His eyes skimmed over me as I approached, lingering at the hem of my skirt. Heat crept up my neck, but I didn’t let it show.
Then, just like always, he dragged his gaze back to the screen. Back to ignoring me. Only now… it made sense. Evelyn’s words hit harder now than they had over salad and chickpeas.
This wasn’t indifference.
It was avoidance.
“I wanted to let you know,” he said, voice flat, “that you’re going to work for Monica downstairs on Monday.”
“Yes, sir.” I kept my tone neutral.
His eyes flicked to me, just for a second, but I saw the way he straightened in his seat. A flicker of something I couldn’t name.
“You may leave.”
I turned and walked out.
But this time…
My heart was pounding because I could feel his eyes on my back.
The phone was ringing, and it snapped me out of my daze. I rushed back and lifted the receiver. As I sat down, I noticed his door open.
“Dubois Enterprises, Laurent Dubois’s office, how may I help you?” I parroted the words I’d said a hundred times.
All while Laurent Dubois stared at me through the crack of his open door.
Chapter 5
Laurent
Order would soon be restored in my life again.
I opened her drawer and spotted a gold lipstick tube rolling lazily among the stationery. I placed my bag on her desk and opened it.
Twisting the base, I watched as the soft, creamy stick emerged. I held the pink lipstick beneath my nose.
Sweet. Fragrant.
A little memento.
I snapped the lid back on.
“Mr Dubois?”
Her voice—timid, uncertain.
Oh, fuck. I slipped the lipstick into my pocket just as she stepped closer.
She crept up on me, fiddling nervously with the buckle of her handbag strap. When she tilted her head slightly, I followed her gaze to the open drawer.
“I needed a pen. Do you have a problem with that?” I asked, tone sharp and sardonic.
“No… I guess not.” She paused, glancing away. “Well, thanks for—” her voice caught. “For giving me the opportunity to work with you.”
She almost sounded genuine. But I knew better. People bent over backwards for me. That was the way of the world.
“Good luck,” I said curtly, brushing past her without a second glance.
