The Billionaire's twins trap

Chapter Four

Blake’s POV

The tour was finally coming to an end. I led the way through the service department, my mind barely processing the final details I was explaining. My thoughts were a tangled mess, completely consumed by the woman trailing behind me.

Avery Brooks.

Or at least, that’s what she wanted to be called.

I clenched my jaw, anger simmering beneath my skin as I replayed her words from earlier. “I don’t know you. We never had a past.”

Lies!

Six years. Six damn years since Jade disappeared from my life, and now, here she was, standing front of me, pretending to be someone else. Memory loss? A new name? How far was she willing to go to make me believe her little act?

I stole a glance at her from the corner of my eye. She was struggling to keep up, her face slightly flushed, her breathing uneven. Good. Let her struggle.

She deserved worse.

I quickened my pace, ignoring the sound of her heels clicking hurriedly behind me. If she wanted to work here, then she would earn her place.

Just as I turned to make another sharp remark, I noticed something strange.

She was limping.

My brows furrowed as I watched her stumble slightly, her hand gripping the edge of a nearby workstation for balance.

What the heck?

Before I could react, her legs buckled completely.

Without thinking, my hand shot out, catching her by the arm just as she collapsed. The moment my fingers closed around her, time seemed to slow.

Her skin was warm beneath my touch, soft yet trembling. My grip tightened instinctively, steadying her before she could hit the ground. Her body was so close, her scent… a mix of amber and clary sage flooded my senses. Not very familiar.

Avery’s wide eyes met mine, surprise flickering through them.

And then it hit me. A flood of memories surged through my mind, suffocating me.

Jade’s laughter, the way her eyes used to light up when she looked at me. The way she kissed me that night under the rain, whispering that she loved me. And the way she walked away, never looking back.

All of it came crashing down on me at once. Pain twisted in my chest, burning through me like wildfire.

I dropped her arm as if she had scorched me.

Avery staggered, gripping the nearest table to keep herself upright. Her breath was uneven, and I could see the pain in her face, but I shoved down the brief flicker of concern that tried to surface.

This wasn’t the Jade I remembered. How did she change so much over the years that even with her looking into my eyes, there’s no emotion in it? Is she really not Jade?

I straightened, forcing my expression back into something cold, distant. “Are you seriously this weak?” My voice was stern, each word laced with irritation.

Avery blinked, still unsteady. “I…I’m sorry, sir,” she murmured, clearly trying to compose herself.

I scoffed. “Sorry? You can’t even keep up with a simple tour, and you expect to work as my assistant?” I folded my arms, my glare unwavering. “If you can’t handle something as basic as walking, how the hell do you plan on handling real responsibilities?”

She gulped harder, her fingers still gripping the table for support. “I apologize, sir.”

I knew I was being cruel. But I didn’t care. This was what she deserved.

And I would make damn sure she regretted ever coming back.

As I turned away from Avery, I forced myself to walk away, my footsteps echoing in the hallway.

“Meet me in my office,” I tossed over my shoulder, not bothering to look back.

The moment the elevator doors slid shut, a nagging voice in my head told me I shouldn’t have left her there. The way she had winced, the slight hitch in her step–I noticed it. And yet, I had walked away.

I exhaled sharply, shaking off the thought. She’s not my concern anymore. She stopped being six years ago.

By the time I reached my office, I had pushed every unwanted thought of Avery aside. I stepped in to find my best friend, Derick already waiting, lounging a chair across my desk, his usual smirk in place.

“Hey buddy, you’re finally here,” he quipped, setting his phone down.

I shut the door behind me with more force than necessary and made my way to my chair. “How long have you been waiting?”

“Not too long,” he said with a shrug. “I heard you were busy showing your new personal assistant around. I hope this one stays. Where is she, by the way?” His eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Something twisted in my chest at the mention of Avery, but I ignored it. Instead, I sank into my chair, keeping my tone even. “She’ll be here soon.”

Derick’s brows lifted slightly. “You don’t sound too happy. What’s wrong? She doesn’t meet your expectations?”

A humorless chuckle escaped me as I leaned back in my seat. “What’s wrong? Everything, Derick! Who in their right mind would be pleased to see their ex suddenly show up, filling a new position in their company?”

Derick blinked, his smirk faltering. “Wait, what?”

I ran a hand over my face before meeting his gaze. “Jade is my new assistant.”

Silence stretched between us as Derick processed my words. His expression shifted from amusement to shock. “Are you messing with me right now?”

I shook my head. “I wish I were.”

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath. “And here I thought my day was interesting, and came to fill you in, not knowing yours was even better.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “You mean the Jade? The one who left you for a rich guy?”

“The same one, my friend. The same one. She has the nerves to come back into my life pretending to be someone else.”

Derick forehead creased in confusion. “Pretending? How?”

“She changed her name to Avery Brooks. As if that was not enough, she…” I trailed off when the door creaked open and Avery stepped inside.

I immediately noticed the way she moved–slow, stiff, like every step too effort. Her lips were slightly parted as if she was catching her breath.

“I-I’m sorry I took so long, sir,” she said, her voice uncertain.

Derick glanced between us, his mouth slightly open in disbelief, and his eyes gleaming with intrigue. “No way. Jade?”