I clamp my lips shut. She’s right. I let Zachary take over our relationship completely. I was the meek little woman standing by her man. I thought it was what I should do, but I ended up letting Zachary take away whatever power I had left in me. So many things had happened to me that I didn’t want to deal with, it was just easier to hand over the reins rather than take control.

Being with Ryder, sneaking around with him … he invigorates me. Fills me with a sense of self I don’t remember ever having. Even after being so angry with him and Zachary over their pissing contest concerning me last night, I still don’t regret what happened between us.

I secretly wish more would happen …

“So if having a fling with the hottest man who works here helps you recover from that disaster you called a relationship? Then I say more power to you. And to Ryder, too.” Rose smiles and folds her hands in her lap, looking like the sweet little angel she is absolutely not.

“Yes, well, I think Father heard about the … confrontation. He’s already asked me to stop by his office when I can. The sooner the better.” It’s barely eight o’clock and I already have to face him. I don’t want to. It’s bad enough discussing this with Rose. What am I going to say to my judgmental father who’s probably horribly disappointed I split with Zachary in the first place?

I don’t know. All I do know is that it’s going to be a very long day.

“Violet. you’re looking rather elegant this morning.” Father greets me with a warm smile and I pause in the doorway of his office, wondering if he’s trying to disarm me before he goes for the jugular with his disappointment over my behavior last night.

“Thank you,” I say cautiously as I step into his office, walking across the soft, thick-as-a-cloud rug. The room is huge, nearly taking up the entire floor, and I remember how much I loved coming here when I was a little girl. The mini board table that was always covered with the latest Fleur cosmetics, how he would always let us play with them.

Now I’m inside this office filled with such fond childhood memories and all I want to do is escape.

“New dress?” he asks as I approach the giant desk he sits behind, looking as intimidating as ever.

I glance down at myself. The dress is white, short-sleeved, and fits me perfectly, the pencil skirt falling just above my knees. But what makes it special are the lace cutouts at the shoulders and around the waist, with matching ones on the back. It’s elegant and sexy, not revealing at all, but with that hint of lace … it’s very feminine.

I feel strong. Confident. More armor. I’ve needed lots of it lately, I suppose.

“Not really,” I answer him as I settle in the overstuffed chair opposite his desk. I smooth the skirt over my legs, trying my best not to fidget. “I’ve worn it before.” I hate the small talk. I wish he’d get to the true reason he called me here.

“Well, I like it,” he says gruffly, leaning back in his chair so that it creaks. He has all the money in the world and he’s had the same chair since I can remember. “How are you doing?”

I shrug, not sure if he’s asking personally or professionally. “I’m fine. And you?”

“We’re not talking about me.” He waves a dismissive hand. “I’m boring. I want to know how you are. Are you dealing with Zachary’s leaving okay?”

“Um …” I blink at him. How should I answer? How much does he know? “We’ve agreed it’s best if we … split while he goes to London.”

“Really?” He sounds surprised. I’m glad, since I was afraid he might have heard the rumors. “His time in London is temporary. I’m just trying him out for this position.”

“Well, yes, but we both figured he has the job.” Zachary is certainly counting on him having it.

“Don’t assume anything. There are others I want to send over there as well.”

“Like who?” I ask curiously.

“Like Ryder McKay.”

I go still at first mention of his name. Hearing my father say it unnerves me. “You think he’s qualified?”

“I know he is.” He pauses, studying me. “And so are you.”

If I was still before, now I’m completely frozen. “Wh-what did you say?”

“Aren’t you interested in a promotion, Violet? You’re capable of doing anything you set your mind to,” he says casually. “You’ve impressed me these last two years. I think it would be smart to have you working in a variety of positions at Fleur for the next few years. You need to gain plenty of experience so that you can run the company properly someday.”

His words are like a bomb detonating in my brain. He always acts so displeased with everything I do, everything I say. His disparaging comments had me questioning myself more times than I liked to count. And now he’s saying, casually as he pleases, that I’ll run the company someday? I think I’m in shock. “I don’t think I’m ready to leave here yet, what with the launch of my new line coming up,” I say carefully. I don’t want him to think I don’t want what he’s offering, but I don’t feel right in leaving yet, either.

“Understood.” He gives me a firm nod. “Just know the offer still stands if you’re interested.”

“Oh, I’m interested.” And I’m also completely blown away. Is this all he wanted to talk about? No mention of last night’s party and the spectacle Zachary and Ryder made over me? No more questions regarding my relationship with Zachary? I can’t believe it.