The Billionaire's Hired Girlfriend

Chapter 31

With a murderous expression on his face, Jayden burst the door open. He wasn't surprised to see Kyle and Britney there with Sarah. They were sipping champagne—a toast, no doubt—to congratulate themselves at pulling off such a splendid show.

The three people looked at him in shocked surprise. Jay didn't give a shit that he was interrupting their little party as he stalked to Kyle, his chest heaving and his hands fisted tightly.

"Shit!" Britney muttered under her breath.

"Jay!" Sarah said, rushing toward him. "I thought—"

She didn't finish. He shoved her aside and flung his fist forward, smashing Kyle's handsome face, hitting him against the wall.

Sarah and Britney stared at the scene before them in shocked silence. Neither of them dared to move as they watched Jay knock Kyle's face again.

Kyle groaned and touched his bleeding nose and lips. "Shit, man!"

Jayden turned to face the two women, his eyes dark with disgust. "Stay out of my life. If any of you interfere again, I swear I'll make your life a living hell." He turned to Kyle, rage contorting his face. "We've never been friends, Kyle. Like I warned you before, I can do more damage than bashing your face." Then he marched to the door. Just as he was about to leave, he said to Sarah, "It really is over, Sarah, you and me. I don't care why you left me, and I'm glad you did. You and Kyle deserve each other." Then he slammed the door shut.

In the elevator, he rested his head against the wall, his heart heavy.

"Alex," he murmured under his breath. "I'm sorry."

She'd be home, he was sure, and soon he'd be there to apologize and explain everything. His cell rang. He frowned, wondering who would be calling him at this time.

"Jayden speaking."

"Boss, it's me."

"David? What's up?"

The elevator door dinged open, and he stepped out into the lobby.

"You have to come and see. It's about Mr. Marcelo's Island. Jeff is here with me. We've got all the information we needed."

Jay noted the excitement in David's voice. "Yes. We talked about that. Not buying." He headed into the hall where the celebration of his sister's wedding was still in full swing.

"Oh, you'll change your mind when you see this."

Jayden paused, his attention caught. "What is it?"

"Oil! They don't know they have oil under all that rocky, barren soil."

"Shit!" Jayden swore.

"Yeah, shit all right, boss." Jay heard a chuckle. "You coming?"

"Yeah. Coming." Jay terminated the call and headed to his parents.

"Where's Alex?" Gracie asked, noting the uncomfortable look on his face that he had difficulty hiding.

Jay didn't know what to tell his mother. "She—she's left."

"So early? Is she unwell?"

"No," he muttered, his face dark. "I mean, yes. Look, I have to go to the office. It's an emergency. I'll see you back at home. Tell Alex I'll be home soon, okay?"

"All right," Gracie said uncertainly. She watched him as he rushed to the door, a troubled expression on his face.

Jayden sped his BMW across town to the office on the other side of New York City. He expertly did a parallel park in the off-street parking lot, got out, locked the door, and raced to the modern building with the sign McCartney's Realty Co. As he headed toward the entrance, the security guard saw him and quickly pushed on the open-door button.