Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 110550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 553(@200wpm)___ 442(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 553(@200wpm)___ 442(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
For the minimalist man before me, the lines were clean and the flourishes were few. The gown was both simple and unique. Nothing he’s ever seen before.
“I mean, there’s room for improvement... but this is interesting.”
I’ve worked under other creative directors and senior designers. This poor compliment was the equivalent of high praise. “I take it I have the job.”
“With conditions,” he finished. “You claim you were framed, but I assume you have no proof of this. And no, I do not take your child as proof.”
“I do not have proof.”
“Yet,” Sunny cut in. “I’m working on tracking down their accomplice, Courtney Hicks. She doesn’t have a job here to lose anymore, so she’ll likely be forthcoming. If I can’t find her, Miss Dawson can be encouraged to give a full confession.”
“That is my first condition,” Vance said quickly. “While you work here, you will not make trouble with my employees. Lyla Dawson has been a model employee in the year since I’ve taken the job. She may have done what you say, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s in the past. You’ve got a position higher than the one you left, and you’re handling our biggest account. All’s well that ends well.”
In other words, he wants me to let it go and park the drama at the front door.
“I can do that.”
“Second, you work only on the Johnson account. I will assign you two junior designers and an intern. Final designs still go through me.”
“Assign me the same designers who’ve been putting their time in for the Johnsons,” I said. “They already have an idea of the sizes, cuts, and styles the family likes.”
Vance inclined his head, accepting that easily. “You will work here under a probationary basis and receive no salary.”
“Fuck that for a joke,” Sunny snapped.
Silently, I touched his arm. “Why on earth should I work for free?”
“Your designs will not be featured in the magazine, on the website, in competitions, or during fashion week. As such, you’ll be doing nothing to bring more business or attention to Caddell House. The only account you’ll work on is the Johnsons’, so you’re essentially their employee.”
“Incorrect. I did the math on the order they’re putting in. Even with the discount, it’s three times the revenue Caddell pulls in from their top accounts. I’m bringing in more than enough business. I get a salary.”
“I will not—”
“She gets a salary,” Sunny forced through gritted teeth. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
Vance reddened. “She’s paid the same as an intern and no more.”
I shook my head. Here’s an insight into my opponent: Vance Hollywell is a cheapskate. Funny how guys like that always find their courage when money is involved.
“I will accept that for now,” I said to head Sunny off. “Once I start bringing in other accounts, I expect my salary to go up.”
“You’re not here to bring in more accounts. The Johnsons are to get your full attention.”
My brow quirked. “Why is that, Mr. Hollywell? The truth is you don’t want me to enter competitions, attend parties, or submit designs for the catalog because then Talia and Damien will find out you rehired me, isn’t that right?”
The look on his face said it all. His mouth tried to tell a different story. “Not at all. I simply can’t have you get distracted. Sunny and his family are valued clients, and whatever your relationship may be, I expect professionalism within these walls.”
“You’re full of shit.” Sunny was as blunt as ever. “Don’t be afraid of Talia and Damien, my friend. They’ll get theirs soon enough.”
I laughed because Sunny never said anything truer. Damien and Talia would get a taste of what they did to me and Laurel, and they’d get it soon. I was done letting people get away with hurting me.
“You truly don’t need to worry about them,” I said. “There’s nothing they can do to you, especially if you make it clear Caddell House will lose the Johnson account if they make a fuss. Oops, don’t make that face,” I said when he blanched. “You can trust me, Mr. Hollywell. I’m not here to make your life difficult. I’m more than happy to clock in, do my job, and clock out. If any kind of drama kicks off with Talia, Damien, or Lyla, it won’t be because I started it.”
“Well, I’m pleased to hear that,” he said slowly.
“I only ask one thing,” I continued. “That you don’t let them get in my way either. I know in many ways I’m still working my way up, and I have no problem with that. My talent will speak for itself like it always has.” I got to my feet. “Now that’s settled, I’d like to see my office and meet the designers who’ll be working for me. I already know what the Johnsons want, so I’ll start tomorrow.”