The Business of Revenge

Replicability

With probably one of the most stressful situations, I had been in this past year done and dusted with, we walked out of the room at the back of the hall. I tried not to make it obvious that my eyes were searching for Mr Emerson, but he was nowhere to be found. I caught Niklaus' gaze and quickly looked away, I was embarrassed at how fast I had tilted my head and dreaded that Kendal had seen it, seen recoil at the man I had spent the last hour convincing her that was better than Emerson.

Though she seemed to be so entrenched in the idea that I was helping her, that I would be the key to the fall of Emerson Industries.

It was going to be her hubris that caused her downfall, and I would watch with glee.

"He doesn't seem to be here," she murmured, in that tone, I was very sick of it at this point.

But I needed to lay it on thick, "I wouldn't be surprised if he left without me,"

"Oh hon, I'm really sorry but it will be over soon, and I don't know if I should tell you this yet," My ears perked up at this, she was dangling something in front of me, "If everything goes well, Nik promised to give you a job back at Artymov," she wrapped her think arms around me, "Isn't that great! And you'll have a promotion as well!"

"A promotion?" This time the shock in my voice was real. Not that I would ever consider working for Niklaus again.

It was just an act.

Wasn't it?

"Yes, you'll be COO,"

I stilled, frozen in place, "What- What do you mean? Nik is the COO,"

She winked at me, and the penny dropped, "Not for long," she went to my ear her minty breath overwhelming me, "He's going to be CEO soon," and her laugh was giddy, whilst I felt sick.

Don't drop the act, I reminded myself, "Oh he's always wanted that! This is amazing,"

Lies,

Lies,

Lies.

"Yes, and I'll be the Senior Managing partner, I don't have as much experience as you guys, so I can't be CFO or COO, but I heard all about your days as a Managing Partner, you really did make an impression. It's so great to meet you, and-"

Her next words nearly broke my act completely.

"I just want you to know there's nothing going on between me and Nik, his heart is set on you, but...that's all I'll say."

I bit my tongue so hard I was sure it was bleeding. And sure enough, the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

"Oh, that's-"

I was saved by a waiter. The same one who had offered me the champagne earlier in the night, he had a worried look in his eyes, "I'm sorry excuse me miss are you, Andrea Laurence,"

"Um yes."

Kendal gave the waiter a wary look as he rushed out, "I'm sorry but Mr Emerson has stormed out and demanded that you come with him now. He does seem rather angry miss,"

"Oh well, sorry," I turned to Kendal with an aching smile, "I, er need to go," I was about to move when she grabbed my wrist and then with all the conviction in the world, she said, "Be safe."

If my stomach wasn't already in disarray, it was now.

The lies of this woman.

I followed the waiter outside, the cold air nipping my arms that were covered in the sheer netting of the dress. I warped my arm around myself, trying to retain as much body heat as possible. There was hardly anyone outside just a few stragglers, who were smoking cigarettes, primed between spindling fingers with smoke rising from their mouths in plumes that would have been pretty if they didn't stink of smoke and death.