Rise of the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello Read Free Book Online Page B

“Oh, hon, when he finds out that you’ve been lying to him it’ll only be worse.”
    “I’m going to tell him. I just haven’t come across the right time to do it.”
    “There is no wrong time for the truth.”
    “You don’t understand. This was my chance to show him that he’s wrong about me —that I do know what I’m doing. Telling him that I came here for a job that never existed will just prove everything he thinks about me is right.”
    “How old are you, Jeisa?”
    “Twenty-four.”
    “ Jeisa, parents love their children. They may not love them the way the child wishes she was loved. They may have faults. They may disappoint their children again and again. But I have never met a parent who did not love his child. You are not the first person to feel misunderstood, or to fear that your father won’t be proud of the real you. But he’ll never have the chance to prove how much he loves you if you’re not honest with him.”
    She made it sound so easy.
    Marie lightened the mood again with a smile. “And there’s another topic I’m sure you didn’t come here to discuss. What did you want to speak to me about, Jeisa?”
    Jeisa gratefully accepted a cup of tea from the housekeeper , even though she normally preferred coffee. The saucer and cup would occupy her hands and give her something to look at while she broke the news to the older woman. “Mrs. Duhamel,” Jeisa began.
    “Since when don’t you call me Marie? Mrs. Duhamel makes me sound so stuffy,” she added with a warm smile.
    “Marie,” Jeisa started again , “it’s about my current position.”
    Marie put her own cup to the side and folded her hands on her lap, her body language the polar opposite of what Jeisa knew about her. She might wait patiently for an explanation, but that didn’t mean she would accept it. However, this time it was important that she did.
    Jeisa hesitated.
    I hate to disappoint her.
    But I’m not. This is for the best , and she’ll see that.
    Jeisa mentally reviewed what she’d planned to say one final time before speaking.
    “Has something happened?” Marie asked, leaning forward with concern.
    Yes.
    No.
    That’s half the problem.
    “No,” Jeisa said hastily. “It’s just time for me to move on to another client.”
    Marie’s eyes widened. “Do you already have one lined up?”
    “No,” Jeisa admitted.
    “Are you finding it difficult to live on your present pay?”
    “The salary has been more than generous ,” Jeisa rushed to explain.
    “So, it’s that you don’t enjoy the work?”
    “No, these past few months have been amazing.” Jeisa sighed. None of this was coming out as eloquently as she’d planned. “Jeremy doesn’t need me anymore.”
    “Oh,” Marie sat back and folded her hands on her lap once more. “I see.”
    “You hired me to help him with his image. No one would think that he’s anything but a wealthy businessman. He can mingle at events without a problem. He is networking now with very powerful people, and his success will continue.”
    “Did Jeremy suggest that you were no longer necessary?” Marie asked.
    “No, we haven’t talked about any of this. I wanted to speak to you first. This was an incredible opportunity for me and I don’t want you to think for a moment that I don’t appreciate it. I do.”
    “So, you’d like to leave the position, even though you don’t have another one lined up?” Marie asked . She spoke softly, yet Jeisa still felt like she was at an inquisition.
    “Yes?” Jeisa responded lamely , wanting to kick herself. No wavering. I came here to tell her that I’m quitting. There is no clause in my contract about giving notice. Jeremy doesn’t need me anymore. It’s that simple. Why am I having trouble saying that I’m done and I don’t want to work with Jeremy anymore?
    Because it’s nearly impossible to look into those kind, wise eyes and lie —even if it’s a lie that I’ve half-convinced myself is true.
    “Did Jeremy make an