Chapter 5

Leona's POV…

I burst into a high-pitched laughter, my legs nearly staggering at the intensity of my outburst.

He kept his gaze on me, the smirk only deepening as he waited for me to regain composure.

“With this joke, there won't be a need for me to attend any stand-up comedy show on Friday,” I cackled, clutching onto my stomach while searching for a towel to wipe my eyes.

“But I'm not. Moore’s Arts and Gallery is a private establishment owned by me. I had the name changed after buying it from the previous owner. Why do you think it's still being renovated?” He laid out the evidence smoothly and confidently.

My heart raced as it started to make sense. Conrad could be anything but not a liar, even though he lied to me back then. But then Moore was his surname, which was the same name as this gallery.

“You bought this place?” I questioned, my temper rising, the discovery slapping me hard in the face.

“Isn't that obvious?” he answered bluntly.

I'd murder Alicia if she knew about this.

“This is insane. Were you aware that I'd be coming over here today?” I wanted to be certain.

A cynical grin took the place of his smirk. “I'm glad you figured it out. I mean, why go for someone else when I can employ the services of one of the renowned artists out there who is the sister of my best friend?”

“Ex-best friend,” I corrected with disdain. “My brother loathes you.”

“It doesn't matter. He was once my friend.” He was barely able to hide his arrogance, and that cemented my decision to terminate the contract.

I'd had my eyes on Moore's Art and Gallery for months and was elated when contacted to supply art pieces exclusively to them. It would be such a shame that I wouldn't be able to work with them because their boss was more arrogant than the devil.

“You’re insane, Conrad. I will never work for you!” I picked up my bag.

His hand caught my wrist before I could take another step. I fought hard against the anger that was threatening to erupt within me.

How dare he talk to me as if we were friends? He took my virginity, broke my heart, and treated me like trash afterward. Did he expect me to do a waltz dance just because I'd seen him again?

“You can't do that, sweetheart. Have you forgotten the terms of our contract?” He flashed that disgusting smirk at me again, which I wanted to slap off his face.

Alicia had read it out to me when it was sent last week, and if my memory serves me right, I was to work with the gallery for three years. The pay was good, so I didn't think to negotiate on the number of years.

Looking back, I realized that the crazy Conrad here might have been involved in drafting the contract. I'd correct that—he drafted the contract himself.

My eyes widened as I stared at him, his lips curling in a sinister manner.

“You are evil!” I yelled, snatching my hand from his grip, but it was steely, so I couldn't get away from him.

“I know, baby.”

I was livid now. The nerves of him to do this after everything he'd done to me in the past were appalling.

“What do you want from me, Conrad? Haven't you done enough?” My body trembled.

He closed in on me, so I was leaning against the table while our bodies touched. I fumed, breathing raggedly with hatred flowing through my veins, but my stupid belly couldn't help but flutter at our closeness.

My heart raced, even.

“I want you to work with me, Leona. The pay is wonderful and can be increased if it pleases you. We're also giving you the freedom to do whatever you want creatively.” He inclined his head. “I admire your resilience and creativity, and I'm sure everyone else feels the same way. Don't take this opportunity for granted,” he said gently.

I scoffed in disbelief. “The sky will have to fall before I work for you. Good day, Mr. Moore.”

He didn't hold me back this time.

~~~~

Alicia's gaze swiveled at me while I marched toward her. Her smile turned into a puzzled expression when I closed the distance between us.

“How could you, Alicia?” I fired.

Her brows furrowed in amusement while she straightened. “What's going on, Leona? You look like you just came out of a boxing ring.”

“Because the universe hates me and you're aiding it. Why did you let me waste my time here when you knew it would be fruitless?” I raged on, more pissed that she pretended to be unaware of what she did.

“Okay, you're going to stop accusing me and tell me what's going on.” Her voice deepened.

“Accuse you? Are you going to pretend that you didn't know that fucking Conrad Moore owns this fucking gallery?” I nearly screeched.

Maybe that was what he wanted—for me to lose my cool. He could be watching me from his office, laughing at his successful conquest, but I'd give him the surprise of the year. I'll fight tooth and nail to make sure I don't get to work with him.

Her eyes nearly fell out of their sockets with the way they widened. “You met Conrad? He owns the gallery?” She was genuinely surprised, and instantly I felt guilty.

I should have known that she wouldn't throw me under the bus, but my emotions didn't let me think it through before accusing her.

“I thought you knew about it?” my voice lowered.

She shook her head, her eyes still reeling in surprise. “I wouldn't have told you about their offer if I did. Hell, I wouldn't have let you see the fool again.”

“You know what is more annoying? He didn't apologize for hurting me. He's still the same cocky mule and is even worse than before,”

The annoying part was that my body still remembered everything from that night, and when he held me, I could swear that my core was clenched.

“So what are you going to do?” she questioned.

“The contract will be annulled. I won't work with him.”