Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
annalise
“Okay, so I came up with some new designs based on what you suggested last time. Let me know if you like these or if there are any changes you need me to make,” Trang says to Maddox.
I feel his gaze on me as I sort through files in the corner. He doesn’t seem the slightest bit interested in what Trang has to say, or in her designs.
Veronica catches on to where Maddox’s attention is and shoots daggers my way. “Ms. Monroe, my office. Now.”
The files slip from my hand. “What? But I—”
“Now,” she repeats.
I follow her into her office, shutting the door behind me.
She crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes. “Do I need to remind you that Mr. Kamado is a client and you need to keep it professional?”
“Where is this coming from? I haven’t said or done anything.”
“It has nothing to do with what you say or do. It’s the way you dress. Your clothes are far too revealing.”
I stare at her, shocked. “What? I’m not even wearing anything inappropriate!” My hands skim down the front of my outfit in disbelief.
I’m wearing a turtleneck sweater and a skirt that falls just above my knees—there’s hardly anything showing.
“Don’t raise your voice at me,” she snaps, glowering. “I know exactly what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to seduce him so you can get what you want. You want him to convince me to give you Trang’s job.”
My cheeks flush as frustration boils inside of me.
This bitch is fucking out of her mind. Do I think Trang should’ve been given the job? No. But the fact that Victoria thinks I would seduce someone to get ahead is outrageous.
“People like you always try to use their pretty faces and bodies to move up in the industry,” she sneers. “Mr. Kamado is our client and having a sexual relationship with him is strictly prohibited. So unless you want to be out of a job, I highly suggest you refrain from getting involved with him.”
My nails dig into the palm of my hand, helping me fight the temptation to lunge at her and slap her across that stupid fucking face. “Trust me—you don’t have to worry about that. Was there anything else you wanted to add?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“No, that is all,” she says, smoothing her hand over her skirt. “Just make sure you start dressing more modestly.”
As I leave her office, I fight the urge to slam the door on my way out.
I storm into the break room and start kicking the trash can over and over. “I can’t fucking stand this place! Veronica needs to rot in hell.”
“Everything okay?”
I gasp, clutching my chest. “Shit, you scared me.”
Maddox is standing in the corner with a cup of water in his hands, eyeing me with concern.
“What are you doing here?”
“Getting water.” He holds up his cup. “Is that a crime?”
“No. I just thought someone else would bring it to you.”
Maddox shrugs, gulping down the rest of his water. He strides over to where I’m standing and rests his hip against the counter. “What’s going on, Monroe?”
He looks genuinely concerned, and after my conversation with Veronica, I don’t have it in me to pretend like he isn’t a comforting presence for me. We went through a lot together, and despite the fact that he cheated, I still trust him with certain aspects of my life. This is one of them.
I can hate him all I want, but Maddox Kamado will always listen.
“I don’t know how much longer I can take it,” I groan, raking my hands through my hair. “I am absolutely miserable here.”
“Is Veronica still treating you like shit?” he asks, his expression tight with worry.
“Yes,” I sigh. “And she’s worse when you’re around. She accused me of trying to seduce you and said my clothes were too revealing.” My fists ball at my sides. The anger bubbles up, rising in my chest as I replay the conversation.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” He shakes his head, stunned.
“I wish I was,” I say, exhaling sharply. “She thinks I’m doing this to steal Trang’s position.”
A laugh slips through his throat. “Wow, she really is something. I didn’t know she would be like this when I agreed to work with her.”
“I guess now I have to go fucking shopping for a new wardrobe,” I groan.
“She’s out of her mind if she thinks changing your attire would make you any less attractive. You could be wearing a trash bag and you would still be the most beautiful girl in the world.” He flashes me a smile, dimples sinking into his cheeks.
Blush spreads across my cheeks and flutters stir in the pit of my stomach.
Damn it. Why does he have to say stuff like that?
“She said having a sexual relationship with you is prohibited,” I continue, shaking my head.
“Damn. I guess your little fantasy about me bending you over her desk can’t happen then,” he says, his mouth lifting into a smirk. “That’s a shame.”
My cheeks redden further, and heat pools to my core. “Maddox, this isn’t funny,” I say, slipping back into serious mode, trying to push away the explicit thoughts circulating through my mind. “I’m so tired of coming to work and wondering if today will be the day she’ll fire me.”
“I’m gonna have another talk with her. Just because she’s your boss does not give her the right to disrespect you like that,” he says, his tone firm.
“There’s no point, Maddox.” I shake my head, letting out a defeated sigh. “She’s a horrible human being, and there’s nothing you can say to her that will change that.”
“I can’t stand seeing you unhappy,” he murmurs, letting out a long sigh.
I exhale slowly, my eyes fixed to the ground. “I just gotta learn to accept the fact that this is my life now.”
“But it doesn’t have to be,” he says, taking a step closer to me.
“New York might be the fashion capital, but I know you’ll be successful no matter where you live.
God gave you this gift for a reason. You’re not only robbing yourself but also the rest of the world of your talents if you don’t share those beautiful creations in your sketchbook. ”
Warmth spreads through me, chipping away at the ice encasing my heart. I’ve been trying to guard my heart from him, but when he says stuff like this, it makes it impossible for me to not feel something.
Maddox always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and it’s clear he still does after all this time.
“I know you said you don’t want my money, but…” He pauses, lifting his eyes to mine. “What if I gave you a loan?”
“I don’t want to be in your debt, Maddox. I’ll probably die before I can pay you back in full.”
He chuckles. “You’re always so pessimistic. I wouldn’t invest in something I didn’t think was promising. You will be successful, Annalise. You’ll make the money back in no time.”
I chew the inside of my cheeks, shuffling my feet. “I don’t know…”
“Will you at least consider it?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Sweet.” His lips tilt into a smile.
“How’s everything going with the collab?” I ask.
“Not to sound like an asshole, but Trang’s designs are atrocious. I tell her what I want and she does the complete opposite.” He lets out a groan, dragging his hand down his face. “Veronica told me Trang is the best, but I don’t see it.”
I throw my head back, unable to keep from laughing.
Maddox quirks a brow. “I take it you’re not a fan of her either?”
“Not really. I’m sure she only got the job because she’s Veronica’s niece. I don’t even know if she went to school for fashion or had any previous experience.”
Maddox clicks his tongue. “Well, Dauntless is gonna be out of business if she continues to give Trang design roles. If you were the lead designer on the team, I’m sure you would’ve killed it on your first try.”
I can’t help the grin that breaks free. Just like that, another shard of ice around my heart chips away.
I clear my throat, quickly glancing away. “I need to get going before I have to face Veronica’s wrath again.”
“Right. Well, I hope the rest of your day goes well,” he says, holding the door open for me.
“Thank you.” I flash him a smile, stepping out of the break room in a better mood than when I walked in.
How does Maddox always know exactly what to say to lift me up?