Page 5 of Broken Billionaire Boss

I stood next to the shrub bordering the embankment, looking at Victoria’s mangled car.

I dropped the cufflink in disbelief.

CHAPTER 4

SAMANTHA

Iwoke up having mixed feelings about my new project. Don’t get me wrong, I was very happy about the opportunity, but my encounter with Mr. Brooks left me with some apprehension. I shook off the lingering feeling of doubt and instead started to focus on what I needed to accomplish today. My plans were to head out to the permit office with the preliminary drawings I completed the night before. Brandon was kind enough to go through all my ideas and approved the budget for the project. The escrow account was funded and I already began ordering items based on the project schedule we decided on.

After filing the permit, I planned on heading back to the ranch to take a few pictures for my simulation software. I wanted to have some 3D virtual videos of the completed project for Brandon. It was obvious Mr. Brooks had no intention of getting involved with the project overall. Honestly, I wanted a chance to smooth over our initial encounter. I planned on bringing my A-game with me just in case I ran into him again. I left my apartment and headed downtown to get the permit application in as early as possible. The offices are usually crowded this time of year with all the plans for summer renovations getting filed.

As I suspected, the permit office was buzzing with activity. I was one of the first to arrive so I filed my documents and avoided the busy crowd that started trickling in as I was leaving. After leaving the permit office, I made the forty-minute drive to Highland Park in silence. I had some ideas for the art room. The ranch was very masculine, and there was no place for Mr. Brook’s daughter, Natasha, to call her own outside of her bedroom. I thought a sophisticated playroom with a reading nook was a perfect twist. Brandon approved of the idea, and I really wanted to make that the fun part of the project. As I pulled up to the house, the grounds captivated my thoughts, it was really a well-kept property. There was just a serene vibe that swept over you as soon as you turned onto the long driveway. The well-manicured lawn was inviting and the horses grazing off in the distance made me feel like I was ready willing and able to go off into the wild.

Brandon met me at the front door. “Good afternoon, Ms. Walker, so nice to see you again. When can you have the plans ready? Mr. Brooks has inquired and seems unhappy so far with what you have submitted.”

“Well, I haven’t submitted the final rendering yet, isn’t that a little premature?”

“I understand, get it done quickly so he doesn’t start micro-managing the project.” My blood was now boiling in my veins.

“Thanks, Brandon. Am I okay to start taking pictures?”

“Yes, absolutely. You know where everything is. I will be in the back office if you need anything.”

I liked that he felt comfortable with me roaming the house without his oversight but the feedback from Mr. Brooks was making me frustrated. He gave no direction but now he had harsh opinions. I pushed the thought in the back of my mind so I could get the pictures completed as quickly as possible.

The house staff was busy today, there was a flurry of activities with everyone focused on cleaning. I wondered what a spring party at the ranch looked like. The grounds were big enough to hold a massive concert and the main residence was suited for royalty with the rich textures of the wallpaper, stunning art plastered over the walls, and oversized rooms.

I started in the kitchen and headed to the master bedroom. I wanted to leave the art room as my last stop. As I opened the door to the art room, I was startled by a tiny figure sitting on a chair off in the corner. It was Natasha. I had seen her a few times before during my visits but this was my first time having an opportunity to interact with her. I read extensively, the night before about the death of the late Mrs. Brooks. I was doing some research on the ranch and the article popped up as relevant news in my search. I was sad to hear of her sudden and horrible death. My heart went out to Natasha. Losing your mother at such a young age had to be difficult.

I even found it in my heart to temporarily forgive Mr. Brooks for his rude behavior when we first met and his displeasure with my work up to this point: He has to be dealing with a lot. I could see how going through this experience could damage anyone.

“Hi, Natasha,” I said quietly, “how are you? I’m Samantha, but my friends call me Sam.”

She looked at me with the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen. “Hi,” she said simply. “Do you need me to leave?”

“No, not at all. Actually, I could use your help.”

She perked up and quickly became attentive. “What can I help with?”

“Well, this is going to be your new playroom. What I need you to do is to pick four things from this room that you would like me to add to the changes to make this room the most special place in the whole wide world just for you.”

I could tell she loved the idea. She darted from corner to corner, gathering what she thought was special. She had about ten things gathered when she flopped down on the floor to decide which four were the most important to her. As I watched her debate between different things that belonged to her mom, I quickly brushed a tear back from my eye. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through, but I admired her composure and strength. She had so much to go through in life and without a mom to help, she was going to have a hard time navigating this cold world.

She suddenly popped up, but before I could say anything, Mr. Brooks walked through the door, I could tell he was upset.

“Hello, Ms. Walker. Natasha let’s get out of Ms. Walker’s way.”

“No, she isn’t a problem,” but before I could finish Natasha quickly disrupted the conversation, “Will these four work Sam?”

I looked at her and my eyes gave away my adoration. “These are perfect.”

She put the items on the floor, lunged at me, and wrapped her thin arms around my waist. I couldn’t help but return the embrace. We stood silently, locked in our own world for what seemed like an eternity.

“Natasha, let’s give Ms. Walker some time so she can get this room ready.” I could feel some tension, was the idea of changing the room unacceptable?

Natasha reluctantly dropped her arms and walked towards her dad. She grabbed his hand and they both walked out of the room.

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