Maddie laughed. “Forever’s a long time. You should probably put a ring on it.”
There was a silence as they both digested Maddie’s startling comment.
“Oh…” Maddie faded out. Fuck. “I mean…”
“Did you mean that?” Elena asked softly. “You’d be amenable to…you wish to be proposed to?”
Oh, hell yes. “Yeah?” Maddie groaned at herself. “Only, can we not do this over the phone? Because I’ve seriously just made this the worst proposal hint ever.”
“Understood.” Elena sounded delighted. “We will…table this discussion.”
Only Elena could make a future wedding proposal sound like an agenda item.
Maddie laughed. “Sure, yep, table that sucker.” Her phone pinged. “Ooh, someone’s sent me a link to Lecoq’s statement about our US Review article.” She fell silent as she read. “She says she was taken out of context and didn’t out anyone. That’s such bull. You’re the only media mogul with a round office and a helipad.”
“Don’t forget the only media mogul with a hot, young lesbian lover.” Elena chuckled.
“You’re in a weirdly good mood,” Maddie said. “I thought you’d be skittish today with everyone knowing your business. What’s up?”
“Well, aside from being almost proposed to…” Elena’s voice dripped with amusement.
Geez. Maddie would never live this down.
“…the CQ drama hasn’t quite finished. Give it another, hmm, nine or so weeks. It depends on how competent Felicity and Tom are.”
“Elena Bartell, what are you up to?”
“You’ll see.” Her voice was all purr.
* * *
Elena strode into CQ’s gleaming office like she owned it. Of course now that that was actually true—as of an hour ago—it did make the saying all the more delicious.
Bartell Corp had snapped up the freefalling shares at CQ. Her management team had done some fast footwork with key CQ board members to smooth takeover proceedings. And, now, here she stood, with a fifty-one percent stake in CQ Magazine.
Heads snapped around as she passed, curiosity burning. Staff had no clue yet. The news would break within the hour.
The managing director playing escort pointed out a corner office. “That’s Ms Lecoq’s. As per your instructions, she has not been, er, kept in the loop about any of this. I’ll gather the staff for your meeting afterwards.” He strode off.
Elena entered the office filled with shiny trinkets, pop art, framed covers, and appalling yellow and blue decor.
Lecoq’s head shot up, suspicion coating her features. “What the hell? You can’t just barge in here.”
Ignoring her, Elena strolled around the room.
“Look, about the article,” Lecoq said cautiously, “I may have…misspoke. It was a throwaway line. Suddenly there’re boycotts and irate shareholders? Maybe you could spread the word that we’ve sorted this out between us?”
“Why would I do that?” Elena moved to the window and stared outside. “You want me to clean up your mess? You’ve just realized how offensive what you did was after staff, investors, and Twitter all pointed it out?”
“It was a flippant remark.” Lecoq actually sounded flustered. “Come on, Ellie…”
“Your commentary on my life isn’t why I’m here.” Elena turned. “You’re in my chair.”
“Excuse me? This isn’t—”
“Bartell Corporation is the reason CQ’s shares are no longer plummeting. We bought them; you’re welcome. CQ is now my company. And that’s my chair. You’re fired.”
Horror flitted across Lecoq’s features. “B-but…”
Elena felt little sympathy. This woman had ridiculed Madeleine and told the world she was nothing. How fucking dare she? “Effective immediately. Security will pack up your things.”
“All this…because I suggested you’re gay?” Lecoq gaped at her.
Elena’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t be so asinine. I’m not ashamed of who I am. You’re the one who made it seem tawdry.”
“Revenge then? For…losing your job to me years ago?”
“I run a Fortune 500 company now,” Bartell drawled. “I’m fine.”
“So it’s because I hurt the feelings of your piece of fluff?” Malice flitted into her eyes. “You’re all protective because I suggested you screwed your little assistant? How precious!”
Elena inhaled sharply and leaned into Lecoq’s personal space. “You know, you’re nothing to me,” she snapped. “If you’d just kept your mouth shut, none of this would have happened. But you’re not that smart.”
“I’m—”
“No. You’re not. Do you know the only thing more foolish than spreading lies about the woman I love? Spreading lies about who your new publisher loves. And since I don’t allow fools in my employ, don’t bother seeking a job at any Bartell company. Not that I need to blacklist you. No one in fashion will work with you now. You’re toxic. And you did it to yourself.” She straightened. “We’re done.”
With a cold, satisfied smile, Elena swept out of the room.
