Brutal Heir (Billionaire Heirs #2)

Chapter 28

Ezequiel

“I know, girl.” Bill’s voice comes through. “I talked to Addler on Friday when you ran late. He told me y’all were getting together.”

“You did?” Elena seems surprised.

“I told him we were running behind because of all the changes happening when I was running around with Isabella.” That’s rotten luck that she’s had such a hard time. “He agreed you were the best one to help get the coding straightened out so we could close the books right.”

“Really…” Ah hell, her eyes are practically shooting sparks at him.

“Yup, we had a good long talk. I told him about the expense report running behind. And how you’d gotten after me about the receipts and getting it submitted on time.”

She clears her throat, “I—”

“So, you don’t have to worry. I’ve got everything scanned in. And most of it is logged into the report. I just didn’t get to finish, with having to run home.”

All the color leaves her face. Tension ratchets up in the room. I’m starting to feel like Addler’s fucked.

“You told him this?” she asks, like she’s going to blow a gasket.

I look back at Addler, and he’s got a poker face in place. I wish you the best, brother. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.

“Yes. I told him I’ll be in early tomorrow so I can finish the report and submit it before the bigwigs come in from Houston.”

“I see.”

That’s the same as saying everything’s “fine.” He’s fucked.

“Then we’ll get him switched over to the big office. I’ll move in next door to you to make things easier on us. He belongs over there anyway, now that he’s the owner.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then,” she says, much too quietly. She jams her thumb on the screen then hands Sage her phone. “I need a ride to my car, Sage.”

Sage is like the little kid looking from one parent to the other, knowing they’re fighting, but not knowing why.

“I…” She opens her mouth and closes it. “Okay.” She gives a nervous smile. “Of course.”

Back straight, shoulders squared, Elena shuts her laptop and shoves it into her bag. She picks her shit up and heads for the door.

Addler watches her walk out on him without saying a word. Damn, knowing the history between them, I have to say he did a hell of a job keeping it together.

Sage turns to me. I take a deep breath and give a quick nod, telling her to go after Elena.

I shove a hand into the pocket of my jeans as the door closes. We’re left in the kitchen, the room as silent as a tomb.

“I lied to her,” he admits, eyes unfocused. “More of a lie of omission, but still a lie.”

Not quite knowing what he means, I ask, “Lie of omission?”

He sits back. “I brought her here for a meal.” He gives a half-chuckle. “Then I thought she was up to something. Which she was,” he tacks on. “But not what I thought it was.”

“The thing with Bill?” I add, putting the pieces together.

“Yeah.” He nods, seeming beaten down. “I didn’t tell her I’d talked to him. And she was being the good daughter, trying to save his job.”

“Fuck.” I actually wince. That’s low, even for me.

He nods. “I was going to tell her, but…” He shrugs.

“Shit happens.”

He gives a humorless smile. “Yeah, shit happens.”