Chapter 8

His office had a cool dark interior. It basically lacked color but I didn’t expect any better due to his narcissistic personality.

“What can I do for you?” he questioned without taking a glance at me.

“The shop “ I stated.

“What shop?” He asked calmly as he rose his head to look at me.

“ You don’t even care about your investments “ I said in annoyance.

“ Either be explicit or you can go back to where you came from” he stated with a frown.

“You bought the shop and laid the workers off! “ I angrily stated.

“Watch your tone “ he said as he stood from the office chair and relaxed on his table instead.

I checked out his full frame as he sat on his desk. He knew how handsome he was that’s why he thought he could get away with anything. I thought to myself with a scoff.

“Are you done checking me out? “ he asked with a smirk on his face as my face grew red.

“Don’t kid yourself “ I said as I looked away and focused on the picture frame sitting on the book shelf.

It was a picture of a middle aged man and a face that looked like a younger version of Leo.

“Why are you here, Sophia?” He calmly asked.

“I don’t understand why you bought the shop I work in and stopped us from working “ I replied.

“The shop was a good investment “ he stated plainly.

“Either you think I’m dumb or you’re not actually serious “

“I’ll choose the latter” I continued with a frown as he chuckled at my response.

“You have a good sense of humor “ he stated with a grin on his face.

“Good thing I can pay the bills with that. What a brilliant idea“ I stated sarcastically.

“Why not?” He asked. I couldn't decipher whether he was asking seriously or not with that look on his face. I sighed at my predicament in defeat.

“Why did you do this? “ I asked him.

“To get your attention “ he said.

“It clearly worked “ he continued as I stated at him in confusion.

“I lost my job due to your attention seeking self?” I asked in annoyance.

“More or less” he plainly responded.

I didn’t know when the tears rolled down my cheeks. I was seriously pissed and frustrated. There he sat, with no care in the world, probably never had to break a sweat or drown in bills. Relaxed while his actions cost people money. Increasing burdens on people, with no empathy.

I was angry, a helpless anger that I knew too well. That’s what happens when you lack the power that comes with the currency of the wold, money.

We stared at each other while I notice his brows scrunch in confusion.

Concern showed on his face but at this point it modt likely was a facade.

“I need that job” I muttered as I felt the familiar feeling of despair tug at my heart.

“You might as well be making demands in front of your boss” he stated.

“Well I’m desperate, and you know that.” I muttered with disgust.

“Then work for me” he said.

“What?” I questioned in confusion as I searched his hazel eyes for any hint of deceit.

“You need the pay, don’t you? “ he asked.

“You did say you’re desperate “ he continued with a smirk.

My eyes flashed with anger.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” I asked.

“I see no reason you can’t accept my offer “ he stated with no response to my question.

I already knew.

He loved what was happening. He knew he had a hold over me.

“If you reject it, you should act like the remaining workers and wait till the month is over before resuming “ he said as he walked towards me.

“So what’s your answer ?” He asked as he stood at my front and stroked my cheek with dried tear streaks.

I flinched away and took a step backward.

“I’ll give you an answer when I think on it” I muttered.

“Fine by me, just so you know you have three days till the offer is cancelled” he stated as he walked back to sit at his desk.

I left the office with my head filled with thoughts.

I wanted to cry so badly that I felt choked.

I hurriedly rushed out , just to bump into someone.

It was the receptionist.

“You again!” She shrieked as I quickly apologized and and kept on walking out of the building.

I stood at the sidewalk while the noon breeze blew at my face.

Spring was approaching.

“Did you get what you came for?” I heard from behind.

It was Natasha. She stood with those scrutinizing eyes of hers.

“Not really “ I said with a sad smile.

“As expected “ she said as I looked at her in confusion.

“No one leaves his office satisfied “ she continued.

“What do you mean?” I asked her.

“You’d just have to find that out yourself “ she said

“I’d give you a hint though , to win you have to know your target and then make demands” she schooled.

“Only then, can you gain any satisfaction “ she stated as she walked away into the building. I stood, staring at her, frantically eager, trying to understand what exactly she meant.

I had to go home. This place was beginning to rub me off the wrong way. I hailed a cab.

Later changed my mind about my destination. I needed to let out my thoughts not drown in them.

Home was Paris. I had to tell her about everything, honestly didn't know how I thought I could handle the situation alone. She has always been there for me especially after my breakup with Brian. Her empathetic and child like charm somehow felt safe to me always. I didn’t know how rich people thought, but she would. She always had good advice for me. She would totally be a good therapist same as she was good at fashion.

Luckily she was at home, laid there on her bed aggressively tapping on her phone with dresses scattered all around her room