Page 108 of Fake Dating Mr. Prince

She crushed me to her in a hug.

“Don’t you ever ignore my calls like that again!” She pulled away to glare at me. “I was worried about you, kid.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I just couldn’t face anyone and needed to be by myself to process everything.”

“I heard you’d agreed to sew the new designs.”

Her disapproving stare had shame bubbling to the surface for me. Even though I’d changed my mind, I hated that I’d initially given in to Elaine's demands. I hoped that if she hadn’t threatened Dean, then perhaps I would have been strong enough to say no in the first place.

“Why would you do that, Ashlyn? I don’t know all the details, but I know a fraud when I see it. I know you didn’t design those dresses and Queen Bitch doesn’t have anyone else.”

I chuckled at hearing Elaine’s new name but quickly sobered as I started to tell Burda the cliff notes version of what happened. “I’m still surprised she went through with it, Burda. Why take such a risk?”

“You didn’t hear this from me, but sales are down, and she’s been talking about shutting down a store or two.”

“What? Since when?” How had I not known this? Stella’s shocked expression let me know she had no idea either.

“I’ve heard pieces of conversations she and Adelise have had over the past few months to know things aren’t good. This must’ve been a last-ditch effort to save the business.”

“Wow. I had no idea.” Part of me felt terrible for Elaine. Not enough to stay, though. Our personal differences aside, she’d worked hard to build the company from the one store my mother had started to expanding to multiple stores in the surrounding area.

“Yeah, she’s been tight-lipped about it.” Burda shrugged. There was no love lost between her and my stepmother.

“I wanted to tell you that I’ve—” I glanced at Stella. "Wehave decided to quit today. Right now, in fact.”

Burda’s wrinkled face split into a wide grin. “Well, hot damn. Then let’s blow this popsicle stand.” She reached under her desk and grabbed her purse. Then she marched through the door and turned back to us. “What’re you waiting for, slowpokes? This is going to be the best day ever."

Burda’s enthusiasm helped calm my nerves enough so the walk to Elaine's office wasn’t as torturous as I imagined it would be. Time seemed to speed up until the moment I stood in front of her open door.

She was on the phone and gave me an annoyed look at my awkward wave. Other than that, she ignored my presence until her call had ended. Usually, I’d have been annoyed and a little anxious after waiting for her, but it hit me in those five minutes.

I hadallthe control.

She waved me inside, only the barest hint of surprise crossed her face as Stella and Burda filed in behind me.

The three of us stood together to face her.

“Are youfinallyhere to work, Ashlyn?” she asked, derision dripping off her words.

I gave her the smirk she deserved. “No, Elaine. I’m not.”

Her gaze never left mine as she steepled her hands on the desk in front of her. “Did you forget about our deal?”

“No.”

“Then perhaps I should place a call to the paper or to a few of PI’s board members that I’m familiar with. Let them know I suddenly remembered how I got the designs.”

“Your threats won’t work anymore, Elaine. Dean knows who really stole those designs, and so do I.”

Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not sure what it is youthinkyou know.” Her tone grated on my nerves.

“Have you forgotten Simone Hunter so soon, Mother?” Stella piped up by my side.

Elaine drew in a quick breath. “What have you done, Stella?”