Page 24 of The Re-Proposal

What is he doing here?

The surprise in his expression fades, and I can see the sharp interest in his green eyes. It’s the kind of look a hawk gets right before it swoops in and steals someone’s precious dog.

In this scenario, I’m definitely about to become an airborne Fido.

Run, Clarissa! Run!

I grab my purse to my chest and take a giant step backward when Island springs out of the couch and throws herself at me.

“You’re just in time!” She grins and nudges me forward.

My heart pounding, I dig my feet into the oakwood floors. If I could grow roots here, I would. Unfortunately, Island is too strong. Probably from all the hours braiding hair.

She wrestles me into the house. “Everyone, this is Clarissa!”

The ‘everyone’ she’s referring to are the wealthiest men and women in the city. Billionaires. Business moguls. Legends. Names so exclusive, they’re only breathed in polite society as if the mere syllables are too expensive for anything louder than a whisper.

Sazuki.

Mulliez.

Alistair.

Hastings.

I gulp, shaking in my boots. It’s so obvious that I don’t belong here.

For many reasons.

“Island, this doesn’t seem like the right time. I really shouldn’t stay,” I begin.

“Nonsense! Youhaveto stay.”

“You’re more than welcome, Clarissa.” Nova, a professional-looking woman with a big afro, nods at me.

“You remember my name?” I croak.

“Of course I do.” Her smile is as prim and proper as she is.

Nova is the CEO of Adam Harrison’s billion-dollar company. She was also the first one of this group to write me a check. Beyond her generosity, there’s something so… alluring about her confidence. Even now, her shiny gala dress traded for a pantsuit and flats, she screams ‘boss lady’.

I would love to stay and learn from these women. But I’d rather jump into a vat of poisonous snakes than be under the same roof as Cody Bolton.

Island grips me tightly as if she senses I want to run. “Clarissa and I had an appointment today, which I completely forgot about. I asked if she’d mind meeting here and she agreed.”

“We can meet another time,” I mutter quietly.

“Absolutely not. We were just about to start the show. Why don’t you sit over there?” Island points to the only free seat in the living room.

And because Fate hates me…

That seat is right next to my ex.

Why is nothing going right today?

I seize up. “I can sit on the floor.”

“No way.” Island pushes me forward like I’m a shopping cart on Black Friday.

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