Chapter 1

My boyfriend's female intern, Olivia Lowe, was having a birthday and insisted I come along to the party.

Inside the private room, Olivia was practically hanging all over my boyfriend, Blake Grant.

While we were playing games, a bit of my red long johns peeked out from my pant leg, and she instantly burst out laughing.

Olivia said, "Oh my god, Samantha, who even wears long johns anymore? That's so lame. I thought only country grannies still wear stuff like that."

My face fell, but she just put on an innocent look and continued, "Oh, sorry, I forgot you're from a small, poor town, so you can't stand cold. I just say whatever comes to mind, Samantha, so don't take it personally."

Blake had his arm casually draped over her bare legs, explaining offhandedly, "She's a fashion blogger. Her words can be harsh, but she means well. No need to get mad at a young girl, right?"

I forced myself to stay calm and made up an excuse to step outside for some air.

Just as I reached the door, I caught their mocking voices from inside. Olivia said, "Look at her, bundled up like a snowman. She's such a turn-off. How do you even put up with that?"

Blake said, "Honestly, I'm only with her for the cash. She's got zero charm, a total hick, and a complete snooze-fest."

So, he was only with me for the money? I snorted with angry laughter.

Alright, let me show him what real power looked like.

I whipped out my phone and called the HR director. "Revoke all of Blake's promotions. And put out a notice to the whole industry. Let's see which company has the guts to hire a backstabber like him. "

I walked in, and the laughter in the private room cut off in an instant.

Blake's hand was still on Olivia's thigh. He hadn't had time to move away from it.

Olivia was rocking a crop top, practically draped all over Blake. When she saw me, she made a show of covering her mouth, but her eyes flashed with defiance. "Hey, Sam, welcome back.

"Grab a seat. Just don't let those long johns peek out this time."

The group of rowdy friends burst out laughing, their eyes shamelessly checking out my lower half.

Blake frowned and stubbed out his cigarette. "Why are you just standing in the doorway like a statue? You're killing the vibe."

I tossed my bag onto the couch. "Yeah, I'm killing the vibe. You guys are all carefree, showing off your bare legs like you're not worried about freezing them off."

Olivia's face fell, and then she snuggled up to Blake, looking all pitiful. "Blake, look at Sam. I was just joking, and now she's wishing bad luck on me. Everyone dresses like this now. It's called fashion."

Blake sat up straight, looking annoyed. "Samantha, why are you picking on a young girl? Liv's a fashion blogger. Not everyone has to dress like you, all bundled up like a mummy. Honestly, it's embarrassing to be seen with you."

I smirked, my eyes sweeping over their bodies, practically glued together. "Yeah, real fashionable, so fashionable that she's basically in your arms. If I didn't know better, I'd think this was a nightclub, and you were the guy ordering a hooker."

"Samantha, are you out of your mind? Cut it out." Blake shot to his feet, slamming his glass down on the marble table.

Olivia's eyes welled up with tears as she clung to Blake's sleeve, but she was just stirring the pot. "Blake, don't be mad. It's all my fault.

"Sam's older, so of course she gets cold more easily. I shouldn't expect her to dress like younger folks like us. Sam, don't be upset. I'll apologize."

She pressed herself right up against Blake, giving me a provocative look.

Blake comforted her, squeezing her hand like he felt sorry for her, and then shot me a glare. "Look at Liv, so thoughtful and mature. And you? Acting like some drama queen.

"It's Liv's birthday, and you just have to mess it up for everyone? Apologize to Liv, or this is gonna get ugly."

The others jumped in, laughing. "Seriously, Sam, it was just a joke. Can't you take a little fun?"

I looked at Blake, acting all self-righteous, and my stomach twisted in disgust.

This was the guy I'd been bankrolling for three years, blowing my cash on his manipulative side chick, and now he actually expected me to grovel for her.

When I kept my mouth shut, Blake started acting even more smug. "Cat got your tongue? Either say sorry, or strip down and show us your 'fashion sense.' Let's see what you've really got hiding under those long johns."

The whole room burst out in crude, lewd laughter.

Olivia was shaking with laughter, then grabbed a drink with cigarette ash mixed in and shoved it toward me. "Sam, no need to take your pants off. Just down this drink and say sorry, and we'll let it slide."

Blake smirked with satisfaction, pulling Olivia closer by the waist. "That's what I'm talking about. A good woman does as she's told..."

Before he could finish, I twisted my wrist and sent the whole drink flying right into Olivia's perfectly made-up face. The booze, laced with cigarette ash, dripped down her chin and straight into the deep V of her top.

"No, my makeup," Olivia shrieked.

Blake flew into a rage, lunging at me with his hand raised. "Samantha, you psycho. How dare you throw that at Liv?"

I sidestepped and whipped my hand around, landing a slap right across his face.

The slap echoed through the room, and everyone froze in stunned silence.

I shook out my tingling hand, standing over him and looking down. "Blake, we're done. Take your little fashion blogger and get out of my sight."