s the best then that’s a good sign. Why am I not meeting her first?” I give her a narrowed stare.

“She’s in Bali teaching yoga on a retreat. I met her through Zack. He introduced her to me after our first date. She’s super fun and beautiful.”

“She sounds great.”

“She is. Zack has known her since they were kids. He knew I would like her because I’m obsessed with yoga. And I knew you’d like her because she seems to be your type.”

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