Boss Me (Private Listing #3)

“Did you need something else?” I clear my throat.

He releases a breath and takes his hand from my face. “William Adams called to apologize again. He wants to make it up to you and us.”

“Okay?” How does he want to make it up to me? His son cornered me and tried to assault me multiple times. Firing the asshole would be enough. Just acknowledging Hunter has a problem is enough. But I’m not sure that will happen.

“Add him on our calendar next Monday for lunch…” Seth pauses.

I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. “And?”

“Hunter will join us to formally apologize.”

I want to rail and throw things. Pitch the biggest fit in the history of fits. Do I want to sit down and listen to the man who would have assaulted me tell me he’s sorry because his dad forced him to? Hell no.

Swallowing down all that fury, I nod. This is part of being a future business leader. Sometimes you have to let people apologize even if they’re faking it. Because that asshole is only sorry that he got caught. “Of course.”

Seth clears his throat and I look up into his hard eyes. I’m not the only one struggling with this decision. “If it weren’t for William, I would say fuck it, but he’s a good man and a customer. Hunter is a dick, but we can’t punish William for that.”

“I know. It’s fine. I understand.” Even though my stomach is currently trying to turn itself inside out. I never want to be in the same room as that asshole again, but that’s not my decision. This is a business and I have to be professional.

Seth kisses the top of my head. “Enjoy your afternoon, princess. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

He heads to the elevator and disappears inside. Tonight. When he’ll have another woman on his arm. Someone he once dated. Someone he once loved.

I don’t know how I’m going to make it through tonight, watching Noah and Seth with other women. They have to make it look good for the press and the people attending. Will they make it look so real even I can’t tell they’re faking it?

Pushing it out of my mind, I pick up my phone and text Hope the details that we’ll be taking half the day off to get pampered. She sends back a million emojis with even more exclamation points. It’s enough to let me release the Hunter drama for now. And the worry about the other women tonight.

Smiling, I shake my head. I have a friend. My heart feels warm and content.

I glance at the piece of paper with Robert’s phone number and texts. He tried to be my friend. Maybe not the type of friend I wanted, but he was nice to me when a lot of people weren’t. I should just get it over with.

Me:

Sorry, this is Madison. Valerie texted on my old phone and the police have it.

Just got your messages.

I’m doing well and enjoying my new job.

You said you found something?

I set my phone off to the side, determined to get some work done today before I have to take off. My pulse thrums, nervous to know if he found my grandma’s bracelet or something else. Maybe whatever he found isn’t even mine. But the movers might have dropped something.

It’s an hour later when my phone buzzes. Not thinking, I lift it to view the incoming text.

Robert:

Glad you’re good.

Found some jewelry in the hallway. Thought it might be yours.

A bracelet you’ve worn.

My heart rushes. My grandma’s bracelet? I thought I’d lost it.

Me:

Can you drop it off in the lobby of the Morrigan Technology Group building please?