Page 2 of Ruthless Lullaby

“Yes. The latest numbers from our social media ads. Yes. We’re on it. We’ll be digging into the nuts and bolts of our campaigns on Monday, as soon as we get the latest data from the Social Media Team. Then, we’ll start identifying grey areas, and analyzing what could be done better. I’m sure we can juice up those numbers by the end of the month. I’ll also dive into the latest numbers of our subscription plans and see if we can tweak our packages and bring in some extra money without annoying our users. We got this.”

"How exactly do you plan to do that without annoying users?” he asks, his words feeling more like an interrogation than a genuine question. My confidence falters for a moment, but I quickly push through it.

“I have a few strategies in mind that I believe will be effective,” I reply coolly, meeting his gaze with determination. “I am more than confident that my team and I can make a significant impact on our profits using these methods. I hope you find my answer satisfactory, Mr. Korolev.”

Maron Korolev nods, appearing slightly impressed. I’m impressed with my improvising skills as well. “Alright,” he says, “I am interested to see how you execute these plans, Ms. Williams. Make it happen.”

“Understood, Mr. Korolev,” I say quickly. “Are there any other pressing matters you wish to discuss?” I ask, hoping the answer is no. The workload this week had been overwhelming, and all I want is to go home, take a hot shower, and finally start working on the nudes that are supposed to spice up my sex life with Maurice. The last thing I care about right now is another pressing financial matter Maron Korolev might wish to discuss.

He closes his laptop and leans back on the chair. “Yes, there is,” he says, his face serious.

Really?

I can’t believe this man!

“I’m listening, Mr. Korolev.”

No, I'm not.

He shakes his head. “But there is no point in continuing this conversation, Ms. Williams. You look too tiredand disinterested, and obviously can’t pay attention.”He’s scrutinizing my face. “In fact, you've been looking tired all the time recently, and I’m not happy about that. As the chief accountant of this company, you work with money. If you make a mistake, it will cost the company a lot.”

There he is. As I mentioned before, Maron Korolev is absolutely obsessed with money. If I happened to pass out in front of him, he wouldn’t even bat an eye. His only concern would be the potential loss of profits.

What I really want to tell him is: “I’m not tired, Mr. Korolev.I’m practically a walking zombie with jello in my head where my brain should be. I arrived at the office early this morning and haven't had two consecutive moments to myself since. I only used the restroom once, and even during those brief moments, you called me about the data in the third row of Excel sheet two hundred and forty-six. All I consumed today was four donuts and two buckets of coffee. Without my quad espressos, I would probably have collapsed by now.The only thing that keeps me alive is that it’s almost 6:00 PM, and I can finally see the end of this hellish workday approaching.”

But instead, I say, “I’m sorry, Mr. Korolev. I promise I’ll do my best to recharge my batteries this weekend so I can focus on my tasks better next week.” I could kick myself in the ass for saying that. “Have we finished?”

He nods curtly. “Yes. But I need to make something clear before you go, Ms. Williams: if your focus is on anything other than Global Media, you will leave me with no other option but to find a new chief accountant. I hope I don’t have to remind you that this is a high-responsibility position. You mess up once - you're gone. Do you understand?”

Are you freaking serious?

I am not some insignificant worm beneath your feet, Mr. Korolev!

Nor am I a mop to be used for cleaning your filthy floors.

It may come asa surprise to you but I'm actually a person.

A human being.

So, pull your arrogant head out of your self-righteous ass and show me the respect I deserve, for once!

My throat tightens as I respond. “Yes, I understand.”

He nods again. “Good. You are free to go now, Ms. Williams.” There is slight disdain on his face, saying“I can see you’re not happy to work eighty-five hours a week and I don't like that.”

Asshole.

And the fact that every time I see Maron Korolev, my heart starts to race and a familiar sensation starts to tingle down below, doesn’t make things easier.

Chapter Two

Mindy

I kick off my high heels and collapse onto the couch.

My feet are throbbing with pain. Why did I even wear those heels to work? I could have easily completed all of my accounting tasks in sneakers or even just socks. Or barefoot. Who the hell needs high heels anyways? I want to slap the person who invented the damn thing!

After drooling on the couch for about thirty minutes like the mess I am, I check the time. I have about an hour to take the nudes for Maurice before Betty, my roomie and my bestie, gets home with her latest company gossip.

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