“You’re right not to trust him, Ali—Mystique.” Heidi quickly corrected, earning a sharp look.
“We’ll talk after this,” I said firmly. Heidi looked uncomfortable, but nodded. I’d not told Hedi my identity, so I needed to understand how she knew.
“How can I help?” I asked Oliver as I approached the reception area.
“Sign the contract, Mystique. I need to finalise the designs.” Oliver shoved a file at me rudely. Annoyed, I pushed my cheek out with my tongue before speaking.
“Oliver, last time you visited, I made it very clear that what you were doing to Alicia was repulsive and offensive. Since then, you have only compounded your error. I’m unsure if I’m signing with Eliganz again.”
“Are you fucking kidding? What the hell does Alicia have to do with anything? We’re divorced, and I’m with somebody else. That’s my private life and doesn’t affect my ability to do business. Sign, Mystique,” Oliver nearly shouted.
“No. And your actions are concerning. Because if you could treat Alicia so badly, how are associates, colleagues, and employees treated? You showed no respect to Alicia or her feelings, and that makes me wary.”
“Mystique, my personal life bears no relevance to how I handle business. Now, I was the one who took a risk on you, where’s the loyalty?” Oliver stated.
Amused, I began to laugh. “You gavemea chance? Oliver, please, I had customers coming out of my wazoo. Honestly, I had offers from Zade and Chic Dreams, when Eliganz ranked third behind them. Don’t forget, I chose Eliganz because of Alicia, not you. Don’t attempt to gaslight me into believing that Eliganz bolstered my career.
“Rumours are also running riot that I apparently signed a five-year exclusive contract with Eliganz. Perhaps you ought tocontrol that brainless mistress who’s spreading those lies before I take legal action. Like many, I dislike being linked to false news.”
Oliver ground his teeth loudly and slammed the file onto the reception desk. “Sign the damn papers, Mystique. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“I’m exploring options because, frankly, signing with you makes me feel sick. In fact, Oliver, consider this a definitive refusal. I won’t work with Eliganz ever again. Now leave before I call security.”
“Don’t play games, Mystique. That will backfire. Everyone knows you’re tied to Eliganz. If you contract with a lesser chain, then you lose sales.”
“So be it. Oliver, I’ve got a fortune already, and Mystique can weather a downturn of profit should that happen. That’s preferable to working with someone as vile as you,” I stated, turning away.
Heidi gasped as Oliver reached out and grabbed my shoulder. Threat wafted off Oliver. Scared, I wrenched free and was shocked wordless at the venom on Oliver’s face. He quickly wiped it, but I’d seen the emotion.
“Let’s not be rash, Mystique. How about I return to Eliganz and see what I can do to sweeten the deal? Nobody wants to torpedo a bright career.” Oliver forced a smile, turned on his heel, and left.
“Tell the security guard to print Oliver’s picture. He’s banned from this studio. If he comes back, I want Oliver removed,” I said shakily.
Heidi nodded, pale herself.
“Did that asshole say anything before you fetched me?”
“Yes. Oliver was sneering at the low position I was now working in,” Heidi murmured. “I gave that bastard ten years of loyalty, and I’m treated like trash.”
“Come with me,” I ordered, heading into my office. “Sit down, Heidi, and explain your earlier slip.”
“Mystique, I knew your identity the moment you interviewed me. But as you clearly didn’t want anybody knowing, I stayed quiet,” Heidi said.
“Have you told anyone?”
“No, and I won’t either. I’m loyal, Ali—Mystique.”
“That’s why you were hired. Oliver did many distasteful things, and you kept his trust. You won’t be put into that position here, and I abhor his slimy actions,” I told Heidi honestly.
“Oliver’s a cruel and petty person. You love—”
“The operative word is loved, not love, Heidi. Oliver destroyed every ounce of that emotion. I plan to reveal who I am eventually, but I’m currently looking for other retail options. Oliver thinks he owns Mystique; he’s wrong. If I walk, Oliver loses a big chunk of his customer base.”
Heidi smiled. “Couldn’t happen to a more deserving asshole.”
“No,” I agreed. “Oliver is about to learn what he threw away.”
“Well, lady, you seem happy,” Devon said as I left my apartment. He leaned back against his car and whistled.
