Page 109 of Anyone But the Superstar

‘They have?’ Camilla sounds as confused as I feel.

‘Yes, but, just as we were getting to the nitty-gritty, Thomas had to leave.’ His voice turns arctic. ‘Something about rumors involving your dealings with Felix Jones and Amanda Willis?’

My heart speeds up.

‘Oh, ah, that’s nothing, Daddy. Just a—a misunderstanding.’

‘Well now—’ Mr Branson bounces back to his previous jovial tone ‘—that’s settled then. You can just sign these and then Eleanor and I can get back to that donation they’ve been wanting to make.’

‘But—but Dad, this isn’t what I agreed to. This is just a series of non-disclosure agreements.’

‘Yes. They are.’ Goosebumps break out on my arms over Mr Branson’s emotionless tone. ‘And you will sign them, in addition to the dissolution contract ending your previous collaboration agreement.’

‘But—’

‘Oryou can consider yourself cut off.Permanently. Do I make myself clear?’

We all three lean forward, foreheads nearly touching the bookcase, to hear Camilla’s forlorn capitulation. ‘Yes, Daddy.’

I might have felt a sliver of sympathy toward Camilla if I wasn’t champing at the bit to get to Elizabeth. To thank her. To apologize. To grovel.

To doallthe things.

But as I reach for the hidden latch, just after hearing everyone move to exit Chase’s office, Thomas rests a heavy hand on my shoulder, stopping me. Again.

‘Why don’t we reconvene tomorrow, Mr Branson?’

I turn toward the non-secret door, where Eleanor’s voice rises then fades as she walks past.

‘Now that the papers are signed, we can schedule a lunch to discuss the charitable…’

I move to follow, but Chase blocks my path.

I’m getting really fucking tired of their interference.

His smile now threatening in conjunction with his aggressive stance. ‘We didn’t invite you here to reconcile with our sister.’

Disappointment flares. ‘Youinvited me?’

Thomas nods, moving beside his brother. ‘We invited you here so you could understand just how much you don’t deserve her.’ His tone deceptively bored. ‘The money Elizabeth had Mother donate to the Branson Foundation? It’s hers. She insisted.’

Chase crosses his arms over his chest. ‘Her inheritance. Money she hasn’t touched ever since she found out that she isn’t our father’s daughter. Money we were hoping she’d use forher, not you.’

Thomas’ left eyebrow arches. ‘She’s too good for you.’

I swallow, feeling sick over the money, the effort Elizabeth has made. Effort I don’t deserve. ‘You’re right.’ Fighting back nausea over my asshole actions, I gauge the distance between here and the door, more motivated than ever to get to Elizabeth. ‘I was dumb and scared, and I screwed up.’ I take turns looking both brothers in the eye. ‘But I love her.’

Feeling very much like one of the many action heroes I’ve played, I assess which brother I might have to incapacitate first if I want to reach Elizabeth. It’s two against one, but as they’reencumbered in perfectly fitted business suits and I’m still in California casual – shorts and a t-shirt – I’ve got mobility on my side.

‘And if there’s even a chance she’s dumb enough to love me back—’ I sidestep, making note of Chase mirroring my move, while Thomas inches closer ‘—then I’m going to do everything I can to spend the rest of my life apologizing for my lack of intelligence while thanking God for hers.’ Giving up on stealth, I raise my fists and brace for impact. ‘Including fighting the two of you if I have to.’

Yet, instead of throwing the first punch, the two brothers do something far more chilling. They share a look – Chase for once grim, Thomas for once smiling – before turning their attention back to me.

I’ve never felt so imperiled in my entire life. Not even before BASE jumping Shanghai Tower.

Knock. Knock.

My eyes shift hopefully to the secret door between Chase and Thomas.