When Stavros caught Willem gazing at him speculatively, the Greek tycoon only shrugged, and his voice was indifferent as he asked, “You heard about what happened?”
Not seeing any purpose in lying, Willem simply nodded, adding, “It’s also making its rounds in the palace as we speak.” He paused, hesitating. Full disclosure was one of his requirements for everyone in his employ, and Willow had told him everything. As a result, Willem had a conflict of interest, his concern for his friend at war with how he felt honor-bound to protect his employee from further harm.
“Whatever you and Willow do in your private time, I will not intrude, of course, but I do need you to treat her with respect and proper decorum in public. She is my employee, after all.”
“You don’t need to tell me. I don’t want to have anything to do with her,” Stavros said grimly. Willow Somerset was as poisonous as his mother, and it was time to flush her out of his system for good. His mind made up, he asked Willem, “Is Ingrid around?”
The mention of the Dutch heiress’ name made Willem raise a brow in speculation, but even so he answered, “She’s invited to the ball and since she’s never missed any of the royal events, I’d say you’ll see her around.”
“Good.” Stavros took out his phone and sent the woman a text message.
Sensing his friend’s need to be alone, Willem walked towards the door. “If you’re certain this room would be sufficient, then I’ll take my leave. I hope to see you tonight at dinner?”
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
When he left the room, Willem saw his personal assistant waiting for him in the hallway. A 19-year-old intern and a family friend, Serenity was often teased as Willem, Jr. because of how she took after him in so many ways.
Taking one look at his face, Serenity murmured, “You have not informed him about the arrangements then.” She was referring indirectly to the fact that Stavros Manolis happened to be placed in the room right next to where Willow Somerset was staying.
“No.”
It would have been a frustrating answer for most people, but for Serenity, it was nothing less than what she expected from her aloof employer.
They began walking side by side, their backs straight, and looking more like siblings than boss and assistant with their identical blond hair and impeccably elegant taste in clothes.
As they entered the lift, Willem said, “Be sure Ms. Somerset is given a full tour of the palace. She’s been granted access to all parts except for the third floor in the east wing.”
“A full tour could take hours,” his intern commented. “She may end up missing the dinner entirely.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“You are worried about her, Mr. de Konigh?”
“Willem, Serenity.”
“Mr. de Konigh during work hours, sir.”
Shaking his head at her stubbornness, Willem let it go and instead answered her previous question, murmuring, “It’s more concern than worry. Also, it would be interesting to see what happens if their paths do cross.” One of the reasons why he and Manolis were such good friends was because of their disinclination for emotional relationships, which was why it had stunned him the first time he heard about the Greek billionaire having an affair with his own secretary.
What would make a man as rational as Stavros Manolis do something as illogical as conduct a workplace affair?
Her employer’s last words had Serenity glancing at Willem sharply, but when he looked her way, her usual mask of icy composure had fallen back into place.
“Something the matter?” Willem asked.
“Just reviewing my to-do list for today, Mr. de Konigh,” she lied.
“Willem.”
“Sir.”
As they stepped out of the elevator, her employer’s last words replayed in her mind. Interesting. Willem de Konigh thought Willow Somerset was interesting.
It was reason enough for Serenity to dislike the newcomer on sight.
****
“You are tired, Ms. Somerset?”
Not if you’re going to make me sound like I’m weak for admitting it, Willow thought. Shaking her head, she forced a smile as she lied, “Not at all.” But really, she was. She and Willem de Konigh’s PA-slash-snow-princess had been walking for three hours already, and they had only covered one out of three wings that made up Contini’s official palace.
Serenity flashed her a smile that almost made Willow shiver. Brrr. This woman sure hated her. “Perfect,” Serenity said. “We shall continue then.”
Willow swallowed back a groan. She was tired and hungry, dammit. Was this girl truly human or did she run on batteries?