One Night With My Ex's Billionaire Cousin

3: You're fired!

Vee's pov

I rush into the office with an apologetic smile. "Morning, Mr. Paul. Sorry I'm late."

My boss looks up from his desk, a hint of disapproval softening into concern. "Vee, glad you're here. We've got a situation. Mandy was supposed to interview billionaire Asher Lorenzo, but I'm not sure she's the right fit."

My mind flashes back to Mandy's smug face, her hands all over my ex-boyfriend Liam at my own birthday party. My colleague, my friend - or so I thought. Now, she's trying to steal my assignments too?

I push aside the anger and follow Mr. Paul to the interview room. As we approach the door, my heart races with anticipation. What's going on?

Mr. Paul pushes open the door, and I step inside.

Oh...shit.

It's him!

Asher Lorenzo is the stranger I had my first s*x with at the club. The man I can't forget.

My heart skips a beat as our eyes meet, and for a moment, I forget to breathe.

What have I gotten myself into?

I force a professional smile, trying to hide my shock. "Mr. Lorenzo, I'm Vee, the reporter. Sorry for the delay."

Asher’s gaze locks onto mine, a smirk playing on his lips. “Vee. Nice to see you again.”

Again. What is he playing at? Is he trying to get me fired?

"You've met before?" My boss's voice interrupts

Mr. Paul's question hangs in the air, and I feel my cheeks flush even more. "Oh- no, we- haven't," I stammer, trying to play it cool.

But Asher's gaze lingers on mine, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. I notice the sharp jawline, the piercing blue eyes, and the chiseled lips that curve into a sly smile. He's so breathtaking. So f*****g hot.

I force myself to look away, fumbling for my notes as I try to compose myself. I know I need to keep it together.

"Let's get started, shall we?" I say, struggling to sound confident.

Asher nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm ready when you are, Vee."

The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. I clear my throat, trying to stay focused. But with the most handsome man I’ve ever seen sitting across from me, it's nearly impossible.

I glance down at my notes, trying to remember the first question. But my mind is a jumble of thoughts, and all I can think about is the way Asher's eyes seem to see right through me.

I start. "Mr. Lorenzo, your recent divorce from Julia Knight has raised questions about your personal life. She alleged that your infidelity was the reason for the split. How do you respond to these claims?"

Asher's face turns serious, his voice measured. "My divorce was a difficult time for both Julia and me. I regret any pain I may have caused her."

I press on, "But the allegations of infidelity have led to a public perception of you as a 'playboy.' How do you plan to change that narrative?"

Playboy. He’s slept with a lot of women—including me.

Asher's eyes narrow slightly, his jaw clenched. "I'm focused on my business and my philanthropic efforts. I hope that my actions will speak louder than any rumors or allegations."

I nod, my eyes never leaving his. "I see. Well, Mr. Lorenzo, it's clear that your personal life will continue to be criticized. How do you plan to handle that?"

Asher's gaze locks onto mine, his expression unreadable. "I'll continue to work hard and focus on making a positive impact."

I nod, making a note on my pad. "I understand. Well, Mr. Lorenzo, thank you for your time today. I'm sure our readers will be interested in hearing your side of the story."

Asher's face remains serious, but a hint of relief flickers in his eyes. "Thank you, Vee."

Asher’s face is serious, but a flicker of relief passes through his eyes. “Thank you, Vee.”

As the cameras stop rolling, I turn to Micheal, the editor. “Get the footage edited and send it to the board.”

As I prepare to leave, I steal a glance at Asher. A shiver runs down my spine, and I quickly look away. This is just a story, I remind myself. Don’t get too close.

Kayla, my other colleague, falls into step beside me, her voice low. "Wow, Vee, you really got under his skin. I've never seen him like that before."

Kayla has been working here for years, so she apparently knows Asher.

I shrug, trying to downplay the tension. "Just doing my job, Mandy. Getting the story."

But Kayla is not convinced. "No, there's more to it than that. You two have a history, don't you?"

I quicken my pace, trying to avoid the question.

"Come on, Vee. I've seen the way he looks at you. And the way you look at him... it's like the air is charged with electricity."

I stop walking, turning to face Kayla. "What are you talking about?"

She grins mischievously. "I'm talking about the fact that you and Asher Lorenzo have a serious connection. And I think it goes far beyond a simple interview."

I feel my cheeks flush, my heart racing. "Kayla, there's nothing. No connection of any kind. I'm heading back to my office."

I walk into my office, trying to shake off Kayla's words. All she said was true. I've interviewed a lot of handsome CEOs and celebrities, but my connection with Asher was so obvious. I still composed myself though.

A few minutes later, my phone rings. It’s my boss, asking me to come to his office. My stomach churns. This doesn’t feel like a commendation.

I enter Mr. Paul’s office, where he’s seated, face flushed with anger.

"Vee, what was that interview with Asher Lorenzo?" he yells. "The board says you went easy on him. That you were practically flirting with him on camera and that's very true!"

I try to defend myself, "That's not true, sir. I was just trying to get a different perspective on the story."

How did this go so wrong? I thought I did a good job and I wasn't flirting on camera. I wasn't just myself back in there.

He cuts me off, "You call that a different perspective? You changed the questions we agreed on, Vee. You let him off the hook on every tough question. It was like you were trying to help him, not get the truth. You know the rules. Never let your personal feelings get in the way."

"I'm sorry sir, it won't happen again." I plead.

Looks like he's already made up his mind, "Vee, I'm afraid I have no choice but to let you go. Your resignation is effective immediately."

"What? You can't do that sir!"

This can't be happening. I need this job.

He stands up, "I can and I have. Get out, Vee."

My boss has always been proud of me. This is the first time getting scolded at work, and to crown it all, I'm fired!

As I leave the office, I see Mandy at the doorstep.

"You got what you wanted, right?" I say, my anger boiling over. "My boyfriend, my job. Are you satisfied now?"

Mandy shrugs, "I didn't do anything, Vee. You just couldn't handle it. You were always so perfect. Always the golden girl. I was just tired of living in your shadow. You're not as perfect as you think you are. And now, everyone knows it."

I watch Mandy enter my boss' office, feeling like my whole world has been turned upside down. Tears stream down my face as I think about how I've fallen - betrayed by my boyfriend, sabotaged by my close friend, and now, fired from my dream job. The pain and humiliation are suffocating me, and I can't help but wonder how everything I thought I had could be taken away in a week.