Page 23 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

I count to ten in my head. "Is that a threat?"

"It's a reminder," Mona says. "Of who you are. What this company means. What Daddy built."

"I know what he built!" The words explode out before I can stop them. "I'm the one who's been running it for the past three years, aren't I?"

Silence. Both my sisters stare at me like I've grown a second head.

"Just..." I run a hand through my hair. "Give me two more weeks. I'll handle it."

They exchange a look I can't quite read.

"Two weeks," Lillian says finally. "But Troy? Handle whatever's distracting you first. We can't afford any... complications."

The screen goes black before I can respond. I slam my laptop shut, standing up so fast my chair nearly tips over.

Something crashes in the hallway – probably Skye, being her usual chaotic self in the room across from mine.

For a second, I almost smile.

Then I remember my sisters' words. Remember why I'm really here.

I grab my jacket. I need air. Need to think. Need to remember who Troy Bellamy is supposed to be.

But as I pass her door, I hear her humming something – probably one of those silly pop songs she's always playing at her truck.

And for a moment, just a moment, I let myself wonder what it would be like to be someone else.

Someone who could actually deserve her smile.

But not in this life.

***

The walk didn’t help.

Not at all.

So now, I’m on my third coffee, sitting in the dark of my room like some brooding teenager.

Pathetic.

The acquisition papers are spread across my desk, illuminated only by my laptop screen.

The numbers are solid. The strategy is foolproof. This deal should be the easiest thing I've done all year.

So why can't I just finish it?

A laugh drifts through my window – her laugh. I get up to close it but find myself looking down at the beach instead.

Skye's there with some locals, having what looks like a bonfire. The fire catches the gold in her hair, and even from here, I can see her smile.

That smile. That's the problem.

"Get it together, Bellamy," I mutter, turning back to my desk.

I'm Troy Bellamy. I've closed billion-dollar deals without blinking. I've taken over companies three times our size. I don't get... distracted.

Except I am.

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