“Mariah! You’re here!” She smiled. “It’s been so many years. I didn’t expect you’d still be this impressive, building a company this big with Viggo.”
In just a few sentences, she lightly brought up college, brought up dating, and casually mentioned the past.
“Back then, Viggo and I were together. Then you suddenly appeared.”
She tilted her head slightly. “Maybe… you two really were meant to be.”
“I just wasn’t lucky enough.”
In just a few sentences, she painted me as the shameless intruder.
But she misjudged her audience.
Aside from a few new hires whispering among themselves, the long-time employees, people who’d followed me for years, turned around and walked away with a blank expression.
Viggo was pleased.
He leaned in and said quietly, “Carmilla hasn’t seen the company before. I’m just showing her around.”
“Don’t overthink it.”
Cruella chimed in, too.
“Mom, don’t be jealous.”
“That’s what bitter women do.”
I didn’t look at them again.
I handed the reviewed contract to my assistant and turned to leave.
I’d just reached the end of the corridor when the floor jolted beneath my feet.
At first, it felt like a brief imbalance like an elevator misfiring.