I’ve almost forgotten how punchable Bradley’s face is.

It’s permanently smushed, almost like he’s constantly smelling something awful, and his lips twist upward after every third word he speaks.

He sits across from me with a wide grin plastered on his smug face. Either he knows something I don’t or…

Actually, that’s probably exactly what this is. I try not to let it seep in. I’m still a boss-ass bitch, right?

I clear my throat as I shift my attention back to Martin as he turns another page. “Basically, I trimmed away the numerous side-plots that don’t serve or compliment the main arc in any way,” I say. “I also added a few notes about the characters, suggested ways to make them more likable and relate-able—” Bradley scoffs quietly to himself. I ignore it. “I also found ways to combine the side characters, as many of them just kind of disappear halfway through and never come back. Oh, also—”

“It’s okay, Phoebe,” Martin says, holding up a hand. “I think I’ve seen enough.”

He closes the folder, leaving me hanging as my heart slams against my ribs.

“And?” I ask.

He looks at Bradley’s sunken face and waits for a reaction. After a few moments, he finally shrugs.

“Yeah, sure,” Bradley says.

Martin smiles at me. “Very fine work, Phoebe. This is exactly what I expected when we brought you on board.”

My stomach jumps. “Really? That’s great. Thank you.”

Bradley flashes a grin. “It’ll be the perfect launch title for my New York branch.”

I somehow manage to keep my smile. “Your New York branch?”

Martin shifts in his chair. “That’s the other reason why I wanted to see you in person today, Phoebe,” he says slowly. “I’ve decided to place Bradley as head of the New York office.”

Of course, he did.

Because if there’s anything my life needs more of right now, it’s crippling disappointment.

I swallow it down. “Congratulations, Bradley. That’s good news.”

His eyes lock on me and that twisted grin stabs at me.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Martin adds. “I want you to know that.”

I nod. “I don’t doubt that, sir.”

They used me. Bradley’s known since the second they arrived in LA that the job was his. Was I ever really considered for it at all or did they just want to make me jump through hoops so little Bradley Dumbfuck’s launch was a sure-fire hit?

What a waste.

“Well…” I stand up. “If you don’t mind, I have to meet with our marketing team soon.”

They stand with me.

“Of course,” Martin says. “We won’t keep you any longer.”

We walk out into the main room and I turn toward my office, hoping to get as far away from Bradley’s punchable mug as possible.

“Phoebe, hold on…”

I pause by Jackie’s desk as Martin points Bradley away.

“Brad, you go on,” he says. “I’ll catch up.”

Bradley shrugs and walks off toward the elevator.

“Phoebe…” Martin stalls beside me, his eyes wandering down to look at Jackie as she flashes him a quick, subtle wink. “Can we talk for a minute?” he asks me.

I scream on the inside. “Sure.”

He walks into my office and she reaches out to stop me from following him yet.

Promotion? she mouths quietly.

I shake my head and she sighs with disappointment.

I walk in and close the door behind us. “So, what’s up?” I ask him as I sit down at my desk.

He leans forward in the seat across from me. “You’re pissed off at me right now.”

“What?” I feign confusion. “No, I’m not.”

“Phoebe…” He squints.

“Mr. Fellows, I’m fine. Really. I love my job and the work I do here. I don’t mind. I’m sure Bradley will do great in New York.”

“I know he will,” he says. “That’s why I’m giving him that job and I’m giving you mine.”

My mouth sags. “Eh?”

He grins at my reaction. “I’ve decided, after a very long year of personal battles and divorce lawyers…”

“You’re retiring?” I ask.

“No, I’m just leaving. I have some soul-searching to do and, quite frankly, I can’t keep up with this industry anymore but you can.”

“I can?”

“Can’t you?”

I shrug. “I dunno.”

“Believe me,” he says, laughing. “You can. Just look at what you did to Brad’s book.”

My brow furrows. “I thought you liked that book.”

He scoffs. “Come on, Phoebe. It’s a piece of shit.” I snort. “I only backed it the way I did because my daughter would have never let me see my grandkids otherwise.”

I sit back in my chair, exhaling hard. “So, does Bradley know about this?”

“Not yet.”

“Wow… he’s not gonna like the idea of me being his boss.”

“Well, if there’s anyone capable of keeping him reeled in, it’s you, Phoebe.”

“I can’t believe you want me to take your job…” I say, mostly to myself.

“There’s no one better,” he says. “It’s still in New York. The company will handle all of your relocation expenses and it comes with a hefty pay raise, among other perks. You’ll be responsible for and oversee all four North American offices—”

“Holy shit,” I say.

He laughs. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”

“Did you think I’d say anything else? Because that’s all I got right now…”

“It’s a big change,” he says, his tone turning serious. “I won’t sugar-coat that but I wouldn’t offer it to you if I didn’t think you could handle it.”

A big change. That’s exactly what I need right now. A fresh start somewhere far away from Los Angeles and Belle Academy and all the people associated with it.

Martin stands from his chair and buttons his blazer. “Take your time and think about it. If you accept, we can start your training as soon as you’re able to get out there. I’d like two weeks to get you started and then you can come back to get your affairs in order before moving.”

“I’ll take it,” I say.

He holds up a hand. “Now, wait—”

“I’ll take it.”

“Are you sure?” he asks. “Really think about this.”

“I have.” I stand up and offer him my hand. “It would be an honor to accept this job, sir.”

He smiles and shakes my hand. “All right, then. Let me know the earliest you can get to New York and we’ll get started.”

I feel a spark of adrenaline rush upward from the bottom of my feet.

“Mr. Fellows.”

He pauses with his hand on the knob.

I walk over, rolling my fist as I motion for him to step aside.

I bang once on the office door.

“Ow!” Jackie gasps from the other side.

Martin’s face twists in confusion as I stand a little taller.

“How does today sound?” I ask.