Page 25 of Runaway Girl
This is a test, right? There is no way this is real.“Unfortunately, I cannot discuss any client details with you.”
“This is your field of expertise, is it not? So do your job.”
This bitch did not just—
Bypassing the bullshit altogether, I discreetly swiped open my phone, which was on my lap beneath the table. Then I called the man himself.
If he wanted mummy dearest to come and fight some arbitrary battle for him, he could be in the firing line because I would not bow down toanyone.
Unfortunately, I had forgotten that my phone was linked to the camera system. But since I hadn’t turned on the projector, the receiving end could hear and see everything in the room, yet we couldn’t see or hear them in return.
So, in other words, Ethan was getting a prime-time reality episode for free. And I was about to put on the best performance of my life.
If I was in my right mind—or maybe if I’d ingested more sugar—I probably would have realised how unethical I was being. But after the day I’d had, I just couldn’t bring myself to give a single fuck.
“I don’t know what to say, Audrey—”
“Miss Collins.”
Are my teeth cracking?I thought I could hear them grinding together. “Like I said,Miss.I cannot give you information on your son’s account. Now, if you want to book a meeting and returnwithhim, I would be happy to oblige.”
“Can you at least tell me the percentage I’m entitled to?”
I was almost speechless—almost. “You will have to discuss that with your son.”
That seemed to piss her off, based on the way her eyes snapped with an underlying harshness. Then, her mouth turned into a grotesque sneer to match.
“Exactly.He is my son, and as his mother, I am entitled to something.”
What came next, I was not proud of—a knee-jerk reaction to her unhinged demands.
“Unless he deems it so, you’re entitled tonothing.”
“Now, look here, you little—”
I stood abruptly, my phone skidding to the floor. “It’s time for you to leave. I have a client waiting. And let me make myself clear. I will ensure you don’t receive a single dime without the explicit knowledge and consent from Mr Harris himself.” Then, I bent closer and whispered, “Because something is telling me you don’t have either.”
I left her flabbergasted, her mouth gaping as I made for the exit and opened the door, ensuring there was no misinterpretation.This meeting is over, lady.
Audrey huffed and stomped through the doorway before she paused just outside. From her features alone, I knew she was about to let loose, but it wasn’t in my nature to let her.
“Well,” I said. “It was really…somethingmeeting you, Miss Audacity.”
“It’s Audrey.”
“You sure? I could have sworn…” Before I could finish, I closed the door in her red, blotchy face. She was seething.
I turned and slumped back against the closed door.Is it time to go home yet?
That’s when my gaze caught on my phone screen, shining up from the ground—the timer ticking on as Ethan remained on the line.
Fuck.All of this ishisfault.
And since I had already fucked up in monumental proportions, I decided to go for broke.
My spine straightened as I stared directly into the tiny lens—until, I swear, I could feel his eyes on my skin—then I raised my middle finger high.
Who knew my aggressive hormonal reactions would spark the beginning of our story? Not me.
