Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 17082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 57(@300wpm)
“See?” Mom cuts in. “You got the position by your own merits.”
I have no merits, so either one of them is lying to me, or this whole thing is an enormous blessing.
“Speaking of Victor, would you like to meet the boys?”
Oh God, no, anything but that. I fear my blessing is turning into a curse mighty fast by being part of the Valentine matriarch’s inner circle. I wanted my first day to be easy. Not coasting by and being lazy, of course, but definitely not standing face to face with the big boss who wouldn’t even know my name.
“She’d love to,” Mom answers for me, and my heart sinks straight past my tummy and shatters into a thousand tiny pieces on the floor.
“I would,” I lie. Having spent my nervous honesty on feeling like I don’t belong here, saying any more would make me want to curl up into a tiny ball and die.
“Wonderful.” Veronica starts to walk with Mom and me close behind. She gives me a brief tour of the building, mostly the part of the building I shouldn’t have to come anywhere near unless there’s something serious amiss.
As we pass each room, she gives me the name, occupation, and a brief rundown of the person working inside it. By the time we reach Victor’s secretary, I’ve forgotten half of them.
“Is he in?” Veronica asks, and the rest of the names poof out of my mind.
“He is. Should I let him know you’re here, Mrs. Valentine?”
A cheeky smile forms on Veronica’s face. “Warn him that we’re coming in, but don’t tell him who it is.”
The secretary does as instructed, lifting a telephone receiver on her desk to announce our arrival.
“Sure, Suzy. Let them in,” Victor’s voice answers. It’s layered with intensity, and a sharp, cold spike shoots up my spine, leaving me glued in place as Mom and Veronica head for the dark wood double doors.
Time to be a big girl. I head into Victor’s office, instantly stunned by the monstrous size of the man in a three-piece suit, towering over Veronica and my mom.
“Hello, Mother. Why did I get a feeling it would be you knocking on my door?” He opens his arms and gives her a big hug.
“Probably because you knew I was coming in today?” Veronica snickers, hugging her oldest son back.
“That would do it, wouldn’t it?” Victor’s eyes move to Mom and me before he breaks away from Veronica. Mom extends a hand to him, and Victor takes it and kisses her knuckles in an old-fashioned gentlemanly hello. “Henrietta, it’s a pleasure to see you, as always.”
“Oh, you’re such a charmer.” Mom follows Veronica’s lead and snickers at his flattery.
“And that must make you Claire. The newest addition to the Valentine family.” His entire focus locks onto me, and I’m just about ready to fall over from the rush of blood to my head. “Welcome aboard, but don’t think I’m going to take it any easier on you because our mothers are here.” Victor takes one long stride toward me, extending his hand to me.
I take it and shake, scanning his face to see if he’s judging me. But he’s impossible to read. Straight-faced apart from one corner of his mouth ticked upward.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Mr. Valentine.” I can’t help but feel impressed that I managed to speak without a quivering lip or fumbling my words.
Veronica jumps to my rescue. “Come now, Victor, you’re scaring the poor little thing half to death.”
“Not my intention.” Victor releases my hand and heads back to his desk. “But you know I love to rule with an iron fist. So maybe it was.”
Veronica rolls her eyes at Victor as he drops back into his plush leather seat with a devilish smile. “Don’t mind him. He’s just trying to rattle you.”
It’s working … way too fucking well.
She grabs my arm by the wrist and walks me back to the door. Mom’s a few steps behind us.
“Stop by before you leave, Mother. I want to talk to you about something,” Victor says once we’ve passed back into the hallway. Veronica doesn’t answer him as we continue to the next Valentine brother.
We arrive at Vance’s office, but he’s not there. His secretary tells Veronica she doesn’t know when he’ll be back as he went to talk shop with a few different people.
After a short, courteous goodbye, we make our way to the youngest Valentine son’s office.
We stop in front of our final door, not greeted by a secretary, but instead a golden nameplate on the wood that reads Vaughn Valentine, C.F.O. Out of the three brothers, Vaughn is the only one I’d say is imperative to meet. Having accepted the role as an accountant for Valentine Group, I’m certain we’ll meet often enough.
Without anyone to lead us in, Veronica knocks twice and enters.