Page 59 of Starting Over with Her Billionaire Boss

The man she had begun to love, the one who had brought light back into her life, was just an actor playing a role. The realization was a bitter pill to swallow. She was helpless to replay every touch, every word, every kiss. Had it all been calculated? A well-played chess move in his master plan? The humiliation hit her in waves—hot, then cold, cheeks burning even as a chill crept down her spine.

She packed her belongings with methodical precision, her movements robotic. Each item she placed in her bag felt heavier than the last. She avoided Daegan’s gaze at all costs. If she met his eyes, she might crumble—or worse, make a scene the whole office would hear.

When Kinsley reached the door, she forced her voice to remain steady. “Goodnight, Mr. Westerhouse,” she said, the formality a deliberate wall between them.

“Goodnight, Kins,” he replied, his tone warm, almost hopeful.

She didn’t turn around as the door shut behind her.

The hot evening air hit her like a slap, sharp and bracing. Her heart felt raw, exposed, like an open wound. Her thoughts spiraled, her trust in him splintering even as the memory of his tenderness fought to hold on.

As she reached her car, she stopped, leaning against the driver’s side door. The tears finally came, silent and scalding, carving paths down her cheeks. But with each tear shed, something else stirred within her—a spark of resolve. She had survived too much, endured too many losses, to let this break her.

Kinsley straightened, wiping her face with a shaking hand. She wasn’t sure what Daegan’s true intentions were, but one thing was clear—she needed to protect herself, her heart, and her home. She would confront him when she was ready, and she would demand the truth. If he was playing her, she would walkaway with her head held high, knowing she had loved deeply, even if it hadn’t mattered.

And if he wasn’t?

She let out a shaky breath as she started the car.

He’ll have to prove it.

“Laurel,have you seen Kinsley today? I thought she would be here by now. She usually comes by in the morning or at least sends me an email.” Daegan’s voice was ripe with worry, especially after she had left yesterday without so much as a glance back.

“Oh, she called this morning and said she didn’t think she would make it in,” Laurel said. “She said she wasn’t feeling well and didn’t get a good sleep last night.”

“Oh.” Daegan was confused. Wouldn’t Kinsley send him an email or text at the very least?

“Hmm…” Laurel mused. “But between you and me, Mr. Westerhouse,” she lowered her voice, “she told me yesterday that she has been seeing somebody.” Laurel giggled, always the gossiper. “So, I do wonder if maybe she sawhimlast night and had a little too much to drink, stayed the night, and… Oh, you know how it is.”

Daegan’s body burned as his fingers gripped the desk. “Did she say his name?” His voice was almost demanding. His body stiffened, his jaw tightening until he heard something in his face snap.

“No, I don’t believe so. But it seems like things are getting pretty serious from how she explained it to me.” Laurel shrugged, completely unaware of the storm brewing. “Anyway, I think it’s sweet. She deserves to be happy, don’t you think?”

Daegan swallowed hard, forcing himself to maintain his composure. “Thanks, Laurel. Sorry to cut you short, I just have to hurry and get some work done. I’ll be leaving at one to head to the Miami office. I’ll be back Sunday, though.” His chest tightened.

“Oh no problem, Mr. Westerhouse.”

Kinsley had been seeing someone this whole time, yet she’d led Daegan on like a carrot dangling in front of his aunt’s horse. The thought clawed at him, refusing to let go. Had she been playing him this entire time? That kiss on the balcony, the way she’d looked at him, her vulnerability when they were together—had it all been a lie? Was this why she’d left their dinner so abruptly?

You knew better, Westerhouse.

His mind raced, searching for answers. She had seemed distant yesterday, sure, but this? This didn’t make sense. Kinsley wasn’t the type to toy with someone’s feelings, and yet… He had never asked about Cameron. He’d had so many chances to, but never once did he summon up the courage to justask.

She’s not yours,he reminded himself bitterly.She was never yours to begin with.

They weren’t officially anything, and yet to him, their intimacy had meant something. It wasn’t casual. Not for him. He thought it hadn’t been for her, either. But maybe he’d misjudged her. Maybe Kinsley wasn’t the person he thought she was.

Daegan paced his office, running a hand through his hair. He wanted to confront her, demand answers, but what right did he have? She hadn’t made any promises.

The bottom line was: he had to get to the Miami office and get these properties sorted. Kinsley needed to be the last thing on his mind if he wanted to get this work done, and he had to. This company was counting on him. Perhaps Kinsley had sortedout their problems for him—he didn’t need to ask her to leave, or to pursue something else. She was his personal assistant.

And only his personal assistant.

The words rang hollow in his mind, but he forced himself to believe them as he grabbed his briefcase and packed for even warmer weather.

One dayaway from Westerhouse Investments Group hadn’t solved anything. Kinsley was still fuming when she walked in Friday morning, but she tamed it down behind a cold smile and a simple, professional outfit that gave away absolutely nothing. Daegan was always the first one to his work, and yet his office was silent. His computer wasn’t even warm. Turning on her heel, she marched to Tina’s down the hall.

“Have you seen Mr. Westerhouse?” Kinsley asked, popping her head inside.

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