Chapter 3My Multi-Million Contract Went to a New Hire

Lexi's power trip escalated throughout the week.

"Riley, go print this contract. Double sided. Full color."

"Riley, book the executive boardroom for tomorrow. The biggest one. Make sure there are fresh flowers and sparkling water."

"Riley, run down to the corner cafe and get me an artisan pour over. Black."

I swallowed every demand without a single complaint. Lexi lounged in her ergonomic chair, drunk on her own authority.

The day before the signing, the sales floor was chaotic.

Richard threw a thick binder onto my keyboard.

"Riley, this is the minute by minute schedule for tomorrow's ceremony. I need a full script by five o'clock. Who stands where, who says what. You aren't leaving until it's flawless."

I flipped open the binder.

"Shouldn't Lexi be writing this? She's the lead manager."

Richard gave me a dirty look. "Lexi is busy memorizing the contract clauses. She doesn't have time for admin work. Just do it. Consider it a privilege that I'm letting you be involved at all."

Lexi sat at the next desk, casually painting her nails. "Yeah Riley, be a team player. If tomorrow falls apart, it's the company's reputation on the line."

I took the binder. "Fine. I'll get it done."

During the lunch hour, Richard pulled me to the far end of the hallway. Cigarette smoke swirled around his face as he gave me a calculating look.

"Listen closely. Tomorrow during the ceremony... I want you to stay out of the boardroom."

I raised an eyebrow. "I wrote the script. I managed the client relationship for six months. Now I'm banned from the room?"

Richard flicked his ashes onto the carpet.

"Know your place, Riley. Lexi has better presentation skills. She looks the part. If you're standing in there, you'll just distract from her moment."

"Look at the way you dress. What if you offend Victoria with your cheap suits?"

"Your job is to stand out by the elevators and handle the catering. Once the ink is dry, I'll let you come to the after party."

I looked at his greasy, arrogant face and suddenly smiled.

"Are you absolutely sure you don't need me in the room to manage the client? Victoria has a notorious temper. If something unexpected happens..."

"Shut up." Richard cut me off. "What could possibly happen? Just stay out of sight. Learn to have some class, understand?"

I nodded slowly. "Class. Got it. I'll be waiting by the door."

When I walked back to my desk, Lexi was holding a dress against her body. It was a tacky white cocktail dress with a ridiculous lace train.

"How does it look, Riley? This is my power outfit for tomorrow." She twirled around.

I glanced at it. "Stunning. You look exactly like a desperate bridesmaid."

Lexi's smile turned into a snarl. "What do you know about fashion? You're pathetic."

People from other departments were walking by, whispering and pointing. Richard caught wind of the drama and sent a warning message in the group chat to keep things professional.

I ignored the noise and pulled out my phone, texting my mother again.

"Mom. Wear the custom black suit tomorrow. Look as terrifying as possible."

Near the end of the day, I got up to grab a glass of water.

A steaming cup of coffee came flying right at me. I dodged the worst of it, but dark brown liquid splashed across the cuff of my blouse.

"Oh my gosh!" Lexi stood there holding an empty mug, a vicious smirk playing on her lips.

"My hand slipped. I am so clumsy today. Sorry about that, Riley."

"But hey, you aren't allowed to see the client tomorrow anyway, right? It's fine if your clothes are ruined. You really need a wardrobe upgrade."

I pulled a tissue from the box and dabbed at the stain.

Lexi took a step back, suddenly looking nervous at my silence. "What are you staring at? I said I was sorry."

I tossed the stained tissue into the trash can.

"It's totally fine."

I flashed her a bright, blinding smile.

"Out with the old, in with the new. Let's just hope that beautiful white dress of yours can handle the pressure tomorrow."