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To: Alma Lancaster

Subject: STOP

Mind your own business, Lancaster. Not sure your direct supervisor would appreciate the content of your emails.

(Fortunately, there is still someone above him who decides your fate…)

Best regards,

Vadim King

CEO of King Productions

We thought the same thing at the same time. Our minds are still in sync, just like they were twelve years ago. But the fact remains that he is directly threatening my job—and I won’t let him get away with it.

Two can play this game.

From: Alma Lancaster

To: Vadim King

Subject: RE: STOP

Not sure HR would appreciate your cryptic replies.

And I’m not remotely impressed by your corporate sign-off.

The man who once criticized me for being afraid of everything when we first met has no idea who I’ve become.

And right now, it isn’t his power that scares me… it’s the effect he still has on me.

From: Vadim King

To: Alma Lancaster

Subject: RE: RE: STOP

Good night, Alma.

It’s safe to say I won that one, right?

7

Alma

“Emerald green is definitely your color, my dear,” Wilson whispers as he joins me at the coffee machine.

“Good morning, Joseph. Don’t you have a brand-new Nespresso machine in your office?” I make sure my expression is composed and tone is cheerful as I gently put him back in his place—which is to say, as far away from me as possible.

“I do. See what I’m willing to do for the pleasure of running into you so early in the morning?”

He smiles, pleased with himself. It’s incredible, the blind confidence these men develop when no one ever tells them no.

“Perfect, then the workday can begin,” I reply with exaggerated seriousness. “Did you receive the September distribution schedule? I checked with Clarence Miller, and it looks like everything will be finalized on time.”

“Great, I’ll take a look at it later.”

As he speaks, he inspects me from head to toe, and his leering stare makes me want to puke up my breakfast all over his polished shoes.