Chapter four

Margot’s POV

I carefully entered my fiancee’s office with my eyes glued to Vikki’s face. She was smiling gently, but I knew her well enough to know it was the smile of a viper right before she would bite.

“ You look tired, dear. Tough night?” Vikki asked in a saccharine tone.

“ That is nothing that should concern you,” I replied coldly, coming closer to Sam and kissing his cheek. “ What brings you here? Shouldn’t you be on some tropical island, spending your daddy’s money?”

Vikki laughed and threw her hair behind her shoulder-her signature gesture. “ I just came back from Marocco. It was awesome. You should try it sometimes.”

I forced my lips to curl in something that could be taken for a smile. “ I would love to, but some people have to work, not that you know anything about that.”

Vikki’s smile dropped, and I knew that I hit the nerve. Even in my current situation, that gave me satisfaction. Her eyes narrowed, making her look ten years older

“ I do work,” she hissed, and I noticed that Sam slightly moved away from me. That hurt, but it was not the right time to show emotions.

“ In your daddy’s company?” I asked dryly. No one in their right mind would hire Vikki for any position, not to mention one that required actual thinking. I was sure she was having some well-paid job at her father’s side.

As always, when she was out of arguments, Vikki pursed her lips and glanced at Sam, looking for help. I tried to surpass my giggle, but I failed.

“ Always so smart, huh? The best student in the university, you think you can look down at me?”

“ One of the best, to be exact, and you taught me how to look down on others. Did you forget?”

Right in the first year of my education, we established our relationship with Vikki. She was the popular one, always surrounded by her minions. It was like going back to high school. I naively thought that was not a thing in such a prestigious university, but I was wrong.

For a long time, I wondered why her father made her attend such a place if Vikki clearly had no intention of learning anything. Her life was wrapped around partying and flashing new designer clothes and bags to anyone who cared to listen to her.

On the other hand, I had no time for partying, as I worked a part-time job after the lectures. My scholarship covered my education, but I still needed money for everyday expenses. For some reason, Vikki decided I would be a perfect target for her and her minions. Here and there, she made small remarks about how unfortunate I was having to work after my classes. Of course, it was all coated in sweet words, but her true intentions were clear. I tried to avoid her, but she kept finding a way to humiliate me in front of others. If she only had the same determination when it came to learning, maybe then her father wouldn’t have to throw an enormous amount of money to buy her exams.

That was the thing with Vikki. There was no problem her daddy’s thick wallet couldn’t solve. That was a reason why I hated her so much. I had to work my a*s off to be where I was now, and she had everything presented on a silver plate.

I shook my head. That was in the past. I was a different woman now, and she would respect me one way or another.

“ Let’s cut to the point. What are you doing here?” I glared at the woman before me.

The sweet smile returned on Vikki’s lips, and I hoped she would give me a reason to wipe it off.

“ Sam did not tell you? I am here to offer a collaboration.”

I gasped upon hearing those words. “ I am sorry, what?”

“ My dad wants to work with you. He would like to merge your company with ours.”

My lips curled, and I did not have to force it this time.

“ Over my dead body,” I said, making my voice dripping with venom. I did not spend years building this company so that Mr Reed could take it as his.

Vikki giggled, and I fought the urge to slap her. “ I knew you would say that. You were always so proud. With my father’s help, your business would mean something, at least. But I guess you prefer to crawl when others are running.

My fists balled. The woman who never worked a single hour will not discuss something I built.

I glanced at Sam, who was uncomfortably watching the whole scene.

“ Don’t tell me that you consider it?” I asked in disbelief.

“ We can discuss it later,” he replied slowly, avoiding my eyes.

“ There is nothing to discuss about. We built this company. So the answer is no,” I said, my voice twitching angrily.

“ Enough!” Sam raised his voice, and I looked at him, surprised. He had never yelled at me. " You can not disrespect my guests in my office, and as I remember this is 'our' company, not only yours."

Vikki giggled. She was having the time of her life.“ It looks like you are not the only one with something to say.” I could claw her eyes out at this very moment, but Sam’s betrayal hurt me too much. I have never seen him acting like that. What was going on here? Was he making any promises behind my back?

I stormed out of the office, ignoring Martha, who tried to say something. I was too angry to pay attention to anything on my way. It was not happening. The last night's events faded in my mind, swiped away by the current situation.

I ran out of the building, blinded by the clear rage that was building inside me. I kept walking with my head low when I bumped into something on my way and lost my balance. Two strong hands kept me safe from falling, and the scent of expensive cologne embraced me. I took a deep breath, ready to apologise.

“ You keep falling into my arms. That must be destiny.”

I raised my head and met Nathan’s eyes.