The voice sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it. I frown. “Who’s this?”
“It’s Chad! Remember me?”
Irritation and annoyance surge in equal parts. I do not have time for this. Or him. “How can I ever forget? What do you want?”
“When I saw the news, I couldn’t believe it’s really you. I had to look into it to make sure it really is the Evie Parker I know.”
The nerve of him, calling me out of the blue like this! I never, ever wanted to hear his voice again. I just never expected that the fake marriage also comes with having to talk to the ex I hate more than mold on my favorite chocolate. The bastard did his best to ruin my life! “Well. He is very handsome. And a gentleman.” Unlike you.
“I’m sure. I’m so glad you married well. I really am.”
The egomaniac is clueless. Why am I wasting my time with him? “I have a meeting to prep for. Bye.”
“Just give me thirty seconds. Look, my team is bidding on a project at Sterling & Wilson. It’s really important we win it, so could you put in a good word with the family?”
I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it. Is he serious? He not only dumped me, but told everyone that I was crass enough to use sex to get ahead. He’s the biggest reason people in Dillington were so nasty and I had to leave.
“My husband doesn’t like it when I try to use him that way,” I say coldly.
“Look, I know you don’t have good feelings about our whole…thing. And honestly, I can’t really blame you. But think of my team. They’re good people. They deserve this job.”
Is this the best he can come up with? If so, he needs to do better. “What they are is bullies. I haven’t forgotten the message they left on my desk the day after we broke up. ‘Slut’ was the kindest word they used.”
“Well, okay, they were a little harsh. And I guess you’re right to be angry. It’s just, you know, a lot of them have kids and all. But I guess I could still tell them…”
Oh, fuck him and his manipulation. I can’t believe I never saw how he really was. On the other hand, I don’t want to rehash our past. It’s not worth it, and he’ll never admit he wronged me. I need to make him feel so small that he won’t bother me ever again.
What would Barron do?
Finally inspiration strikes, and I turn my voice cold and hard. “Never call me Evie again, Chad. It’s Mrs. Sterling to you.”
“But—”
I hang up, then block his number. I thought I’d already done that, damn it.
Claps come from the door to Nate’s office, and I turn around with a start. He’s standing there, one shoulder propped against the doorframe.
“Bravo,” Nate says. He’s smiling, but his eyes are frigidly controlled. I haven’t seen him looking like this since the time he had to make an example out of the embezzlers in Houston. “Who was that on the phone?”
“My former boss,” I say, wondering how much he heard. Then I decide I don’t care. I didn’t do anything bad. My only crime was being young and stupid.
“Let me guess. He wants something from you, now that you’re married to me.”
I nod jerkily, feeling a little awkward about the circumstances. It surprises me for a second that he guessed correctly, until I remember he’s probably used to people trying to use him and his connections.
Nate considers. “I haven’t given you a wedding present.”
Ooooo-kay. What’s up with the sudden change in topic?
“I’ll give you one. Well, the first of many.” He smiles sweetly.
Somehow this is scarier than a threat. “What would that be?”
“It’s a surprise.”
I jump to my feet. “Wait. Don’t beat him up, if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s not worth it.”
“I’d never dirty my hands that way. He’ll simply be bankrupted. He’ll never be anybody’s boss again.”