Page 101 of The Billionaire Who Hated Me (Until He Loved Me)

I manage to finish two pancakes, some fruit, and a few bites of the scrambled eggs.My full belly has a calming effect on me, as does the pleasant company.I hear a few more stories, and before I realize what’s happening, Phyllis asks Jamie to give us some time alone.I lean forward to see into the other room, making sure my laptop is where I left it.

This isn’t good.I’ve been here an hour and I’ve told Jamie exactly zero of what he needs to know.I can’t let this opportunity pass me by.I have no idea what else is going on in the background.

Phyllis returns, a dessert plate with a huge serving of coffee cake in her hand.“You look awful nervous for so early in the morning, Victoria.”She sets the plate and a fork in front of me and takes a seat on the opposite side of the table.I grab that fork and go to town.

“I don’t usually eat sugar,” I mumble, collecting crumbs from my chin.

“You don’t say?Must be a special occasion this morning.”

I nod, shoveling in another bite.“It’s only when I’m super stressed out.Like when someone’s in the hospital or my heart is broken or somebody’s headed to prison for fraud and embezzlement.You know, stuff like that.”

Phyllis laughs.“Sounds like the plot of one of my daytime soaps.Anyway, listen, honey.Don’t give up on him.”

I drop my fork and wipe my mouth with the napkin.

“All the MacLaine men are headstrong, and Cal has always been the most stubborn of the bunch.But I’ve watched that boy’s hard outer shell collapse when he’s with you.I don’t know that I’veeverseen him laugh the way he does when you’re with him.”

“It’s gotten really ugly, Phyllis.We’ve both said some truly awful things.Words that can’t be taken back.”

“Don’t matter, darlin’.Anything can be repaired if you want it enough.”

“But—”

She puts her hand on mine.“Do not let Callum push you away.”

As I help her clear the dishes and clean up the kitchen, I decide to broach a new subject.“Phyllis, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

I grab a dishtowel and start drying the skillet.“I’ve met most everyone here at Yosemite Ranch, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to Arlo much.What’s his story?”

“Well, his daddy worked here, back when Jamie’s daddy was alive.Arlo went off to college and worked at the bank in Carson City for a bit but took over when his father passed away.”

“When was that?”

“Oh, that was way, way back.Jamie was just a boy.”

“So he’s like family.”

“No, honey.”Phyllis turns to me.“Heisfamily.”

Finally, all the dishes are done.I hug Phyllis and thank her for everything and go off to find Jamie.He’s sitting in his chair, reading the Sweetbriar Daily Dust Devil, which is more a pamphlet than a newspaper.

“Jamie.We need to talk.”I open my laptop and pull out a printed copy of the falsified contract.I reach out to hand it to him.

And suddenly, it sounds like a hurricane is about to hit the house.

CHAPTER 53

Victoria

I run out the front door with Phyllis and Jamie.It’s a helicopter, descending right in the middle of the ranch road, throwing up a heavy curtain of dust and dirt.As I peer up into the air, I barely make out a familiar logo.It’s not just any helicopter.It belongs to Renaissance Empowered.

My father is here.

A jolt of panic goes through me.I run inside and grab my computer and notes, cursing to myself.Jamie knows nothing.I haven’t managed to spit out a damn thing about what’s going on.And he has to know.Now.

“Jamie!”I tug on his shirtsleeve, and he looks down at me, puzzled.“That’s my father!”