Page 53 of The Billionaire's Paradise

Cal looked up from his tea, already contrite. “I know. I’m sorry. I should’ve told you earlier.”

I waited.

He set the mug down and turned to face me fully. “I didn’t mean to spring it on you like that. I’ve been thinking about staying longer, but I didn’t want to make a call without talking to you first.”

“Cal, that’sexactlywhat you just did.”

“I know, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have blurted it out like that. I’m an idiot. That Zoom was just kinda hectic. There was so much information coming at me—”

“Us, Cal. The information was coming atus.”

“Us. Yes, this is all aboutus. I’m sorry.”

I folded my arms. “So… you wanna talk about it? Then talk.”

He nodded. “Okay. Let’s take a walk. I think we could both use some air.”

He took my hand and led me out the back doors, down the short path to the edge of the sand. The sun was lower now, casting everything in soft gold. Waves hushed against the shore, like they were trying not to interrupt us.

We walked a little way, then sat down on the low lava-rock wall at the edge of the dunes. I stared at the horizon. Cal stared at me.

“Okay,” I said. “Spill.”

He exhaled slowly, brushing a bit of sand off his ankles. “I’ve been thinking. About staying.”

“I got that part. What I didn’t get is why.”

He hesitated. “Because everyone’s doing well here. Angus is happier than I’ve seen him in months. Rashida’s borderline relaxed. Even Mrs. Mulroney hasn’t threatened to stab a tourist in days.”

I stared at him. “That’s your reason? The absence of murder?”

“No. Not just that.” He looked at me carefully. “It’s Leilani. We’re finally getting to know her. We’re building trust. Bonding. And that’s rare. If we fly back now, we interrupt that momentum. We cut the thread.”

I narrowed my eyes. “And?”

He paused then gave in without a fight. “And I need more time on the land deal with Hal.”

There it was.

I leaned back slowly. “Iknewit.”

“Matt—”

“Iknewit. You said this trip was about family, but it’s actually about Hal. It’s always about Hal. You just tacked on some emotional camouflage so I wouldn’t freak out.”

“That’s not fair.”

“I don’t care if it’s fair. It’s true.” I kicked a little stone into the sand. “He pulls you in. And then suddenly everything becomes about whatheneeds.”

Cal was quiet for a second. “It’s not like that.”

“Really?” I shot back. “Because I’ve been watching this exact dynamic since he showed up. He opens his billionaire mouth and suddenly you’re ready to rewire the calendar and build a marina for his ego.”

Cal didn’t rise to it. He never did. He just let the storm pass.

“Matt,” he said gently. “This isn’t about Hal. It’s about doing the right thing. For Leilani. For the baby. For us.”

I looked away, out to the horizon, where the clouds were melting into the sea. “I just don’t want to lose focus.”