Page 16 of Filthy Hot Billionaire
So why was I in here when there were a few dozen other rooms I could’ve relaxed in? Well, that was because my mother preferred this room for only her most distinguished guests, and I’d made it my personal mission in life to piss off Kitty whenever possible.
A few minutes later, footsteps sounded, drawing my attention to the door as Hannah stepped into the room, her blond hair pulled back in a tight, almost painful-looking bun, her clothes far too formal, shoes too ugly for words. I knew Hannah was a beautiful woman, which was the very reason Kitty kept her looking like a fifty-year-old schoolmarm by forcing her to dress as she was.
Hannah’s smile was just for me as she moved closer when I set down my iPad and got to my feet. She greeted me with a handshake, one that spoke of our long-running relationship. Purely business, of course.
“Is it all right for me to say that I’m glad this day has finally come?” she prompted, stepping back and peering up at me.
Hannah Eisenhower was the only employee at the Campbell estate whom I trusted implicitly, but that was because she was a plant, one I’d put here. I could probably get away with saying I’d done it because I was concerned for Emily’s well-being and wanted to know she was all right, but that was a lie. I’d put Hannah here because after what my mother had so callously done to me, my need to remain in control made it necessary in order to work my own agenda. No doubt, Hannah’s presence in the house had benefited me twofold once I developed this soul-crushing obsession I had for Emily.
To put it simply, Hannah was here because I wanted her here. She was here because I wanted to know every detail of what transpired in this house, including the minutia of Emily’s life. From the moment Hannah started working here, I’d been getting daily updates as to Emily’s well-being, including the things Hannah held back from Kitty.
Although I understood Hannah’s question, I didn’t answer, instead leading with one of my own. “Have there been any conversations taking place that I should know about?”
Hannah’s back straightened and her chin tilted studiously. “No, sir. You wouldn’t know anything was out of the ordinary by listening to Mr. or Mrs. Campbell. They’re business as usual.”
Interesting.
“And what about Emily? Is she aware?”
I could see the concern in her gaze even as she answered with, “No, sir. As you requested, I’ve relayed none of the details to her.”
“She hasn’t been clued in by Kitty or Rhett either?”
Hannah shook her head. “Like I said, they’re acting as though nothing’s going to happen.”
I wished I could’ve said I was surprised, considering I had extended Rhett three years based on his promise to do right by his daughter, but I wasn’t. I’d known even then that Rhett would continue to treat her as though she was that annoying mosquito that wouldn’t stop buzzing near his ear, someone who needed to be brushed off so that she didn’t impede on his time with Kitty.
However, I was a little taken aback by Emily’s ignorance of the situation considering my mother’s penchant for being the one to have the last say. It made me wonder what Kitty had up her sleeve.
“Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s going to happen to Emily come tomorrow?”
If it were up to me, I would whisk Emily out of here so fast her head would spin. However, I wasn’t sure that was appropriate behavior considering her reaction to me earlier. As of this moment, I wasn’t convinced Emily could handle me, and until I was certain she was mature enough to understand what it was I wanted from her, I would not insert myself in her life.
“That’ll be up to her and her father.”
I was not about to come between them on this. If anything, I’d hoped the situation would’ve brought Emily and her father closer together. She deserved to have that comfort. From what I could tell, it hadn’t helped.
Regardless, I was here for one specific reason, and this time, I fully intended to get what was owed to me. As for what happened past that, I couldn’t be responsible.
“Understood, sir.”
“Tonight, I’ll be having dinner with Emily. Seven o’clock. Alone.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened, clearly surprised.
“We’ll dine on the veranda. Ensure the kitchen staff is aware. I want Emily’s favorite meal prepared.”
Hannah’s smile returned. “I’ll be sure to have everything ready.”
“Thank you, Hannah.”
“Of course, Mr. Montgomery.”
When she was off to do my bidding, I opted to take a tour through the house. I hadn’t been back here since the Christmas before last, and the only reason I returned then was to keep my mother from visiting me in New York.
I had never considered Rhett’s house my home. Probably because I’d only lived here for those few months before I graduated from high school. At that point, I’d had no desire to deal with Kitty any longer, so I’d used college as my excuse to get away. Then I’d used life as my reason for staying away.
I wandered through the halls, noticing that it was still as cold and sterile as I remembered. White marble, white plaster, white decor. It felt more like a mausoleum than a home.
