Chapter SEVEN An Unwelcome Arrangement

Elena Hayes had a problem with rich people.

They seemed to believe that every problem could be solved by hiring someone, buying something, or making a phone call.

Unfortunately, Alexander Blackwood appeared to believe in all three.

“Absolutely not.”

Alexander looked up from the document in his hand. “You haven't heard what I'm proposing.”

“You said you wanted me to move somewhere else. My answer is still no.”

“Your current accommodation is temporary.”

“And I'm grateful for it. But I have a home, Mr. Blackwood. I'm not going to abandon it because your building has developed a talent for attempted murder.”

Daniel, who stood near the office door, lowered his head.

Elena suspected he was hiding a smile.

Alexander placed the document on his desk.

“Your sister is arriving shortly. I'd prefer both of you to stay somewhere with reliable security until we understand the situation.”

“And I agree with that. What I don't agree with is moving into your house.”

“Why?”

She stared at him.

“Have you ever considered that some people might find living with a billionaire slightly intimidating?”

“No.”

“Of course you haven't.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair.

“My penthouse has a private entrance, controlled access, and a security team. It's safer than a hotel where staff and guests come and go throughout the day.”

Elena opened her mouth, then closed it.

Annoyingly, his argument made sense.

She hated it when that happened.

“How long would I have to stay there?”

“Until we can establish that you're safe.”

“And if that takes a month?”

“Then we'll review the arrangement after a month.”

“A month?” She put a hand to her chest. “Mr. Blackwood, I hope you understand that I have never lived in a house where the sitting room might be bigger than the entire building.”

“It's a penthouse, not a palace.”

“That's exactly what someone living in a palace would say.”

Daniel cleared his throat.

Alexander glanced at him. “Something you'd like to add?”

“No, sir.”

“Then you may leave.”

Daniel departed with remarkable speed.

Elena folded her arms.

“You frightened your assistant.”

“He'll recover.”

“Does everyone who works for you speak in that careful way?”

“Only when they have something to hide.”

She gave him a pointed look.

“That's a terrible working environment.”

“Miss Hayes, are we discussing my management style or your accommodation?”

“Both, apparently.”

For the first time that morning, Alexander laughed.

Elena looked pleased with herself, although she quickly returned to the matter at hand.

“I'll consider your offer after speaking to Sarah. I'm not making decisions about her life without her.”

“That's reasonable.”

“And I want to be clear about something. If I move into your penthouse, it doesn't mean you get to start managing every aspect of my life.”

“I'm not interested in managing your life.”

“Good. Because I have managed it quite successfully without your assistance so far.”

“I haven't questioned that.”

His response was so straightforward that she had nothing to argue with.

She picked up her bag.

“Fine. I'll talk to my sister.”

“Take your time.”

Elena walked out of his office, wondering how a man could be so infuriating without actually raising his voice.

Sarah arrived shortly before noon.

Elena spotted her near the reception area and hurried over.

“There you are!”

Sarah dropped her bag and hugged her tightly.

“You scared me.”

“I'm sorry.”

“You kept saying you were fine, but you sounded strange on the phone.”

“I was having a strange night.”

Sarah pulled back to examine her.

“Are you hurt?”

“Just a little scrape.”

“Let me see.”

Elena showed her the dressing on her knee.

Sarah frowned. “And you called that a little scrape?”

“Compared to what could have happened, yes.”

“That doesn't make me feel better.”

Elena squeezed her sister's hand.

“I know. But I'm here, aren't I?”

Sarah hugged her again before looking around the building.

“Is this where your billionaire works?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

“Please don't say that too loudly. The building might start charging us for admiring it.”

Sarah laughed.

They were still talking when Alexander approached them.

“Miss Hayes.”

Elena turned.

“Mr. Blackwood. This is my sister, Sarah.”

Alexander greeted Sarah politely.

“It's good to meet you. Your sister has been very concerned about making sure you're safe.”

Sarah glanced at Elena.

“That's because she worries about everything.”

“I do not.”

“You once called me three times because I didn't answer my phone during a mathematics examination.”

“Because you said you'd call me afterward!”

“I was writing an exam!”

Alexander watched their exchange with quiet amusement.

Elena pointed at him.

“Don't encourage her.”

“I haven't said anything.”

“Your face has.”

He straightened his expression.

Sarah looked between them, clearly entertained.

“So, you're the man she saved?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you for making sure she's safe.”

Alexander's expression became serious.

“Your sister is the reason I'm standing here. I intend to make sure she doesn't suffer because of what happened.”

Elena looked at him briefly.

Then she turned to Sarah.

“We need to discuss something.”

She explained his proposal to move them into his penthouse temporarily.

Sarah listened without interrupting.

When Elena finished, her sister asked, “Would it be safer?”

Alexander answered before Elena could.

“Yes.”

“And we wouldn't have to pay?”

“No.”

Sarah nodded thoughtfully.

“Then I think we should go.”

Elena stared at her.

“Excuse me?”

“I'm not saying we should live there forever. But if someone might be dangerous, why would we refuse a safer place just because it's owned by a billionaire?”

Elena opened her mouth.

Sarah continued, “Besides, you've spent years worrying about everything from school fees to leaking ceilings. Maybe you should allow somebody else to help for once.”

That silenced her.

Alexander didn't interrupt or take advantage of the moment.

He simply waited.

Elena finally sighed.

“One condition.”

“Name it,” Alexander said.

“I won't be treated like a prisoner. I need to be able to move around, speak to my sister privately, and make my own decisions.”

“Agreed.”

“And I won't be expected to work for you.”

“Agreed.”

“And if you ever make a ridiculous rule about what I can or cannot do, I'm going to complain.”

Alexander held out his hand.

“I look forward to it.”

Elena shook it.

“Don't. I'm very good at complaining.”

“I've noticed.”

She released his hand and turned to Sarah.

“Fine. We're going to the penthouse.”

Sarah grinned.

“I knew you'd agree.”

“You've known me your entire life. You should know better than to look so pleased with yourself.”

Alexander's penthouse occupied the uppermost floor of a private residential tower.

When the elevator doors opened, Elena stepped into a spacious entrance hall with pale stone floors, tall windows, and furniture that looked as though nobody had ever sat on it.

Sarah walked ahead, taking everything in.

Elena followed more cautiously.

“This place is enormous.”

“There's enough room for both of you,” Alexander said.

“Enough room? You could invite the entire school and still have space left over.”

Sarah laughed.

Alexander showed them the guest rooms, explained how to contact security, and pointed out the kitchen.

“You can use anything you need,” he said. “If you require something that isn't here, let the house manager know.”

Elena stopped.

“House manager?”

“Yes.”

“Of course you have a house manager.”

“Would you prefer that I manage the house myself?”

She considered the idea.

“Actually, that would be interesting to watch.”

“I'm sure it would.”

Sarah had already disappeared into one of the guest rooms, leaving Elena standing beside the kitchen island.

Alexander checked his phone.

“I have a meeting this afternoon. Someone from my office will be available if you need assistance.”

“We'll be fine.”

“I'll have security informed before I leave.”

Elena nodded.

He started toward the private elevator.

“Mr. Blackwood?”

He turned.

“Thank you for helping Sarah. I know this situation is complicated, and I don't want you thinking we're taking advantage of your generosity.”

“I'm not thinking that.”

“Good.”

She hesitated, then added, “And I'll make sure we don't break anything expensive.”

Alexander glanced around his penthouse.

“Please do. Some of those things are difficult to replace.”

Elena narrowed her eyes.

“You were doing so well.”

He laughed as he stepped into the elevator.

The doors closed.

Elena stood in the quiet entrance hall for a moment before Sarah called her from the guest room.

“Elena! Come and see this bathroom!”

She hurried down the corridor.

For now, they were safe. Sarah had a comfortable room, Elena could breathe without worrying about the next bill, and Alexander had given them a place to stay without demanding anything in return.

It was an arrangement.

Nothing more.

At least, that was what Elena intended to believe.

And somewhere across the city, Alexander Blackwood returned to his office, already preparing for the next meeting on his schedule.

He had made room in his home for two people he barely knew.

He told himself it was a practical decision.

For the time being, that explanation was enough.

End of Chapter 7