Page 110 of Ice Cold Hearts
“Actually, I think it would be better for all of us to talk in your office,” I say, gesturing behind me toward Frank and Beth.
“Frank.” She grimaces. “What a lovely surprise. I’m assuming you’re here to discuss a social media collaboration with Ian and Alexei?”
“Let’s discuss it in your office, shall we?” he says evenly.
“Follow me,” Liza says flatly.
I swear I can actually hear her teeth grinding all the way to her office.
Once we’re behind closed doors, the atmosphere changes. If it gets any more tense, I swear sparks are literally going to start flying.
“So, since this clearly isn’t a social call or a pick me up visit, why don’t you fill me in on why you’re here?” she says tersely.
I’m overwhelmed with nerves, but Emily reaches over then gives my hand a squeeze, and I find my courage again.
“We’re here to terminate my contract,” I say.
“Really?” She raises her brow. “And how do you plan to do that without breaching the agreements and avoiding a lawsuit?”
“Easily, actually,” Beth interjects. “May I?”
I nod at her.
“Thank you.” She smiles, moving to stand beside Liza.
Beth flips to the pertinent page and then sets it down on the desk in front of her.
“As you can see here,” she says, pointing to the clause, “Oliver has it written into his contract that he, or another agent with his express permission, can buy his agent out at any time for any reason for this sum here.” Beth picks up the contract and flips to the final page. “And here is your signature and Mr. McKenna’s signature, then right here in the corner is the notary’s stamp and signature as well.”
“I don’t remember seeing that the first time,” she protests.
“Well, if we go back to this page here” —Beth flips back to the original page— “your initials are here at the bottom of the page indicating that you did, in fact, read this page of the contract and agree to it. If you have concerns” —she smiles— “I would be more than happy to go over the copy you maintained for your records as well.”
“Thank you. That’s not necessary.” Liza smiles nastily at Beth.
She turns to Frank. “I suppose that’s where you come in.”
“Yes, ma’am, it is.” He nods. “I scheduled the wire transfer a few days ago, and it should be hitting your account right about now.”
Like magic, Liza’s phone buzzes. She checks it and scowls.
“It seems that you’ve done everything by the book.” Her smile is sharp. “What did you promise him, Frank?”
“I promised him that I’d treat him with dignity instead of as my personal plaything,” Frank answers coolly.
She switches focus back to me and melts into something pathetic and wounded. It’s so unnerving that I scoot my chair back from her a few inches. I’ve never seen her behave like this before, but then again, I’ve always just done whatever she wants. I’ve always complied and behaved up until now.
“Do you really feel that way?” she asks, eyes suddenly brimming with tears. “What did I do to deserve this?”
For the first time today, my anger overcomes my compulsion to keep the peace.
“Where should I start?” I ask. “When the mother of my child came to tell me she was pregnant, you made disgusting implications, threatened her, and turned her away. I missed out on almost five years of her life. You’ve meddled, or tried to meddle, in every single relationship I had, including this one.
“What else? You’ve tried, and succeeded sometimes, to weasel your way into every element of my life, and when I’ve refused, you gave me the silent treatment until I bought you something or took you somewhere. I haven’t been the best at maintaining boundaries all the time, so that’s on me, but never once have I ever insinuated or implied that I ever wanted anything other than a professional relationship with you.
“You manipulated me and you lied to me and made me feel wrong for trying to keep a boundaried relationship. And I don’t have hard proof, but you’re the only one who could have tipped off the press about where she lives and the school my daughter goes to. So not only have you compromised the safety of my girlfriend, but you also compromised the safety of my only daughter.” I stop to catch my breath.
“There’s just one last thing before we go. You’re going to apologize to Emily, or I’m not going to give the gentlemanly answer for why we parted ways. Apologize, or I’m going to make sure everyone knows how you treated both of us. I’m sure it will be awfully hard to find work if that ever gets out.”