Page 37 of Devilish Bully
LUCIAN
The boardroom swells with celebration—laughter echoing, glasses raised, champagne flowing like victory. The employees are thrilled about remaining a private company—but they’re probably more excited about the twenty percent raises I’ve promised.
Along with the fact that I revealed my real survey result—14%—and vowed to do better in the future.
But without Kendall, it all rings empty.
What the hell is wrong with me?
I find myself in a quieter room, one of the lounge spaces off the executive floor. Dim lighting, leather chairs, the smell of whiskey lingering in the air. I sink into a seat and finally let out the breath I’ve been holding since the pitch began.
My phone buzzes and I instantly open it, hoping for a second chance.
Myra
I hate you EVEN MORE now.
Don’t you ever contact my Aunt K again!
Okay, I deserve this…
A shadow stretches across the doorway. Brian.
“Something I can get for you, sir?” he asks.
“No, I’m alright. Thank you.”
“People will start whispering more than usual if you don’t return to the party within the hour,” he says. “Just to let you know.”
“Noted.”
“Miss Clarke sends her congratulations.”
“Congratulations from Kendall?” I look up fast. “She actually said that?”
“No.” He rolls his eyes. “But perhaps if you pretend she did, you can smile at all the investors and supporters tonight.”
“There was nothing going on between us.”
“I don’t get paid enough to put up with your delusions, sir. No offense.”
“I’m not afraid to fire you.”
“I doubt you ever would,” he says. “Even if I told you I was the one who changed the screens to you being Satan.”
“It was you?”
“No.” He smiles. “I would never.”
“You did that?”
“You deserved it.” He laughs, and for the first time tonight I laugh too.
“I can’t believe you, Brian.” I shake my head. “I thought you were my one loyal confidant.”
“I still am, but you were teetering on the edge of ultimate bully at that point.”
“Have I changed at all since the first survey?”
