“I’ll check with my assistant. I believe it was supposed to be sent this week,” he says, clearly disinterested.
“That’s fine. We can just discuss it now,” I stop him before he can switch topics. “I’m concerned with your retirement just weeks away?—”
“Months, Olivia. We still have two months,” he interrupts.
“Let me be frank, Peter. You signed my husband under false pretenses. Failed to disclose that you wouldn’t be his agent past a hundred and twenty days and have failed to do absolutely anything for him in the nearly three months he’s been with you. If a client came to you and said this was how they’d been treated by their agent, you’d think they were ripe for the picking, wouldn’t you?”
And judging by the muscle that clenches in his jaw, I just hit a nerve.
Peter’s dark eyes stare daggers into the camera.
Men like him don’t like to feel called out or threatened, and I just did both.
“That feels an awful lot like a threat, Ms. St. James.”Way to state the obvious, Pete.
I’m ridiculously proud of the way I keep my inner monologue to myself. Instead of calling him a douchebag, I sit back in my chair and force myself to remain impassive.
“It’s Adler now, and it wasn’t a threat.” My tone is calm, even if I’m feeling anything but. “However, it was me telling youexactly where Logan stands right now. Either you do something about it or I will.”
Now there was the threat.
One Peter will feel in his pocket if Logan leaves the firm.
“Olivia, I’m not sure what’s gotten into you. You seem almost hysterical?—”
For fuck’s sake—he didn’t just go there.
“I’m sorry. Does a strong woman stating facts always equate to hysterics to you, or is it just when I do it?” My blood boils with rage simmering just beneath my skin.
“This is not how a future partner behaves, Olivia.”
“Oh, I see. I’m a future partner now?” Time to pulverize the motherfucking carrot until there’s not a shred left. “And exactly when will I be made partner, Peter? I’ve done everything you’ve asked. Proven myself ten times over. But now that I’m calling you out on your lack of direction, motivation, and planning for my husband’s sake, I’m hysterical and yet somehow future partner material all at once.” I force myself to slow down. “Which is it?”
Logan and I discussed this.
Not all of it—but my concerns with his agent.
He can sever his contract at any point, and I know of at least two incredible agents I’d rather see him with. Both would make him a higher priority than Pete’s proven he’s capable of.
“Why don’t you fly into the New York offices tomorrow, Olivia?—”
“No.” I don’t let him finish his demeaning demand. “I don’t think I’ll be doing that.”
I take a calming breath and find my center.
I know who I am and what I want.
And most importantly, I know what I’m capable of and what I can control.
“Excuse me?” he blusters.
I’ve given this as much thought as possible.
It’s now or never.
“Consider this my two-week notice. I. Quit. And given the sensitive material I’m privy to, I assume you’ll accept my notice, thank me for my time, and tell me my two weeks are not needed.”
Holy. Shit.That was the scariest thing I’ve ever willingly done.
