Page 127 of Revenge

“It surely is.”

“Come, have a seat.” I point at the couch.

“I can’t believe I’m at the headquarters of House of Beauty,” she says as she looks around, smiling. “You have to tell me everything.”

I put some things in motion shortly after Viktor gave me House of Beauty. I knew there were many things I wanted to keep, but just as many I wanted to change. Maddie and I would spend hours talking about it when I worked for her. The things we would change to make the brand better. Now that things are where I wanted them to be, it was time to bring her to headquarters.

“There isn’t much to tell. Never in a million years would I have imagined running my own business or owning House of Beauty, for that matter.”

“I get that part. It’s just crazy.”

“My thoughts exactly. When Niko’s father told me about it, I nearly died. These sorts of things don’t happen to someone like me. I grew up on the wrong side of town and I was barely making ends meet.”

“I’m so happy and proud of you. How are the kids?”

“Growing too fast,” I admit with a smile.

“Enjoy them. Pretty soon, they’ll be breaking everything.”

“Don’t remind me. But let’s talk about why you’re here.”

“I was trying to figure it out myself. Am I being fired?” There’s a slight look of concern on her face.

“God, no. What gave you that idea?”

“I was called to headquarters. No one told me it was to see you.”

“Shit, sorry. Didn’t mean to alarm you. It’s nothing like that. I actually want to offer you a job.”

“I thought you said I wasn’t fired,” she says, making us laugh.

“I’ve missed you so much, Maddie, especially your sense of humor.”

“I do try. But in all seriousness, you know how much I care about you and the brand. Tell me what this new job is.”

“I want you to be the head of branding.” Working with Maddie, I saw firsthand how talented and passionate she is. It doesn’t hurt that she’s been with the company for almost twenty years.

“You can’t be serious?”

“What is it that you say? As a heart attack.” We burst into laughter.

“I don’t know what to say,” she finally says once our laughter is under control.

“It’s simple. Say yes. The role comes with an amazing salary, benefits, and mostly normal hours.” I take the envelope sitting on my desk. “Here is your offer letter and a sign-on bonus.”

Opening the envelope, her eyes widen, and she covers her mouth with her hand as she gasps. She looks back up at me, her mouth opening and closing like a goldfish.

“You have to be kidding. This is too much,” she finally stammers.

“Believe it or not, it’s market salary. I didn’t make those numbers up.” She’s looking at a salary of one hundred and forty thousand dollars a year, full benefits, and a stipend for childcare. There’s also a check for ten thousand dollars as her sign-on bonus.

“Again, I don’t know what to say.”

“How about… when do I start? And where’s my office?” I tease.

“Get up. I want a hug.” As I stand, I see her eyes are watery. I embrace her. “You have no idea what this means.” Her voice trembles.

“But I do,” I tell her as we sit again.

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