Page 1 of The Billionaire’s Secret Twins (Love for the Holidays #11)

Angie

I smooth down the skirt of my navy dress, forcing myself to remain calm.

I’m in a sitting room at the Masters Estate, waiting to be interviewed.

The room is luxurious, even if it’s on the smaller side.

The sofas are covered in a velvety brown suede, and there’s a subtle gleam to the cream wallpaper.

A framed print hangs on the wall, and I squint a little.

Is that a print? Seeing that Dominic Masters is dripping with wealth, I suppose it could be an original.

Then again, Dominic Masters has already created quite a stir here in Austin.

He swept into town a couple months ago and snapped up the old Holly Pines property in an all-cash purchase.

Not only that, but Mr. Masters decided that he didn’t like the name “Holly Pines,” and renamed the sprawling property after himself!

Who does that? Isn’t that the height of conceit?

But there was no one to put up a fight. What could the city say?

Who would even say it? Is there a commission to enforce historic names?

I know historic properties can be protected, but I’m not sure if names are regulated too.

I suppose it’s just another billionaire getting whatever he wants, with nothing and no one to stand in his way.

But this kind of thing has been happening a lot in Austin recently.

A wave of new money swept into town during the pandemic, and our city has never been the same.

There are folks from California, Texas, New York, and even Dubai and China.

New condos are popping up at light-speed by the river, shiny and pencil-thin, and areas that used to be blighted and derelict are now gentrifying with a host of fancy coffee shops, artisanal bakeries, and designer home wares.

I’m not sure how I feel about the changes, to be honest. On the one hand, I certainly can’t afford anything at the new hipster cafes because even a small latte will go for eight dollars.

But on the other, I’m glad that Austin is booming because the city has always been home for me, and I’d hate for it to fall into disrepair.

The cycle of renewal and regeneration is critical for any urban area, and I’d rather see my hometown boom, rather than bust.

But yes, mysterious billionaires have been moving into this city at a rapid rate.

I shouldn’t even be surprised because it’s been happening so often.

There will be an announcement in the paper that some historic estate has been sold for a staggering sum to an out-of-towner.

Then, said out-of-towner arrives with their fake tan and too-white smile, reeking of money.

Even crazier, the newcomers never try to fit in.

Instead, it’s the other way around because they expect the city to accommodate them , and to roll out the red carpet upon their arrival.

It’s insane, but I suppose extreme wealth creates its own kind of delusional entitlement.

But I’m in no position to complain because I’m here at the Masters Estate to interview for a housekeeping job.

It’s not exactly how I saw my life playing out, but I’m qualified and more than capable.

Plus, I need the money because after Ned died last year, I wasn’t left with much.

There was some life insurance but it’s not going to last much longer, and I need to get back into the working world.

It’s either that, or start living in a hut.

I take a deep breath and remember my friend Kristie’s words.

“You can do it, Angie,” she said with an encouraging smile. “You’ll be great during the interview.”

I shot her a wry smile over the phone screen.

“I don’t know,” I murmured. “It’s been a while since I worked, so there’s a gap in my resume. But I’m not afraid of getting my hands dirty! After all, I was a maid before I met Ned.”

“Yes, I know,” Kristie said with a gentle smile.

“So you’re qualified, definitely. Plus, you’ve been through a lot, Ang, and you deserve this.

You’re going to land the job because Mr. Masters will be swept away by your professionalism, can-do attitude, and bubbly personality.

My prediction is that you’ll be hired on the spot! ”

I had to laugh at her optimism because I know I don’t exude those traits. But I merely smiled tenderly at my friend through the phone.

“Oh, I doubt I’ll meet Dominic Masters in the flesh. It’ll be one of his lackeys doing the interview. Dominic Masters is a billionaire, and I’m sure he’s too busy running his empire to be involved with something so domestic.”

My pretty friend cocked her head to one side.

“I don’t know,” Kristie murmured. “You’d be surprised when it comes to men. Nick can be very particular about domestic situations, and it drives me nuts sometimes!”

I laugh because Nick is Kristie’s gorgeous husband. He’s also her stepbrother, and they went through a crazy time where he was practically stalking her. But all’s well that ends well, and Nick and Kristie are now married with two adorable babies. I couldn’t be happier for my buddy.

Still, I straighten my shoulders and force myself to concentrate because my financial future is on the line. You can do it , my inner voice speaks. You have to, Angie, because the money’s running out so try to project confidence. Broadcast assurance, and you’ll land the job lickety-split.

I know the voice is right, and I smooth down my skirt once more while taking a deep breath. You can do this , I tell myself. Then as if on cue, the door to the sitting room opens, and a male secretary appears.

“Miss White? Mr. Masters is ready for you,” he says in a smooth tone. “Follow me, please.”

I stand in the small drawing room, brushing imaginary lint from my skirt while trying to contain my nerves.

Did he say Mr. Masters, or was that my imagination?

I genuinely believe that a billionaire is too busy to interview someone as lowly as a housekeeper, but now .

.. it seems I’m being led to the lion’s den.