UNTIL DAWN

Chapter Eight

Jace followed suit in the office as he briefed me on everything I missed when I was meeting Lexus at his company. He was right. Those old geezers stood no chance. I wanted to show them who the boss was faster before I set Hazel free. I didn't want to involve her in any more mess. She has got enough of the world's cruelty.

I recalled how her supposed relatives were speaking and insulting her behind her back and clenched my teeth. They did not deserve that title. I promised her dad to take care of her but tying her in a contractual marriage? Nah, she deserved more. She deserved a grand proposal and a happy big wedding.

I checked the time. It was almost time for me to leave the office but Jace still had something to say.

"Miss Smith wanted to meet up but I told her you were away."

"Thank God. I don't want to be in any room with her." Debbie was becoming a pain and I really tried to go easy on her. She kept her job and her public image.

"There is more. When she was done with shooting she saw your car in the lobby so now she is positive that you are here. She is waiting outside for you."

"The fuck? What does she think she is?" I said, clicking my tongue annoyed.

"There are rumors that she has been treating everyone like shit here at the company including hitting her assistants and now no one wants to work with her. I guess that is why she wants to talk to you."

I was looking at Jace in disbelief. If he really meant what he was saying, it meant that everyone thought that I knew about it and turned a blind eye.

"How long have you known about this?"

"Today."

Now I was the one who wanted to see her more. She needed to get a warning. Our artist was known to be professionals and we made sure of that. Why was I not informed? She did make money for the company but that didn't explain shit.

"Go and get the car ready, I'll be down shortly. Is the apartment ready by the way?"

"I talked to the security company and they told me not to worry."

"Alright then, Tell her that I'm ready to see her on your way out."

He left after a brief nod.

The door flung open immediately and Debbie stood in the doorway, chin high like the spoiled brat she was. How did I manage to ignore all of her nonsense before?

"Why do you let your assistant boss me around? He told me that I didn't have an appointment, since when did I need an appointment to get to see you?"

I almost laughed out loud. Was she kidding?

"Since when did you become such a brat? Or you have been all along and I never noticed?"

"What?!" she looked honestly surprised.

"When did you start whining about everything? If I am your boss and Jace is my assistant that makes him your boss, you do what he tells you to do." My voice was cold but I had to show her how serious I was and stop playing around.

"Why do you have to be so serious?" the attitude she entered with was starting to vanish. I should have been strict with her earlier before she turned everyone and everything upside down.

"Why not, we are at work, aren't we Miss Smith? Now tell me what was so important that you wanted to tell me that I couldn't wait for an appointment."

Her confidence was now gone and it was replaced by annoyance or anger. Maybe it was the latter considering how she started fuming.