Page 6 of Seduced By Contract

"Yes. Never less than two salaries."

I'm dizzy and my hands are sweaty.

The bonus money he mentioned would be enough to move closer to the hospital—even if it's just closer compared to where we are now. In any case, I could check on my sister more often. I could also quit taking on cleaning jobs for good, and there would be more time for...

No, one thing at a time, Madison. Don't rush. Breathe.

"Do you still want to give up the position?" the damn man asks, already knowing the answer.

"I can't."

"That's what I thought. So now, let me explain why I mistook you for a call girl."

I cross my arms in a protective stance because I have no doubt this man is worldly-wise and knows that if I stay, it'sbecause I need to. But that doesn't mean I've forgiven him for the offense. "I don't know if I want to know."

"My friends have a habit of playing stupid pranks on me," he says, as if I hadn't protested. "More than once, they've sent call girls pretending to be job candidates to my main companies. Even for secretary and assistant positions."

"Why the hell would they do something so dumb?" I ask before I can stop myself, and to my surprise, I see the corner of his mouth lift again.

"Your question is its own answer. Men do dumb things all the time."

I can't disagree if I consider the example I had at home, but this time, I'd rather stay quiet and just listen.

"I made a mistake about you, and since we've cleared things up, I think we can move on."

"No."

"No what?"

"I came here, after going through all the stages required for the position, to work as an...uh . . .exoticdancer at your exclusive nightclub, and I was insulted for no reason other than your prejudice about my appearance. I haven't heard a formal apology from you yet, Mr. Kostanidis."

He spins a pen in his hand in a movement so slow that it becomes annoying, until he finally says, "Pay attention to what I'm about to say, Madison. Don't bluff when you're talking to me. We both know you need this job very badly, judging by your modest clothes and the shoe with the peeling tip. I've said I made a mistake. This topic is closed. That's how it’s going to be, or you can get up and let the next candidate in. What's it going to be?"

I wish I could just leave, but of course, that's not what I do. "I'm staying."

"Then, let me tell you why I'm the one interviewing you now. By the end of this conversation, you'll already know whether you're hired or not.

Zeus

CHAPTER FOUR

The soundof glass shattering on the floor draws the attention of the male members present but not mine.

In my peripheral vision, I see someone picking up the remnants of what I believe was a drinking glass. Probably one of the bank's maids.

It's very hard to distract me when a goal occupies my mind, and right now, all I can think about is how close I am to finalizing my revenge.

In less than a year, all of the Gordons’ assets will merge with the Kostanidis’s, and then I will have fulfilled what I promised my grandfather.

"I believe we're done here," I say, already standing up.

Anyone who carries this surname disgusts me, even though the elderly man in front of me is not to blame for his deceased son being a wretch.

"Yes, the bureaucratic part," Emerson Gordon says, "but I think it would be a good idea to schedule a social gathering so that?—”

"No." I interrupt him without ceremony. "Let's make something clear: what we just did is business, and it will remain that way until the end."

He doesn't flinch at the contempt in my voice. "After all, the penalty for either of us breaking the deal is astronomical."

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