Déja Vú

Nothing About This Is Normal

Leora

"Do you think this is a joke?" I glare at the man in front of me, and if eyes could kill, he would have been long gone.

"I gave you forty-eight hours to return my money in full, and your wife called me, begging for a week—which I gave. A week has passed, and you are still giving me fucking excuses."

"M-Miss Kohen, I—"

"Oh, please save your excuses, Mr. Chase," I cut him off immediately, not wanting to get any more irritated than I already was.

Londyn and I were flying to London today to see my parents, and I truly did not want to be in a foul mood.

"And why are you suddenly stuttering?" I ask, unable to stop the smirk that creeps onto my face. "You were perfectly comfortable talking back to me in my office the other day. You were also very comfortable when you tried sneaking out of the country with my money."

I straighten. "Now, I'm giving you until Monday to return every single cent. If you fail to do that, I will seize any of your properties necessary to make up for it."

"W-What? Miss Kohen, you can't do that. It's against the law," the foolish man practically yells, and I can't help but chuckle.

"It wasn't against the law when you were inflating reports and stealing company goods to sell for yourself, was it?" I reply calmly.

"Next time, read a contract before you sign it."

He opens his mouth to protest again, but my phone rings before he can get a word out.

"Now get the fuck out of my office," I say flatly.

I lean back into my chair, turning slightly to the side and closing my eyes as I answer the call without checking the caller ID.

"Yes," I say, sharper than I intended.

"Oh, feisty, aren't we?" The voice on the other end chuckles.

Ashton.

Shit.

"I'm sorry," I sigh, rubbing my temple. "I'm just not having the best morning right now."

"I can understand that. Care to share?"

I really didn't want to share, but somehow my mouth starts working before my brain can stop it, and before I know it, I've told him everything.

What is wrong with me?

"Wow," he says after a moment. "But he's raised half the money already. Why not let him go, knowing he won't be able to raise the rest?"

"Normally I would have," I admit. "Especially after his wife called and the fact that he did manage to raise half. But the moment he asked why he couldn't have a share of my money—my blood, my sweat, my tears—like I just woke up every morning to millions in my account, it pissed me off. So no, he's not getting off the hook."

"I get it," Ashton replies. "That was completely out of line. You don't work your ass off every day for someone to expect a handout—especially through fraudulent means."

"Exactly," I say, exhaling slowly.

"Don't let it ruin your day," he continues. "You're seeing your parents today. You should be happy."

I smile despite myself.

"And you've got him cornered with that contract. Either way, you're getting your money back."

"Thanks," I say lightly. "But I doubt you called this morning just to give me affirmations. What's up?"

He chuckles. "Yeah, no. I actually called about the wedding."