Page 20 of My Boss is a Billionaire

“What’s this about?” she asks, her arms swinging at her sides as we head toward the bakery.

I set a sigh free. “You know why I’m here.”

“I only stated the truth.”

“No, you didn’t. You extrapolated from the facts and insinuated things about me. Things that the average reader will consider true. You’re going to ruin the plans for the distribution center. If you don’t stop, there’s a risk the vote won’t go through. The whole thing could come to a complete halt.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t be building a distribution center here.”

I stop walking.

It takes Harper a few strides to realize I’m not beside her before she slows and looks back at me.

I wait. I wait until she turns and comes back.

“I need your support, Harper,” I say. “I want to build this center. This town needs it. You need to stop.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s a great location. Because it will create jobs. Don’t you want that for your community?”

“Of course I do. But what about the current employees? Have you considered their rights? You plan to demolish the place where they work now. What happens if they can’t or don’t want to work in the new place? What if they don’t qualify for the jobs?”

I frown. “Do you really think I would do that?”

“From everything I’ve read, you demolish, build, and then leave. The people are left behind to fend for themselves.”

“That’s not true. Yes, some of those people displaced don’t have jobs afterward, but that’s by choice, Harper, not by design.”

“What do you mean?”

“I always pair up with contractors and businesspeople who agree to negotiate fair wages, hours, and benefits for the employees,” I say. “I’ve always made sure that all of their rights and needs will be respected.”

“What does that mean?”

I realize we’re drawing attention. “Listen, is there somewhere we can talk privately? This information will be shared with the town council, but I want it shared in full context. Not bits and pieces based on what passersby pick up.”

She looks around and notices people out for strolls or on their way somewhere, glancing our way. “Why don’t we grab that coffee and muffin and then we can go upstairs to my apartment.”

I hold out my hand. “Lead the way.”

Chapter11

Harper

With our coffee and muffins in hand, I lead Liam around to the side of the building and up the stairs to my apartment.

“Is this the only entrance?”

I’m jabbing the key into the lock as I turn to glance over my shoulder at him. “Yes, why?”

“Is it safe?”

“I can take care of myself, Liam. And it’s well lit at night.”

I let him into my private space, flick on a couple of lights, and see it from his billionaire’s eyes: small, inexpensive furnishings, a tiny kitchen, one bedroom, and a bathroom. I’m sure my entire living space can fit into his home at least five times over.

“Nice. It looks comfortable.”

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