14 Years [GNR/Mötley Crüe]

70. The Witch Hunt

Nadia:

"Care to explain, Miss Deal?" I was startled by Felix's harsh tone that called me by my last name as I sat before him. A million thoughts clashed in my mind, breaking down into a billion pieces when he threw a magazine in front of me... Oh.

"I didn't print it." I shrugged

"I know you didn't print it!" He hissed, "But this is embarrassing for the rest of us and the firm to have this firm's name dragged into petty celebrity gossip."

"I'm equally embarrassed" I wasn't, "And I wish I could stop this but it's out of my hand, I just wish you could understand that,"

Either I made him feel pity on me or he just had nothing for a comeback. Anyway, he stopped whining.

"So, how're you holding up? With the breakup?" He asked his eyes watching me intensely, "I mean I had only recently found out that you were over thirty!"

"Well it's..." I cringed as his hand crawled over his desk and took place over mine

"You don't look your age know? You can ask me for any help, alright? I'm always here," His voice was soft yet had no soothing effect to it, only resembling venom and churning repulsion in the pits of my stomach as his thumb drew circle patterns over my knuckles.

It didn't last long as I quickly withdrew my hand, "Umm, so... What about that request I made about having Julia as my reporting partner? Is all the paperwork done?"

For the last one month, especially since the breakup he has been a bit worse, even after the talk with HR, so I decided to move and avoid him as much as I can. Julia was more than understanding of the situation and had my back.

The smile and softness of his face vanished immediately as I drew my hand and a glare replaced the lack of any expression as I asked about Julia.

"Yeah, actually yes." He said before grabbing a black manila folder off his desk and signing some papers, "Now it's official. You can either sit at your current desk or move upstairs—"

"I'll move," I replied quickly. Sure, I would miss Evie and Kate, and Shane but I would honestly go through that over spending more days right in front of Felix's office. Also, working under Julia wasn't a bad deal. I would be getting a much bigger team of associates under me, a break from my usual line of work, and also I'll be getting an office space upstairs.

He sighed before nodding, "Very well. I thought we worked together pretty great."

"Oh no no," I shook my head, "It's nothing personal," I lied flashing him a smile. This wasn't a bridge that I could burn yet.

"It's just, things have been really stressful since, you know, the breakup," I paused, "I just need something less stressful for a while. I really enjoyed working for you!"

I hated this. I hated him.

He laughed again but I couldn't figure out if it was a genuine laugh or a sarcastic one.

"Happy to know that but I also wanted to tell you something... You know those three new clients you signed after I joined?" He raised an eyebrow

I nodded, "Parkway, the venture capital firm, and the two fortune 100 companies."

"Yes those, " He nodded, "So those three and Mr. Hoffman... You're taken off of those four."

"What?!" I exclaimed

What the actual fuck was he talking about?

Those four make up about 38% of the profit I bring in each month. Especially Mr. Hoffman! I've been working with him for about three years now!