Love lies and a billionaire’s secret

CHAPTER FORTY–TWO–A WHISPER IN THE WIND

As she rode the elevator up to her floor, Nia’s mind raced. The gala was just a week away now, and the pressure was mounting. Between her regular duties, Rosseau’s demands, and now this family drama, Nia felt like she was being pulled in a thousand directions.

The elevator doors opened, and Nia stepped out, nearly colliding with Justin Allistair. Her heart jumped

into her throat.”

“Whoa there,” Justin said, steadying her with a hand on her arm. His eyes crinkled with amusement. “In a rush this moming, Nia?” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

She laughed nervously, acutely aware of his touch. “Sorry about that. Just a lot on my mind.”

“The gala, right?” Justin’s smile was sympathetic. “Leon mentioned you’ve been working hard on it. How about I buy you a coffee later? You look like you could use a break.”

Nia hesitated. Every interaction with the Allistair brothers felt like walking a tightrope. But Justin’s offer was tempting, and not just because of the promise of caffeine.

That would be great, actually,” she found herself saying. “Thanks, Justin.”

He winked at her before heading into the elevator. “It’s a date, then ”

As Nia walked to her desk, her cheeks burning, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was playing with fire. But there was a part of her, a part she tried to ignore, that thrilled at the danger.

The day passed in a blur of last–minute gala preparations. Nia was in the middle of a heated debate with the caterer when her phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number:

“Nia,

it’s

your mother. Please, can we talk? I know you’re busy, but it’s important. Love, Mom.”

Nia stared at the screen, her heart pounding. How had her mother gotten this number? She had changed it after her release from prison, wanting a fresh start.

“Is everything alright?” The caterer’s voice snapped Nia back to reality.

“Yes, sorry,” she said, shaking her head to clear it. “Now, about those vegan options…”

By the time Nia finished work, it was well past eight. She was gathering her things when she remembered Justin’s offer of coffee. With a pang of guilt, she realized she had completely forgotten to meet him.

As if summoned by her thoughts, Justin appeared at her desk, two cups of coffee in hand.

“I figured you might still be here,” he said, holding out one of the cups. “Thought you could use this.”

Nia accepted the coffee gratefully. “Justin, I’m so sorry. I completely lost track of time.”

He waved off her apology. “Don’t worry about it. I know how crazy things get before a big event. Want to take a little break? I could use some company.”

Against her better judgment, Nia nodded. They made their way to a small seating area near the windows, the city lights twinkling below them.

“So, Justin said, settling into an armchair, “how are you holding up? Really?”

Nia sighed, sinking into the chair opposite him. “Honestly? I’m exhausted. This gala is consuming my life. And Madame Rosseau…” She trailed off, shaking her head.

CHAPTE

d

Justin chuckled. “Ah, the infamous Rosseau. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her before. ‘Demanding

doesn’t quite cover.it, does it?”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Nia said with a rueful smile. “But I think I’m finally starting to crack her tough exterior. Today she actually complimented my organizational skills. Well, sort of.”

“High praise indeed, Justin said, his eyes twinkling. “You know, Leon’s been impressed with your work too. He mentioned you the other day at dinner.”

Nia’s stomach did a flip. “Oh? What did he say?”

Justin leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “He said, and I quote, ‘That new girl, Nia, she’s got potential. Sharp as a tack, that one.”

Nia felt a mix of pride and anxiety at Leon’s words. “That’s… that’s very kind of him.”

“It’s true, though,” Justin said, his gaze intense. “You’re different, Nia. Special.”

The air between them suddenly felt charged. Nia’s heart raced as Justin reached out, his hand hovering near hers.

Just then, Nia’s phone buzzed loudly, breaking the moment. It was another text from her mother: “Please, Nia. We need to talk. It’s about Kyra Benson.”

Nia jerked back as if she’d been shocked. She stood abruptly, nearly spilling her coffee.

“I’m sorry, I have to go,” she said, her voice shaky. “Family emergency. Thank you for the coffee, Justin.”

Before he could respond, Nia was hurrying towards the elevator, her mind reeling. What did her mother know about Kyra Benson? And more importantly, what was Nia going to do about it?

–

As she rode the elevator down, Nia’s thoughts were a chaotic swirl. The gala, her growing closeness with the Allistair brothers, and now this bombshell from her mother it all felt like it was spiraling out of

control..

She stepped out into the cool night air, taking deep breaths to calm herself. As she walked to the subway. station, she pulled out her phone and stared at her mother’s messages.

After a long moment, she began to type: “Mom, I’m not ready to talk yet. But I’m listening. What do you know about Kyra?”

Her finger hovered over the send button for several heartbeats before she finally pressed it. As she descended into the subway, Nia couldn’t shake the feeling that her carefully constructed new life was about to come crashing down around her.

The next morning, Nia arrived at work early, dark circles under her eyes betraying her sleepless night. She had tossed and turned, alternating between anxiety about her mother’s cryptic messages and guilt over her growing feelings for Justin.

As she settled at her desk, Helia appeared, looking concerned: “Rough night?” she asked, perching on the edge of Nia’s desk.

Nia managed a weak smile. “Is it that obvious?”

Hella nodded sympathetically. “Want to talk about it? I’ve got a few minutes before my meeting.”

For a moment, Nia was tempted to confide in her friend. But how could she explain without revealing her past? Instead, she shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m okay. Just pre–gala jitters, I guess.

Hella didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t push. “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me. Oh, and heads up Rosseau’s on the warpath this morning. Something about the wrong. shade of

–

CHAFTI CRTY TWO A WHISPER IN THE WIND

napkins being delivered.”

Nia groaned. “Thanks for the warning. I better go do some damage control.”

Madame Rosseau’s voice rang out across the office. “Nia! Where are you? These napkins are a disaster!”

Taking a deep breath, Nia stood and smoothed her skirt. She’d have to deal with her mother later. Right now, she had a gala to Save.

The morning passed in a blur of crisis management. By the time Nia had soothed Rosseau’s ruffled feathers and arranged for the correct napkins to be delivered, it was nearly noon.