Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
“Thank you.” I glanced at it and then look back at him. “I do need a new maid. Would you like to fill the position?”
“Not at all.” Simon winked and raised his voice. “However, I heard you need a new Stress Reliever! Apparently, your vagina broke Brian’s mouth!”
Some of the Board chuckled.
I glared at them.
The laughter ceased.
A few coughed into their hands.
I thought I was the young one? Fucking childish idiots. And I’m so glad I didn’t confess shit to Brian.
I turned back to Simon. “I’m not looking for a new Stress Reliever.”
“That’s unfortunate.” Simon shrugged. “However, I’m considering other positions.”
I sneered. “Oh really?”
“Positions that are much higher than maid or Stress Reliver.”
“Then you must be leaving Paradise because there are no higher positions opening up.”
“We’ll see, Chairman.” He gave me a half bow and then walked off with his son.
Absolute bullshit.
When they left the platform, I went to the throne and sat down.
The Devil stay busy.
I spotted my grandmother in a chair at the back of the wall.
Oh no. She saw that.
Embarrassment swam within me.
I knew Grandmother’s facial expressions well enough to understand that she wasn’t happy with me. This look was her usual disgust for me with an addition of anger and disappointment. Her hands twisted in her lap. Her eyes were wide with annoyance.
She had her gray hair on her head like a crown. Her dress was classier than mine—not show off her cleavage or exposing her legs. The hem actually fell to the floor.
Awesome. I tried to come in here the right way, and I look like a slutty idiot. The Board laughed at me in front of her.
I pulled as much confidence out of my core and scanned the boardroom.
The large horseshoe was oval-shaped, wide and encircled by chairs. The chairs were fit for kings, with a gold-plated seat and back. All the Executives positioned themselves there.
In the far back where Grandma sat, fifteen large screens had been fastened to wall above her. A Shareholder was on each screen, sitting right in their jail cell.
Killer Crows had spent a lot of money to pull special strings with jail superintendents.
While we couldn’t set these guys free we spent a lot of money on their commissary and in bribes to get them perks like this. Not only were they able to sit in with the Board’s video conferencing, but they were able to video chat with their families every evening.
As the CEO, Simon took his seat in the center of the horseshoe.
I really should let Merik kill you.
Simon picked up his gavel and slammed it against the wood. “As the Supervising Executive, I call this meeting to order.”
Everyone stared at me.
I hoped that my face showed courage and confidence because on the inside I crumbled. Under their attention the sensations of doubt and judgment spilled over me.
I swallowed. “I want to thank you for calling me to this meeting today. I am very excited to hear your thoughts.”
Taking Dane’s advice, I crossed my leg and let some of my thigh be exposed in the split.
A few Executives around the horseshoe stirred. Some of the guys on the wall leaned in closer to the video.
Fucking perverts. We need women sitting here with some sense.
Frowning, Simon rose.
Instead of looking at me he turned to the wall of Shareholders. It was a clear sign of disrespect and also a direct ploy to try to gain their future votes.
Simon spoke, “Kashmere, we humbly bring you here today to discuss a new way to strengthen our position in Paradise.”
I caught Grandmother smiling at him.
Really? You frown at me and give him sunshine?
I placed my hands on the arms of the throne, readying myself for whatever idea Simon had in mind. “Thank you. I’m excited to hear the Board’s idea on our future direction.”
Simon glanced over his shoulder as if shocked at the pleasantry.
I gave him my warmest smile. “And I am excited to hear all of your ideas.”
“Good.” Wickedness blazed in his eyes. “On behalf of the Killer Crows, I contacted the DeLuca family.”
I gritted my teeth. “You’re not allowed to do that.”
Simon waved my comment away. “You’ve been busy with your brother and sister’s funeral arrangements—”
“That is no excuse. I expect to be notified when you are representing the Killer Crows to anyone.”
“Honestly, I did come to your bedroom to tell you, but I heard you crying in your room.” Simon frowned. “I never want to disturb a woman’s tears. I know how you all can be so emotional in these times. So unsteady.”
I gritted my teeth.
Grandmother’s smile remained as she nodded.
It was all bullshit. I hadn’t cried since the news of my siblings’ deaths, fearing that someone would hear and judge. But if I sat here and argued the point with point, I would just look like a whiny brat or an emotional woman.