By The Contract

01. Ex Marks The Spot

“You’ll be working with GreyCorps on the Jourdan project, Kat. Your transfer has been processed, and you'll be resuming on Monday,” Rowland, her boss, said, passing her a brown envelope.

Kat’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean, transferring me to GreyCorps?” Her brow shot up as she opened the envelope.

Maybe he was high or didn’t know what he was saying. Kat stared at Rowland, his perfectly styled hair and neat appearance somehow making the whole situation feel even more surreal. Rowland blew loose strands of hair from his face and crossed his fingers. He was always meticulous about his appearance—no surprise, considering he was the team leader of the creative and styling unit at one of the biggest fashion companies in the country.

“You’ll be working as a creative manager to Levi Grey. Everything you need will be sent to your email, and Gloria will hand you a package,” he added casually.

The words hung in the air, heavy and ominous. Levi Grey? Kat’s mind raced. The Levi Grey of GreyCorps?

The memory of his smirk flashed in her mind, that same infuriating grin he wore the last time she saw him. Just thinking about him made her blood boil.

“Wait. I don't understand. Why am I being transferred to GreyCorps all of a sudden? We secured this deal here, in Valtara, and not with GreyCorps.”

“Kat, I understand that this might be a surprise to you. This wasn't my decision alone. Think of it as a life-changing opportunity, Kat,” he said with a smile. “You still get to work on the project. It’ll shoot your career to the top, and who knows, it might even get you a top spot in the designer world.” He assured her.

She couldn't believe her ears. It felt like she was being betrayed and sold off to some wicked slavemaster, only finding out about it two days before.

“But—”

“Trust me, Kat. You'll love it.”

The problem wasn't even working or transferring to GreyCorps, but working with Levi Grey. Levi Grey? She could clearly picture his arrogant, self-absorbed face, probably smirking or laughing right now.

Her grudge against Levi Grey had been brewing for years. A traitorous ex-boyfriend, self-obsessed charmer, and a breathtakingly handsome seducer—that’s who Levi Grey was.

Kat took a long look at the paper in front of her and then at her boss. Nobody knew the history she had with the traitor they were sending her to, and they had no idea they were waking the sleeping tiger.

But she had to keep her cool, at least, to not blow away the big chance she had to shoot her career to the top. It was choosing between the devil and the deep sea—refuse to work with him and lose the project or risk making peace with her enemy to advance her career.

As soon as she got out of Rowland's office, Gloria handed her the package Rowland had talked about and gave her a fist bump. It was real. The contents of the package were paperwork on the project and her name boldly written on the ID card of GreyCorps.

“Kat Murphy. Creative Assistant. GreyCorps.” Kat read to herself as she sank into her seat. She needed some quiet, even if it was just for a moment to process everything.

Everything was happening so fast. Working on the Jourdan project was confidential and highly important, but she still didn't understand. It just didn't make sense to have it transferred to GreyCorps with no prior notice to her and even why. GreyCorps was a tech company that focused on creating accessories that brought people together—apps, love bracelets, but nothing in the realm of clothing designs.

Kat’s moment was abruptly interrupted when Rosa quickly grabbed a chair. “Tell me this isn’t real!” Rosa, her best friend, slid her chair close to Kat. “You’re going to GreyCorps?” Rosa’s eyes widened in shock. But then, almost immediately, a grin spread across her face. “That’s amazing!”