Page 86 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
“You’re lucky to have a woman like Catherine in your life,” Darren tells me. “She’s certainly resourceful.”
“Catherine?” I repeat, uncertain as to why he would bring her up so suddenly.
“What do you mean?”
“She pulled some pretty impressive moves to get Jason to admit he stole your proposal. It was all in your best interest, of course,” Darren replies with a sly grin.
My lips part. “She did that?”
He nods. “I thought you knew.”
Jamie clears her throat. “That’s very impressive of Catherine.”
I sweep my eyes over at Jamie, who doesn’t look all that impressed. With her jaw clenched, she seems more angry than thrilled that everything unfolded in our favor.
I sign the last page, then slide the contract over to Darren. “Your turn,” I tell him, forcing a smile.
Once the deal is signed and I’m left alone with Jamie in the conference room, I turn to face her.
“Is there something you want to say to me?” I ask, trying to keep my tone even.
Jamie takes a deep breath, and then another. When she finally speaks, her voice is tight. “I just don’t understand why we’re celebrating Catherine’s actions. She was the one who was helping Jason deceive us.”
“Do you think that’s true?” I ask, my head tilted to the side.
Jamie’s gaze flickers to the floor, but she says nothing.
“Did you have something to do with this?” I dare to ask. “Did you help Jason steal my proposal?”
Her eyes widen in shock, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. After a moment of silence, she shakes her head vehemently. “No, Mr. Burke, I swear I had nothing to do with it. I would never do something like that to you.”
“Then why are you so angry about Catherine’s involvement in this?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.
“Because she shouldn’t be rewarded for her part in Jason’s deceit,” Jamie says, her voice rising in pitch. “She’s no better than he is.”
“You’re wrong, Jamie,” I say firmly. “Catherine’s loyalty has always been to me and Alice. I trust her completely.”
Jamie’s face falls, and I can see the emotions bubbling up inside her. “But why? I thought… I had hoped that you and I…” she begins, her voice wavering.
“What is it?”
Tears fill her eyes as she continues. “I wanted Catherine and Jason to get back together because I thought he’d give her the things she wanted, the things he promised me when we were together,” she pauses, biting back sobs. “But I’ve been in love with you this whole time, Mr. Burke. I wanted to be by your side, not some random chick. I just… I got caught up in my own feelings and didn’t see things clearly.”
I stare at Jamie, unsure of what to say. I didn’t know that she had feelings for me. It wasn’t what I had expected to hear, but it certainly explains her hostility toward Catherine. But I can’t shake the fact that she not only came between my relationship with Catherine, but hurt Alice.
“For the record, Catherine is not just some ‘random chick.’ She’s someone I care about deeply.”
Jamie looks at me, surprise written all over her face.
“That’s why I’m going to have to ask you to leave this office,” I continue, my voice tinged with sadness. “You have one hour to collect your things and go. Security will walk you out.”
Jamie’s face turns pale as she slowly nods her head in acceptance. She takes a few steps back, her eyes never leaving mine. Without another word, she turns around and walks out of the office, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I take a deep breath and head to Fred’s office. “We need to go. Now.”
He nods in agreement, standing up from his chair and grabbing his coat. “Where are we going?” he asks. “Did you sign the contract?”
“Yeah, Darren just left,” I reply, striding toward the door.
