Chapter 3
The burning pain seared through Fiona's body. She bit down hard on her lip and struggled to her feet.
Before she could steady herself, Damon barked, "Hit her harder. That's how you teach someone a lesson. Make sure she knows who's the master here."
The second slap landed, even heavier than the first.
Blood spilled from the corner of Fiona's mouth, the strong taste of it spreading between her lips and teeth.
The third slap snapped her head to the side, her hair wild and messy, leaving her looking completely beaten down.
Damon said, "That's it. See? Giselle, remember, don't ever let anyone bully you."
When it was over, Damon looked at Giselle with indulgent pride. "In this company, besides me, you're the one in charge. If Fiona steps out of line, you deal with her just like that. As long as I'm here, you've got nothing to fear."
Giselle cooed, "I know, Damon. I just got here and already stirred up such a mess. Everyone's probably laughing at us. Let's hurry back to your office. I'm tired, and the baby's tired, too."
Leaning into Damon with a playful pout, Giselle let him guide her into the office.
He snapped, "Fiona, make a cup of coffee and bring it in. Disobey Giselle again, and this is what happens. I've spoiled you for too long. Looks like you've forgotten who you are around here."
The office door slammed shut behind them, and Fiona stood frozen, numb to the pain.
Or maybe the pain in her heart was so much worse.
All those promises from the past five years were nothing but ashes now.
Every hardship she'd endured with him, every sleepless night, every bit of suffering; it was all a cruel joke.
"Oh my god, what's up with Mr. Rycroft? He never treated Ms. Drake like that before."
"Seriously, that was so harsh. I always shipped him and Ms. Drake together. Who would've thought things would turn out like this?"
"Guess we should stop crushing on the boss. A guy like him would never look twice at ordinary girls like us."
The employees were gossiping and shooting Fiona sideways glances, but she acted like she didn't hear a thing. She wiped the blood from her lips and numbly walked to the break room to make the coffee.
"Mrs. Rycroft, your coffee," Fiona said, placing the cup on the desk.
Giselle took a sip and jerked back. "It's burning hot. Ms. Drake, you did this on purpose, didn't you? Is this payback for what I did to you just now?"
"I'll make another one," Fiona said flatly.
Fiona brought over a fresh cup, but Giselle barely touched it before pushing it away. "Ugh, it's cold. Not even a hint of effort.
"Ms. Drake, I get that you're still sore about earlier, but that was Mr. Rycroft's decision. As the CEO's secretary, you can't even make a decent cup of coffee?"
Before Fiona could respond, Damon suddenly grabbed the coffee cup and hurled it straight at her. "Fiona, can't you even handle something this basic?"
Fiona dodged just in time, watching as the cup shattered against the wall.
Shards of glass and coffee splattered all over her, and a sharp piece sliced into her calf, blood welling up instantly.
It hurt like hell.
Fiona drew in a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper as she said, "I'll make another one for you, Mrs. Rycroft."
Giselle didn't stop nitpicking until Fiona had brewed five cups; only then did she finally give a nod of approval.
Back at her desk, Fiona looked at the resignation letter she still hadn't turned in and let out a dry, self-mocking laugh.
Honestly, leaving Damon was probably the smartest thing she'd ever done.