Chapter 2

2

The moment I stepped out the door, it slammed shut behind me.

The autumn wind was biting, and I realized my suitcase only held a few thin shirts.

Looking at that closed door, I felt a strange mix of emotions.

I had planned to reveal my true identity once the Black Friday rush was over.

I was going to take her home to meet my family.

Instead, after working my ass off for her in and out of the bedroom, I was just a tool.

I couldn't let this go. I hailed a cab and headed straight to Thorne Industries.

From the lobby to the executive floor, employees were whispering and pointing at me.

"Look, isn't that Director Sterling? What's he doing here?"

"Didn't you hear? He got fired. He's probably here to beg for a severance check."

"That's what happens when you try to sleep your way to the top and get dumped."

I realized then that in their eyes, I was nothing but a joke.

Winona walked out of her office, her face full of annoyance.

"Foster, I already paid you. What are you doing at my office?"

I suppressed my anger and looked her straight in the eye.

"I heard rumors that the company is officially firing me?"

The entire office went silent, everyone leaning in to watch the drama unfold.

I wanted a clean break, but she was being unnecessarily cruel.

Being fired and resigning are two very different things in the business world.

If word got back to my circles, my reputation would be trashed.

Winona waved her hand dismissively.

"Foster, don't be so dramatic. I made it clear this morning that I don't need you anymore."

I kept my voice low and steady.

"Winona, I'm asking a simple question. Are you firing me?"

She finally snapped, her voice rising.

"Yes! I'm firing you! I tried to give you some dignity, but you had to show up here."

"Thorne Industries doesn't keep dead weight on the payroll!"

I was quiet for a moment, then let out a soft sigh.

"Winona, you are going to regret this."

She let out a sharp, mocking laugh.

"Regret? Why? I only gave you that Director title because you were good in bed."

"Now that Zander is back, you're naturally being replaced by someone competent."

She stepped closer, her voice dripping with venom.

"Listen carefully, Foster. You were just a dog I kept on a leash. You don't get to negotiate."

I didn't get angry. I still had a tiny bit of lingering affection for her, otherwise I wouldn't have been so loyal.

"Winona, listen to me. I don't care about your promises to Zander."

"But that New York deal... I was the one who made that call―"

She cut me off before I could finish.

"Enough! Are you actually going to claim you signed that contract?"

She looked at me with pure disdain.

"I thought you were at least honest, but you're a liar too. Zander is coming back with the signed papers."

"What have you ever done for this company besides sleep with me?"

It was impossible to talk to her. I took a few deep breaths to calm my nerves.

"I told you, I handled the New York deal. If you won't believe me, there's nothing else I can say."

I tried to explain one last time, but she was deaf to the truth.

"Foster, if you have any pride left, take the money and vanish."

"Nothing you say will ever make me want to be with a boy toy like you."

She smirked at me, her eyes full of mockery.

I almost found it funny. I had stayed low-profile to protect her, but now I was just a leech in her eyes.

Before I could speak, she called security to escort me out.

"Get out before I change my mind about the money. You won't get a cent."

Seeing her resolve, I gave up on being nice.

"I'll leave, but I'm telling you one thing before I go."

My eyes turned cold and sharp.

"If I walk out that door, that New York deal is dead. None of you will be able to sign it."