Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“Since when am I your favorite girl, Jimmy?”

“Since the moment I learned that the easiest cure for my shortness of breath and chest pain was you, and I didn’t have to waste hundreds of dollars on essential oils that don’t even work. When Charles and you make your relationship public, all these media vultures will finally have something good to say regarding Hawthorne Holdings. I can’t wait for these suckers to start a guessing game about the name of the Italian town hosting your wedding or the French chef baking your wedding cake.”

My stomach flips as I imagine the scene Jimmy paints in a chipper voice.

“Can you please tell that boss of yours that we still have to discuss how we’re sharing the news with the media?”

There’s a sudden pause in his excited speech, and Jimmy clears his throat once.

“Daisy, speaking of the media, don’t you worry about that asshole Jax Mendes who was on the news for ten seconds last night. Charles sent a personal message to the channel who did that interview. If they ever think about showing it again, they’ll no longer be in the entertainment business.”

“He did what?” My gasp resonates in the office, but it’s still not enough to put a dent on Jimmy’s excitement.

“Isn’t that romantic? The media will be eating from my hands if Charles continues to show this possessive side of his personality. Why is his phone busy anyway? What’s more important than resolving the only problem standing between him and the CEO title? Can you please check?”

“Um, you mean now?” Only half of my brain is focused on Jimmy’s instructions. The other half is still processing what he just told me about Charles.

“That would be good. I want to get the ball rolling on this news as soon as possible.”

“Okay, give me a minute. I’ll—” I’m about to knock when the door to Charles’ office is pulled open. Just the sight of him makes my heart lurch.

“It’s Jimmy,” I whisper.

Charles’ lips twist in their usual annoyance as he grabs my phone, still tucked to my ear, and ends the call.

“He wanted to talk to you!”

“Tell me something new. As opposed to what Jimmy thinks, I’m a businessman, not a celebrity. Besides, you need to leave.”

“What?”

Is he firing me for not accepting his offer?

Stop being so dramatic, Daisy. He just gave you a check to cover your dad’s expenses, why would he fire you?

“One of the best neurologists in the country is flying to Cherrywood Memorial today, and your dad has an appointment this afternoon.”

“How do you know about the doctor?”

“Because I asked him to visit, and also because he’s flying in the Hawthorne jet. Your dad’s neurologist suggested it himself.”

“You talked to my dad’s doctor?” My voice rises in shock. On one hand, his action is a gross intrusion of Dad’s privacy, yet on the other, I can’t believe it. Charles has never taken a personal interest in anyone’s life except his own.

“Not about the details of your dad’s medical case,” he replies in a clipped, almost offended tone. “I’m aware of the medical laws, Daisy. But a renowned neurologist visits Cherrywood Memorial twice a year. I just asked if we could make his visit sooner, and luckily, he agreed to my offer.”

My lips quiver and I don’t have the words or the strength to ask how much it costs to fly someone in a personal jet at one’s command, but it looks like Charles isn’t waiting for my question.

“You go now. Steve is already waiting for you in the parking lot.” He even hands me my bag and leads me to the private elevator.

An hour later, Dad and I step into the neurology department, where a nurse is waiting for us. For the first time, we’re not left waiting at reception. Instead, we’re escorted immediately to the doctor’s office. Dad undergoes a round of tests before the visiting doctor examines him. I’m still in a daze at how fast everything is moving, when his regular neurologist asks me to follow him into the lobby.

“Miss Price, we’ve received your application for a twenty-four-hour caregiver for your father. I’ve personally shortlisted three of our best candidates, and if you like, you can interview them today. This way, your dad can already have someone at his home by this evening.”

“B-but I didn’t fill out an application.” The shake in my voice can’t be tamed. All I can do is gape at him.

“Really?” The old man runs his fingers over his jaw as he looks down at the paper in his hand. “Perhaps Mr. Hawthorne did. Nevertheless, would you like to meet the candidates?”

I can only nod and follow him.