annalise
“Okay,so I came up with some new designs based on what you suggested last time. Let me know if you like these or if there are any changes you need me to make,” Trang says to Maddox.
I feel his gaze on me as I sort through files in the corner. He doesn’t seem the slightest bit interested in what Trang has to say, or in her designs.
Veronica catches on to where Maddox’s attention is and shoots daggers my way. “Ms. Monroe, my office. Now.”
The files slip from my hand. “What? But I?—”
“Now,” she repeats.
I follow her into her office, shutting the door behind me.
She crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes. “Do I need to remind you that Mr. Kamado is a client and you need to keep it professional?”
“Where is this coming from? I haven’t said or done anything.”
“It has nothing to do with what you say or do. It’s the way you dress. Your clothes are far too revealing.”
I stare at her, shocked. “What? I’m not even wearing anything inappropriate!” My hands skim down the front of my outfit in disbelief.
I’m wearing a turtleneck sweater and a skirt that falls just above my knees—there’s hardly anything showing.
“Don’t raise your voice at me,” she snaps, glowering. “I know exactly what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to seduce him so you can get what you want. You want him to convince me to give you Trang’s job.”
My cheeks flush as frustration boils inside of me.
This bitch is fucking out of her mind.Do I think Trang should’ve been given the job? No. But the fact that Victoria thinks I would seduce someone to get ahead is outrageous.
“People like you always try to use their pretty faces and bodies to move up in the industry,” she sneers. “Mr. Kamado is our client and having a sexual relationship with him is strictly prohibited. So unless you want to be out of a job, I highly suggest you refrain from getting involved with him.”
My nails dig into the palm of my hand, helping me fight the temptation to lunge at her and slap her across that stupid fucking face. “Trust me—you don’t have to worry about that. Was there anything else you wanted to add?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“No, that is all,” she says, smoothing her hand over her skirt. “Just make sure you start dressing more modestly.”
As I leave her office, I fight the urge to slam the door on my way out.
I storm into the break room and start kicking the trash can over and over. “I can’t fucking stand this place! Veronica needs to rot in hell.”
“Everything okay?”
I gasp, clutching my chest. “Shit, you scared me.”
Maddox is standing in the corner with a cup of water in his hands, eyeing me with concern.
“What are you doing here?”
“Getting water.” He holds up his cup. “Is that a crime?”
“No. I just thought someone else would bring it to you.”
Maddox shrugs, gulping down the rest of his water. He strides over to where I’m standing and rests his hip against the counter. “What’s going on, Monroe?”
He looks genuinely concerned, and after my conversation with Veronica, I don’t have it in me to pretend like he isn’t a comforting presence for me. We went through a lot together, and despite the fact that he cheated, I still trust him with certain aspects of my life. This is one of them.
I can hate him all I want, but Maddox Kamado will always listen.
“I don’t know how much longer I can take it,” I groan, raking my hands through my hair. “I am absolutely miserable here.”
