Page 20 of Titus

“Okay, since you’re still in pre-vet school, we can get you transferred down here. Long Beach or Irvine are your best bets and closest to what you had at Davis,” I informed her.

“I don’t think I can thank you enough,” she said, hugging me.

I held my broken sister. “You came to the right place, honey. No gratitude is needed. We just need to get you established down here and working so you can get medical insurance.”

“I’ve already worked that out, and Banfield Pet Hospital helped me transfer to their Newport location as a part-time vet assistant. I’m not that useless, sis,” she half laughed through her tears.

I hugged her again. “That’s because I raised you right,” I chuckled. “Well, the good news is that it’s not like you’re leaving your whole life behind. You’re just transferring it to Southern California, where the men are hotter, and the beaches are warmer.”

“I will get a place as soon as everything settles and I’m in school down here,” she informed me.

“Take as much time as you need,” I said. “We need to get you to a good OB doctor, and you’re in luck because I know two of the best. They’re actually husband and wife, and they work at a state-of-the-art hospital.”

“That’s a relief,” she said.

“Yes, I’ll call and see if John or Mickie can take you on as a new patient, but I’m quite positive they will. They’re both very lovely people,” I told her.

“You seriously find a way to fix everything, don’t you?” she laughed.

“Well, it is what I do for a living. Although my specialty is fixing spoiled-brat billionaire problems and their overly lavish events.”

“Still,” she smiled, and I was happy to see her smiling again, “that’s quite a demanding and highly stressful job.”

“Only if you let it become so, which I don’t. I just assess, fix, and control, and then all is well.”

She rose. “Can I get in the shower? It’s been a long drive,” she said.

“Yes,” I stood. “Let me get the guest room ready for you. The bathroom is right through that hallway,” I said, pointing past the kitchen.

When Amelia disappeared into the bathroom, I pushed my thoughts about her sad situation aside. As of now, it seemed she’d taken control of the major things. Tomorrow, I’d call a moving company to pack up and remove all her personal items from that house and handle any other loose ends there.

Thinking about Gabe right now was something I would not allow myself to do. I had to be to work early tomorrow for our first day in the new office.

After learning tonight that the imposing building behind mine was the newest headquarters for Titus Hawk’s company—or empire, as he so arrogantly loved to proclaim with every other word tonight—I wanted to make damn sure I stayed in my own building and avoided any accidental run-in with the man who seemed convinced I’d screwed his company over by overcharging him.

I was not in the mood to explain myself, or to point out that if he had an issue, he should take it up with his financial department, not me. I wasn’t the one who’d made the decision to accept the price I’d quoted. They had. It wasn’t my problem, and if it meant he’d never hire me again? Even better.

I just wanted to be focused on tomorrow—on the new office and making sure everything transitioned smoothly. I wasn’t about to start canceling clients over a move.

Then, I’d deal with my sister.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The ocean was in gentle motion when I woke. From the cliffs of my estate in Pacific Palisades, the endless expanse of water stretched beyond the glass and disappeared over the horizon. The early-morning light caught the surface of the sea, making everything else feel smaller and quieter.

That was exactly why I lived here. The estate wasn’t just a home—it was the one place in my life that belonged entirely to me. Steel, stone, and glass clung to the hillside above the Pacific, far enough removed that no one arrived unless I invited them.

I stepped out of my bed, the cool stone beneath my feet grounding me as I crossed the bedroom.

The bathroom doors slid open as I approached. Dark marble and glass reflected the early light, every surface immaculate.

I gave the audible command to turn on my shower to its programmed temperature while bracing my hands on the counter. I splashed water on my face, then lifted my gaze to the mirror.

Everything about my expression was focused and already working on the planned day ahead of me.

Fucking Jameston. I offered that bastard three times that building’s value, only for him to reject it. Not ignore it. Not counter it. Just reject it. That wasn’t business—it was a message.

I turned toward the shower, steam already rising as the water hit the stone, and stepped beneath it.