Chapter 1
Nadine's POV:
When I pushed open the door on the top floor of the company building, I found Colette Baines sitting in the office chair that used to be mine.
"Nadine, Mr. Vaughn said you haven't been feeling well. He said this office was just sitting here gathering dust, so he let me move in."
The wall where my hand-drawn designs had once hung was now covered in her colorful sticky notes. The cheap ceramic cat figurine Cedric and I had bought with the first money our business made was gone from the corner of the desk.
"Who gave you permission to touch my things?"
Colette immediately stood up.
"I'm sorry, Nadine. I didn't mean to. The cleaning lady said it was all old junk, and I accidentally..."
A low male voice sounded behind me.
"What's going on?"
Cedric walked over to Colette's side.
"You just got here, and you're already losing your temper over nothing? Colette just took over a new project. She didn't even have an office of her own. You barely come in a few times a year anyway. What's wrong with letting her use yours for now?"
I looked at him.
"Does letting her use my office mean she gets to throw all my belongings in the trash?"
I pointed to the black trash bag in the corner. The ceramic cat figurine lay among the crumpled papers, one ear broken off.
Years ago, Cedric had held it in his hands and sworn he would give me a good life.
He glanced toward the trash bag, and his eyes flickered.
"It's a cheap ornament. We should've replaced it ages ago. Stop being so petty. Aren't we going to Norvessa next month? I'll have my assistant book you a first-class ticket. Buy whatever bags you want. I'll cover them."
Colette timidly tugged at his sleeve.
"Mr. Vaughn, maybe I should just move into the storage room. I don't want Nadine getting upset because of me."
"You're staying right here. You're not going anywhere."
Cedric reached over and patted the back of her hand.
"Nadine Mercer, don't make a scene at the office. Don't embarrass me in front of everyone."
Watching him rush to her defense, I suddenly couldn't even find the energy to be angry.
"Fine. I've been meaning to clear things out anyway."
Cedric stared at me. Apparently, he hadn't expected me to give in so easily.
"That's better. I'll make a dinner reservation for us tonight to make it up to you."
I ignored him and walked straight to the door.
"Ms. Pritchard, could you come in here, please?"
Vera Pritchard came in carrying a broom.
"What can I do for you, Ms. Mercer?"
I paused.
"Take everything in this room that belongs to me, including the ceramic cat figurine in that trash bag, down to the shredding and disposal area. Get rid of all of it. Don't leave a single thing."
Cedric's smile froze. His voice rose sharply.
"Nadine, what the hell is wrong with you now? I already said I'd make it up to you!"
"It's filthy."
I met his eyes, my voice calm.
"I don't want things other people have used. They disgust me."
Cedric's face darkened.
"Do whatever you want."
He gave a cold laugh and took Colette by the arm, leading her out.
"Since you're so eager to throw things away, get rid of everything. From now on, this office belongs to Colette."
As I watched them leave side by side, I took out my phone and called a number I'd kept hidden in my contacts.
"Mr. Hensley, it's me."
A man answered in a steady voice, "Ms. Mercer, you've finally decided to call."
"Have an equity divestiture agreement prepared." I looked out at the gray sky beyond the window. "As soon as possible."
