Page 85 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
Jason runs a hand through his hair, his bravado crumbling. “And maybe I wanted your attention again. You left me at my lowest, Catherine. You’ve been living your life, moving on, and I’m still here, stuck. I thought if I could disrupt your new, perfect little world, you’d finally see me again. Even if it was for all the wrong reasons.”
As he speaks, it’s clear that this isn’t just about a stolen proposal or professional rivalry. It’s about a man who’s lost, trying to claw his way back to some sense of control, choosing destructive means to piece together his fractured ego. It’s a desperate attempt to reach out to the one person who once gave his life meaning, even if it means drawing her back into his chaos. For Jason, admitting this is his way of tearing down the façade, laying bare the extent of his turmoil and, perhaps in a twisted way, trying to rebuild some bridge with the only woman he ever truly loved.
Loved. I scoff at the word. The only person Jason loves is himself.
But then my stomach drops, and a wave of nausea washes over me as my mind circles back to who would betray Oliver by helping Jason. I sit there, the silence enveloping me as I delve into a pool of thoughts, sifting through everyone who orbits around Oliver’s professional life. It had to be someone close, someone with access to sensitive information, someone who would gain from Oliver’s downfall. But who in Oliver’s world would be so discontented, so willing to risk it all?
Then, like a bolt of lightning, it hits me—Jamie. Oliver’s diligent, ever-present assistant. At first, it doesn’t make sense because she’s always been the epitome of professionalism. But then, pieces begin to click into place. There were instances, subtle, almost negligible: the way her expression would tighten ever so slightly whenever Oliver praised my work with Alice, the fleeting look of discontent when he discussed his plans, assuming I’d be by his side. And her demeanor, that hint of satisfaction when she told me Oliver had arranged for my stay elsewhere… It was personal.
The realization sends a chill down my spine. How deep does the treachery run in the veins of those we trust?
I narrow my eyes at Jason. “So this was all just a way for you to get back at Oliver and me? I can’t believe you would stoop so low. I didn’t think you had it in you.”
Jason shrugs, but there’s an air of satisfaction around him. “Maybe not,” he says. “But look on the bright side. You may not have gotten your happily-ever-after with Oliver, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t walk away from this with something profitable.”
“You just admitted your fraud,” I point out.
“You have no proof,” he says, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms smugly. “It’s my word against yours.”
“Catherine?” Susan’s voice says from behind me.
“Hey,” I say, rising from my seat.
We greet each other with a hug before I turn to Jason. “This Susan Mickelson. I believe you know her husband, Darren Mickelson. He’s the owner of the Bethany Hotel.”
Jason’s expression changes from smug to fearful. He stands up and holds his arm out. “Mrs. Mickelson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She gives him a stern look, ignoring his handshake, before turning to me. “Catherine, I’m sure you can understand why Jason and I are needing to have a talk in private,” she said calmly. “I’ll reach out to you about the photography job later, okay?”
I nod, relieved. “Sure, that would be great,” I say. Turning back to Jason, I can’t help but feel triumphant. I caught him in the act and now he’s going to have to face the consequences of his actions. “Good luck,” I mutter, before walking out of the restaurant.
As I walk to my car, my thoughts drift back to how heartbroken I am that Oliver didn’t trust me. Sorrow tightens around my heart, making it almost hard to breathe as I think of Alice. That bright, bubbly little soul who brought nothing but sunshine into my days. I wasn’t just her nanny; we were real buddies, partners in crime, a family in all but blood. And Oliver… he had become the beat in my heart, the first man ever to see me, the real me, and accept all parts of me. He put me first, a feeling so new, it was like waking up to a world where I finally belonged.
I’m so disappointed that my relationship with him will not work out, but I’ve made my decision. I need to focus on the positives and move forward with my life.
I look around at the scenic town around me. The sun is setting, painting the sky in vibrant shades of orange and pink. I’m going to miss Seattle and the life I created here, but I also know that Jean-Paul’s job offer is too good to pass up.
Still, as I climb into my car and turn on the ignition, I can’t help but wonder if I’m running away instead of facing my problems. I don’t quite know what I’m going to do in Manhattan, but I sure hope it will be enough to make me happy.
Chapter 32
Oliver
“Oliver,it’sgoodtosee you again,” Darren says as he enters the conference room.
“Darren.” I reach my hand out for him to shake it. “Glad to be doing business with you, after all.”
I gesture for him to take the seat across from mine. As he does so, I cross around the table to take my seat beside Jamie, who has the contract ready to go in front of her.
“Are you ready to sign the contract, Mr. Burke?” she asks.
I nod, and she slides the contract over to me. I survey the first page, then sign in the appropriate places.
“So, how did you find out Jason Hall stole our proposal?” I ask, peering up at Darren from the contract.
“Well,” Darren said, a smile playing on his lips. “Let’s just say my wife overheard Jason confessing to stealing it when she went to The Tasting Room for lunch.”
I raise my brows. “You don’t say.”
