Page 120 of Revenge

"I can't believe I'm at the headquarters of House of Beauty," she looks around, smiling. "You have to tell me everything."

Shortly after Viktor gave me House of Beauty, I put things in motion. I knew there were many things I wanted to keep, but just as many I wanted to change. Maddie and I used to 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 want it to be I knew 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 where I was barely making ends meet."

"I'm happy and proud of you. How are the kids?"

"Growing too fast," I smile.

"Enjoy them. Pretty soon, they will be breaking everything."

"Don't remind me. But let's talk about why you are here."

"I was trying to figure it out myself. Am I being fired?" There is a slight 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 the brand and you. Tell me what this new job is."

"I want you to be the head of branding." Working with Maddie, I got to see firsthand how talented and passionate she is. It doesn't hurt that she has been with the company for almost twenty years.

"You can't be serious?"

"What is it that you say? Like a heart attack." We burst into laughter.

"I don't know what to say," she finally says once our laughter gets under control.

"It's simple. Say yes. It 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." She opens the envelope and nearly faints.

"You have to be kidding. This is too much."

"Believe it or not, it's market salary. I didn't make those numbers." She is looking at a salary of one hundred and forty thousand dollars a year, full benefits, and a stipend for childcare. There is 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 is 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."

"But I do," I tell her as we sit again.

"I swear I won't let you down."

"I know. I'm not worried."

"Ava, your brother-in-law is here to see you," Rosie says from the door.

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