“God, I forgot about that.But no worries, I already set the money aside in another account.”I run a hand through my hair.
“You were planning to quit Gene and end the contract?”Matthew asks, brows drawn together.
“Yeah.I even submitted a resignation letter.But Alan threatened me.He said I had to return all the bonus money he’d given me.Then he said he’d let me off the hook if I finished all the remaining projects by February.”
“If they get arrested before those projects are done, that means you’ll have to return all that money, right?”Jessy says, frowning.
“How much are we talking?”Matthew asks.
“About a hundred grand and a hatchback car.But I’ve used some of it, so I’m thirty grand short,” I say quietly.The words taste bitter.
“Wait a minute!”Laird and Matthew yell at the same time.
“You might not need to return it,” Laird says, his eyes lighting up.
“If Gene’s accounts get frozen and the company’s under court control, collecting debts will be a nightmare.Almost impossible,” Matthew says, grinning with sudden energy.
“We could even negotiate with the court’s asset division for some leeway,” Laird adds, smirking like he already won.
“They won’t move a thing until the case is closed, and that could take a year or more with appeals.We’re rich!”Matthew bursts out laughing.
“Um, I’m lost here,” I mumble.
“The point is, you don’t need to pay back that money right away,” Laird says, grinning as he pulls me into a hug.His confidence is contagious, but deep down nothing’s ever that easy.
* * *
The conversation from three days ago still echoes in my mind.Jessy and I still have a chance to save our colleagues from losing their jobs.With the money I’ve been keeping aside to pay back Gene, we could start a new talent agency.
The question is, do I have the guts to do it?There are all those business risks we’d have to consider, and we’d need people in the fashion world to actually trust us.
And who’s gonna run the daily operations?Who’s gonna be the director?The tax, the finance, and the million other things that come with running a business.Can I even make the money ready if the court asks for it?
I let out a sigh, flipping through the dresses on the rack even though this is one of my favorite designer boutiques.I just want to be a dream girl, but running a business myself is way out of my league.A girl like me could never make it work.
“Found something you like, sugar boo?”Alan comes up behind me, his hand brushing my elbow.
His thumb rubs small circles on my skin.I tense a little but let it slide.I’ll never get used to that ridiculous pet name.
He took me out today to buy a new dress.He wants me to wear something from a high-end boutique for the charity gala next week.Amy and Peter, as the biggest donors, are hosting it at their house.Everyone, including Mallory West and her circle, will be there as donor guests.
Of course, I can’t refuse or he’ll start asking questions.Especially with Golden so sure this event will be the perfect chance to catch them red-handed.
“Not yet,” I say, sighing again.
“How about this one?The color would pop against your blonde hair.”Alan holds a purple minidress in front of me.
“I think that’s too flashy for a charity event.”I shake my head.
“Then this one?”He lifts a white dress with a knee-length skirt.The halter neck looks simple but elegant.I run my hand along the silky fabric.
“Pretty good.I’ll try it.”I take it from him and head to the fitting room.
When I step inside, Alan’s following me.Maybe he’ll wait outside on the couch, so I don’t say anything.I hang the dress on the wall hook, but before I can turn around, his hand blocks the door.My eyes widen as he pushes his way in.
“Alan?What are you doing?”My heart starts hammering as I back up, my shoulder blades hitting the mirror.He locks the door, and I catch my reflection from the mirror on the door—wide eyes, tense shoulders.
He smiles like nothing’s wrong.“What’s stopping you?”
