FOUR

JULIE

I stepped out of the plane with Bryan and sighted the waiting car courtesy of Adam’s company.

The move back to London had been swift after the contract signing and I was chosen to represent the company meaning I would be working as close to Adam as we used to in the past.

There was a difference now, though.

I was no longer the pathetic little personal assistant who had fallen hopelessly for her boss and allowed him use her for his satisfaction and then toss her out like she was waste product.

I was Consultant at the biggest fashion brand in Birmingham… ‘Luxanne’ and I was going to have my own office as a partner to Adam.

The chauffeur opened the car door and I mentioned the hotel I would be staying until I get a place to rent.

Bryan bombarded me with questions about the city while I did my best to answer and not think about the meeting I was having later in the day at the company.

I could not help the tremor that raced up my spine at the thought of returning to that place where I had been so abused and it only helped me wonder exactly how I was going to exert revenge on Adam and clear my name which he smeared all over the company.

To anyone that mattered, I was the assistant who fucked her boss and then got fired.

We got to the hotel and I was helped with my boxes. It took an hour before I was able to get a professional nanny on the phone to watch Bryan while I prepared for my meeting.

I wanted to make a statement and so I settled for a bold black dress and the reddest lipstick I could find plus I swept my hair back in a bun, adorning graceful heels.

I kissed Bryan goodbye and called a cab straight to the office which had not changed from what I could make out of the inside from outside.

Breath fled from my lungs as I stared up at the massive building, refusing the urge to feel small all over again like I was six years ago when I was kicked out of the company.

You have got this, I muttered to myself, striding into the office building.

Not much had changed like I guessed and I could only tell by the shocked looks on the faces of some of the employees I recognized that they had not been expecting me.

“Julie Paxton for Luxanne Fashion” I told the receptionist, flipping out an ID.

“You should go right up, ma’am” She answered politely, her tone hinting at respect.

Six years ago, I would have been thrown out like some homeless animal but right now? They would never dare.

I reached for the elevator as directed, closing my eyes until I was sufficiently calm. When I opened it again, I was ready to walk into the board room and introduce myself as the newest shareholder of the company.

They were all seated and waiting including Samantha whose eyes widened as soon as she saw me.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” She snapped, rising to her feet.

“Sit back down Samantha MacAllister or I am going to have to have you exit while reasonable individuals converse”

There was a minute of awkward silence with Samantha shooting me a murderous glare but she sat back down.

“Good day, I am Julie Paxton and I am the representative for Luxanne, Birmingham” I began, pointedly staring at Samantha.

No fucking way, I heard her mouth.

Yes way, bitch… I could almost scream.

It was in that moment Adam walked into the room, stopping as his eyes slammed on mine. I kept my cool, talking to the board about the goal and vision together while he took a seat beside a still furious Samantha with his eyes still on me.

The meeting was soon over and I smiled when a man walked up to me.

“That was a powerful presentation… I can taste everything you mentioned” He told me

“Thank you, I am happy I could be very graphic” I smiled, shaking the hand he had out.

“I am Max and I hope we can be friends, Julie” He told me

“Of course” I smiled again, wondering if he knew the real reason I had left the company.

If Adam had told him just like he had told every other person in the company.

“I see you have met Max… my best friend and manager” Adam’s annoying voice interrupted the moment.

“I have”

Max continued holding my hand and I noticed the slight frown on Adam’s forehead as he took in the view.

“I see you have made something for yourself” Samantha’s putrid voice grated my ears.

She neared with her eyes still flashing with disgust.

I said nothing in response, merely cast her a small smile.

“You are still nothing” She lashed. “You might be wearing some fancy designer clothes and representing a big fashion company but you will forever remain the foolish little…”

“Allow me stop you there before you embarrass yourself even further” I interrupted her, one manicured finger raised.

“Whatever this is will not repeat itself” I stated as calmly as possible. “The next time you try to interrupt me during a talk or even address me in a way not befitting a partner in this company… you will be kissing your job a goodbye, is that fucking clear?”

Max let out a little laugh, still holding unto my hand.

I did not think he understood exactly what was going on but he appeared to be more than happy that I was putting Samantha in her place.

“Fuck you” She spat.

I sighed, rolling my eyes right before turning to Adam who still had his eyes fixed on my hand… the one Max remained holding.

“Speak to your pet or I will put her on a fucking leash.” I warned. “Now if you will excuse me, I have somewhere to be”

I retrieved my hand from Max and stalked off, brushing past Samantha who looked like she was choking on her own saliva. It gave me the purest of pleasure to see that look on her face and what was even more pleasurable was the fact that I could finally get my revenge after all these years.

I wondered exactly how Adam’s father was doing and if I should pay him a fucking visit.