03

« And everything was gone. »

« Yes, my entire life seemed to disappear in a matter of hours. I truly don’t know how he did it… He probably didn’t expect me to live through the beating. »

I nod, looking down. « I saw your hospital records. »

He sets down the papers, looking at me quizzically. « How ? »

« It was before- when you were still here… I had Charles look into it. »

« Oh, well, so you know how it was then. »

I nod, reaching across the table for his hand. He did make it within an inch of his life. He takes my hand, squeezing gently.

« I’m not worried. Our case is pretty solid. Thankfully, I had a legal contract with Constantine. The only thing I’m unsure of is what we’re suing him for. »

« You deserve it after what he’s done to you. »

« Three million dollars ? »

I let go of his hand, taking my empty mug with me. « Yes. You’re worth that and more. »

I set the cup into the sink and turn, finding him smiling warmly at me. Blushing, I lean against it, crossing my arms.

« It makes me feel as if that’s what everyone thinks I’m doing this for. »

« After the trial, Stellan, no one will think that. This is for justice. You’ve had your life torn away from you and it takes a brave person to try and get it back. »

« You know, you’re the best ego booster. »

« What ego ? You don’t have an egotistical bone in your body. »

I watch his brow rise upwards. « Is that so ? »

I press my lips together happily, nodding. He stands up and I laugh, scooting towards the cabinets.

« I’ll catch you, » he states, coming round the table. I sprint the other way, laughing loudly when his arm comes around my waist, twisting me towards him. I jump up onto him with a defeated sigh and kiss his lips. With a chuckle, he grins, clutching the back of my head with his one free hand.

« I’ll show you egotistical. »

…

« You seem rather chipper this morning, » Oli states matter-of-factly as the executive staff exit from the conference room. There are boxes upon boxes of Chinese food scattered across the long table.

« Do I ? »

« Yes, compared to the last couple of days at least. I was scared you had been told you had cancer or something. »

I look down at my papers, gathering them. « No, nothing like that… Stellan’s back in town. »

She grins, nodding. « I see. »

« How long is he here for ? »

« Indefinitely, actually. »

She smiles wide, looking genuinely pleased. « I’m glad to hear it. I’ve been worried… »

I avoid her gaze and stick the papers into my briefcase. « Heard from him ? »

« Nothing. »

I take a deep breath and nod, knowing I have to let Viktor go. I have too much to worry about right now- he’s being selfish and I can’t continue to beg him to tell me what’s wrong- what I did to make him hate me so much.

« Okay, well… the show must go on. I’m going to call Allison now- let her know she got the job. »

« I wanted to talk to you about that… Do you think that’s the best idea ? I do know that there is a trial going on with you- should you bring someone in you can’t trust ? »

« Oh, don’t worry. I’ve already thought of that. » I pull out a contract- it’s so thick it folds over in the air.

Her eyes widen. « Oh, I can see that. »

« Can never be too prepared, » I state, skirting around the table.

…

« Alright, Allison. » I sit down on the edge of my desk, resting the contract beside me. « This is huge for a reason. To make things short, because I could go on for days literally on how complicated my life can be, this contract means that you cannot speak about anything regarding my business, personal life- your job is to be loyal to me and that means confidentiality. »

The girl looks as if she couldn’t harm a fly. « I-I understand. »

« I do know it’s a thick contract and you will probably like to go home and review it- I do encourage that. I don’t want you to get in not know what’s what. I move fast and I need someone that can catch on well by my side. »

« I’m sure that won’t be a problem. »

I smile softly. « I’m sure it won’t. Besides, I’m not a gargoyle- I will help you learn the ropes. »

« I don’t mind signing it now, I wouldn’t tell anyone about your life anyway. »

Reaching down, I grab the contract and hand it over to her. « Do you have any-« 

The door opens and Oli sticks her head into the room. « Iris ? »

« What ? »

« I’m sorry to interrupt but you have a visitor- I’ve been trying to get her to go away for a while now… »

My face falls. « Her ? »

« I’m afraid so… »

« Tell her I’m busy- I will not be able to see her today. »

« I already did. »

« Tell her again, please. »

She presses her lips together and nods, shutting the door.

« Do you need to see someone ? I can-« 

« No, really. It’s alright. I would like to get to know a little more about you. Your hobbies, family, that kind of thing. »

« Oh… well, my father lives in Miami, I lived with my mother in Connecticut. »

« And what does your mother do ? »

« She’s an accountant. »

I nod, crossing my arms, trying not to picture the fit Vivienne is probably throwing outside this office. « And your father ? »

« He jumps from job to job. I don’t speak to him much… It’s only really been my mother and I. »

« Alright… Well, tell me what made you interested in fashion. »

« Well-« 

« I don’t care if she’s busy ! I have the right to wait here until she’s done ! I flew thousands of miles to see her ! »