“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.
* * *
Elena signed off on the documents she was reviewing. It was late but she was finally done. She stretched.
A throat cleared.
She glanced up to find Madeleine leaning against her office door frame. She blinked at the sight of her, in a grunge band T-shirt, tight black jeans, and boots. “This is a familiar look. Weren’t you wearing this the first time we met?”
Madeleine sauntered over. “It seemed fitting given what I heard today.”
“Oh?”
“There’s this insane rumour that my beautiful corporate warrior woman defended my honour. She bought out CQ, fired its nasty editor, and then gave the staff a speech. Something about how she’s giving them all a month to prove themselves. And she’s going to base herself there for that time to see what they’re capable of.” She laughed. “Now isn’t that where we came in?”
“Except I don’t recall some garage-band extra getting in the elevator with me today and insulting me.” Elena smirked.
“Argh! I didn’t insult you! As you well know.” Madeleine shook her head. “So tell me, why the stay of execution? You told me this morning that if you hadn’t bought out CQ it’d be bankrupt in a year. Shouldn’t you be holding the last rites?”
“Truthfully?” Elena said. “I just wanted to edit one issue of CQ. Tick it off my bucket list and move on.”
“And then you’re firing them? Is it fair to give staff false hope?”
“It’s not false. They’re being reviewed. I’ve decided to merge CQ and Style. CQ has some excellent writers and designers. The management’s the cancer. Besides, a merger will send a rocket up Style that they can’t be complacent. I can clean house on two magazines.” Her eyes glittered. “Just because I made Style doesn’t give it a free pass.”
Madeleine shook her head. “God, that’s so you.”
She shrugged. It was.
“So,” Madeleine grinned. “You actually did it. Beat CQ.”
“I did.” Satisfaction warmed Elena.
“And all it took was Lecoq outing you.”
“All it took was her coming after you. I have my limits—a fact I pointed out to that diseased raccoon. I fired her for stupidity.”
“You fired her for being mean to me. You’re such a romantic.” Madeleine stole a kiss.
“Lies!” Elena snorted. “My God, though, Lecoq has zero taste. You should have seen her office. I might have to get a flame thrower in before I take over.” There was a thought.
