Page 39 of Serena

“Ms. Nerva, there is a Mr. Byran Carson on the line for you. He’s called a couple of times and insists on speaking with you.”

What the hell? I told him that he would not be speaking with me directly.

“Tell him I’m in a meeting.” I hang up, and the phone rings again.

“Ms. Nerva, he says it’s important and, if needed, he’ll come in person to speak with you.” My hands begin to get clammy, but I take a deep breath. What does he want? “Put him through.”

“Hel—”

“You had me fired?! I can’t believe you, Serena!”

“Hello to you too, Byran, and what are you talking about?”

“Last week, I was removed from the project, and today, I was fired from the marketing firm. What the fuck!” he yells.

“I didn’t do anything. I’ve been out of the office, as a matter of fact. Not that I owe you an explanation.”

“You know, I tried to call your cell. You blocked my number?”

“Byran, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Fuck this guy.

“Yeah, right. You can’t let the past go. You’re still holding things against me. Do you know how long it took me to get my life together?”

“Listen, Byran, I don’t know what you mean, and just stop while you’re ahead. I had nothing to do with whatever happened. Don’t call me again.” I slam the phone down. Fuck, I hate him.

I haven’t received an update on the team's project because Claudia is the point of contact. I make my way over to my assistant's desk.

“Claudia, have you heard any updates from the marketing team?”

“No, Selma’s in charge of that. She told me not to worry about notifying you; she’s taking care of all communication. I’m sorry, I thought you’d already know.”

“She hasn’t communicated anything to me. Let me go talk to her.” I turn to walk away.

“Serena, will you be going to the party this weekend?” Shit, I forgot all about her son's birthday party.

“Yes. I’ll see you there.” I wave as I head to Selma’s desk.

This woman is intimidating, not only because she can tolerate everything Ian throws at her, but she also seems to be his gatekeeper for everything.

“Hello, Selma.”

“Hello, Ms. Nerva. How can I help you? Mr. Kayde is in a meeting with his brother. He asked not to be interrupted.”

Straight to the point. I like this woman. No beating around the bush.

“I was wondering if there was an update from marketing. Will I be needed for anything?”

“Well, there were some changes to the team. Moving forward, I’ll be their point of contact. In regard to needing anything from you, no. Mr. Kayde specifically asked that you be left alone.” There is something that she isn’t telling me.

“Selma, what aren’t you telling me?”

“Serena, may I call you Serena?”

“Yes, of course.” I mean, the woman saw me in the middle of a panic attack.

“Mr. Kayde, well, he asked that I not tell you any specifics. I think those, you need to get from him. What I can tell you is that last week he came in very upset and asked that I schedule a meeting with the marketing firm.”

I nod. “Thank you, Selma.”