He smirks.
Everything in me screams to shout at him.
Instead, I straighten. Smile.
“Of course, Mr. Maxwell,sir. Whatever you say.” His brows lift, his smirk faltering. “Now if that’s all, I’ve got things to do.”
His eyes narrow, but he gives a curt nod. I flash him another sugary sweet smile, before turning on my heel and strutting out with a little extra sway in my step.
Fuck. Him.
Chapter 9
Evan
“How long have you been working at Maxwell’s, Elijah?” I ask coolly, though I already know the answer.
Eli glances at me, his face screwing up like he’s chewing a lemon, clearly annoyed at the name I used. He hates being called by his full name. I know that. I’m just being an asshole. Because frankly, I can.
He clears his throat. “Just over a year now, Mr. Maxwell.”
I nod, rising from my chair and sauntering to the window. Sliding my hands in my pants pockets, I stare down at the street below. The people rushing around, the little deli across the street where the brat always screws up my lunch order. My jaw clenches. I’m not sure why I’m so irritated, but every muscle feels ready to snap. And for some reason,Elijahis the person I want to take my anger out on.
I turn to face him, my eyes cold as I meet his. “Then you’re well aware of the no fraternization policy we have in place.”
Eli’s eyes widen. His jaw slackens as realization hits. He opens his mouth, then shuts it again. He looks like a fucking fish out of water. I might’ve laughed if I wasn’t so pissed.
“I don’t know what you think you saw.” He finally finds his voice. “But I have no interest in Ms. Lauder. I was simply being polite. Offering help if she needed it.”
“Ms. Lauderdoes not require your help, Elijah. If that changes, I’ll let you know. Until then, focus on your work. That’s what you’re paid for, isn’t it?”
Eli nods stiffly, tension clear in his jaw. He hates this. “Of course, Mr. Maxwell.”
I smile, cold and deliberate. It’s not a nice smile. He swallows hard. “Now, get back to work. And if I see you tryingto get into Ms. Lauder’s pants again, you’re gone. This is your only warning.”
“I wasn’t trying to get in anyone’s pants –” he argues, but I cut him off.
“Leave,” I hiss angrily. “Before I fire your ass.”
It’s all he needs to see I’m not messing around.
He shoots up from his chair, rushing from the conference room without a backward glance. I shake my head, laughing. Maybe I went a little overboard. But I’ve seen the way Eli looks at Anais. It wasn’t someone just looking to be friendly. He wants to fuck her.
And honestly? I don’t give a damn who Anais fucks. But I won’t allow it to happen in my company. We have rules in place for a reason. And I wouldn’t want anyone losing their job over a so-called misunderstanding.
The door opens behind me drawing my attention. My father steps into the room, one brow raised. “What’s wrong with Eli?”
I rub a hand across my mouth, hiding my smirk. “What do you mean?”
He steps further into the room. “Well, he was as red as a tomato and muttering to himself. He didn’t even see me when I walked past.”
The chuckle that bursts from me is unstoppable. I shake my head and sit down gesturing for him to do the same. “He’s got a crush on Anais. I reminded him of our no fraternization policy.”
Dad smirks, as he sinks into his chair. “Technically, Anais isn’t an employee. She hasn’t signed anything. So, if Eli asked Anais out on a date, it wouldn’t be a violation. He’s a good guy. Dependable. He’d look after her.”
My smile drops. The tension’s back. The fuck? Hell no. No fucking way. I glare at my father. “No,” I bite out. “We havepolicies for a reason. I won’t bend the rules just because Anais isfamily.” I pause, the sarcasm in that one word clear. Dad’s jaw tightens. He heard it. Good. Anais might be my parents’ goddaughter, but that doesn’t make her family. “We start making exceptions to the rules and the whole company stops taking us seriously. Not happening.” I snap, my tone non-negotiable.
Dad’s eyes gleam like he knows something I don’t. My gaze narrows, my jaw ticking. “Very well, son. I won’t argue with you on it.” He says, and my muscles relax. Then he clears his throat, adding. “Your sister’s in town this weekend. Quick visit before she heads to Europe for Olympics trials. Your mother expects you for lunch on Sunday. In the Hamptons.”
