Chapter 3
Chapter 3
In all my years, I’d never heard the term “relationship announcement candy.”
The way she was going on, I’d think Jaxon and Bella were getting married tomorrow and needed to hand out wedding favors. What a production.
Pretty damn funny, actually.
Oh, that’s what this is? Go ahead and take it.” I gestured with my chin for her to grab it herself, then sat
back down at my computer.
he looked stunned, like she hadn’t expected her little provocation to fall completely flat.
I know you’re Jax’s EX-GIRLFRIEND.”
But he’s mine now. So Director Blackwell, maybe keep some professional distance? Don’t try to take what
in’t yours.”
od, she was too young.
looked at the girl in front of me and mentally rolled my eyes.
Bella, did you know he was still dating me when he asked you out?”
ler face went white.
mmediately, I knew she’d been aware all along.
So you really think I’d want to steal back a guy who cheats, then comes crawling back for the candy he used > buy his EX to give as ‘announcement gifts for his new girl?”
shook my head with a sigh.
I’ve got higher standards than that garbage.”
Bella’s face twisted, but before she could respond, I cut her off
Of course, someone like you isn’t much better. Barging into a director’s office without knocking shows zero lass or professional etiquette.”
How did the company even hire someone like you? Sarah, show her out.”
I’m pretty sure Bella ran out crying.
Chapter 3
Not that I cared or had time for that drama.
But my friend Madison Torres, who managed the tech department, came by later looking conflicted about
the overseas position.
Tech actually had two VPS-not just Jaxon, but also a female VP who was equally qualified and really wanted the headquarters transfer.
“I figured it’d come down to a competition between them, but now with Jaxon flaunting his thing with Bella, I guess he’s got all his bases covered.”
“Ugh, watching him act like he’s already won is so gross.”
She made a face.
Victoria. I know tech talent usually gets priority, but you’ve been here seven years. Based on seniority
alone…”
Madison knew about me and Jaxon, and she obviously understood what Bella brought to the table. She was learly trying to stick up for me.
Don’t worry about it. I’m sure headquarters will make the right call.” I flipped through some files, totally
alm.
I’m not going that route anyway, so there’s no conflict.”
After chatting with her a bit more, I dove back into work and happened to check Jaxon’s Instagram.
The entire tech department had gotten gifts to “witness his hard-won happiness with the woman he loved.”
dard to say what people really thought, but hey, free stuff is free stuff. Everyone was liking and
ongratulating him anyway.
friends who knew the real story were blowing up my phone, totally shocked.
gave them quick responses, then had my assistant book me a flight before end of business,
Just as I finished talking. Jaxon barged through my door-just like Bella with her no knocking habit:
“Why are you booking a flight there? You trying to get to headquarters too?
He looked greedy and desperate, nothing like the sweet, awkward guy who’d chased after me years ago,
“You’re not seriously thinking about going for that promotion, are you? His eyes filled with pity.
“Victoria, headquarters already promoted your old boss last year. No way they’d pick you this time.
Chapter 3
He came closer and lowered his voice:
“Bella threw a fit today after you embarrassed her. Now she’s saying she needs to ‘reconsider’ who gets
recommended.”
‘Victoria, it’s just an act with her. Once I get to headquarters, I’ll dump her immediately.”
‘Don’t you want to make it to headquarters too? With me there, getting you in later would be easy.”
Just put up with this a little longer. For me.”
