Chapter 143
Harrison’s brow furrowed. He’d instructed his assistant to handle the evening gown, and the assistant had assured him it was custom–made to Selene’s measurements. But as for when those measurements were taken, Harrison had never bothered to ask.
To Harrison, Selene was little more than a well–placed ornament, occupying the role of his wife in name only.
It had been ages since they’d been intimate. Harrison couldn’t muster the slightest interest in her body.
Whether she’d gained weight or lost it was of no consequence to him. He simply didn’t care.
“If the dress doesn’t fit, it can be altered. I want it perfect, however long it takes,” Harrison said coolly.
He thought he was already being generous enough with Selene.
Selene picked up the document that had been laid atop the dress box.
“So, Vaughn Enterprises wants to bring me into the tech department?”
Harrison replied, “I want you in the executive office–as my personal assistant.”
Selene stared at him for two seconds, then burst out laughing. “I’ve been your live–in maid for free for seven years, and now, after all this time, you’re willing to pay me a salary to keep doing the same thing?”
A muscle ticked in Harrison’s jaw. “Then you’ll be the highest–paid maid in all of Capital City.”
Selene smiled. “I have just two words for you.”
Harrison arched a brow. “Yes, or more money?”
“You idiot.”
Harrison stood there, stunned. For a moment, the dead calm inside his chest was finally stirred.
“Selene, you only have an undergraduate degree,” he reminded her coldly. “You may have won a few competitions, but that’s nothing like leading an entire team on a real project!”
Several of Vaughn Enterprises‘ shareholders wanted Selene to take the CTO
1/3
13:24
Chapter 143
position.
After seven years of marriage, Harrison knew exactly what Selene was capable of.
How could a woman who became a housewife at twenty possibly be up for the role- of Chief Technology Officer at Vaughn Enterprises?
Felicity leapt to Harrison’s defense. “Selene, how could you say that to Harrison?”
Selene just smiled. “I’m only stating the truth.”
She shoved the gift box across the table to Harrison. “Take it. Don’t embarrass yourself or me with it.”
Seeing Selene reject the box, Matilda swooped in, pulling the gown from inside with undisguised glee. She turned to the man beside her. “Darling, won’t I look better in this dress than Selene ever could?”
Victor Thompson, however, was focused entirely on Harrison, barely glancing at Matilda. “Yes, yes, of course,” he muttered distractedly.
Harrison leveled a cold stare at Selene. “You turn down Vaughn Enterprises, and you really think you’ll find another respectable job?”
Selene took a sip of her creamy truffle mushroom soup, moving with an effortless grace. “I never once considered joining Vaughn Enterprises.”
Harrison almost laughed at the absurdity. As if she’d never considered it. Vaughn Enterprises was her best option–she knew it, and so did he.
“Selene, stop being childish. We’re talking about your future here. You’ll only have one shot with your potential boss.”
He added, “Do you have any idea how many CEOS would kill for an invitation to the
Summit Forum?”
Victor Thompson’s gaze locked onto the invitation in Harrison’s hand; his eyes practically bulged out of their sockets.
So Harrison was planning to take his daughter to the Summit Forum!
“Selene, say yes to Mr. Vaughn already!” Victor urged. “Don’t throw away a golden opportunity!”
Selene kept eating, not bothering to look up at Harrison.
Harrison’s voice cut through the room. “You have ten seconds to decide.”
She didn’t even acknowledge him.
2/2
13:24
лятардевчо
Harrison fell silent, counting down in his head.
“Selene!” Victor slammed his hand on the table in frustration.
Selene’s unhurried manner only made Victor more frantic.
“Seven, eight…” Harrison’s voice was icy as he counted. He thought he was being more than fair.
“Selene, what’s wrong with you? Are you really going to turn down a toast only to drink in disgrace?” Victor’s spittle flew with his indignation.
“This mashed potato is delicious,” Selene said serenely, spooning some onto Daph’s plate, completely ignoring both Harrison and Victor.
“Nine!”
Harrison’s gaze fixed on Selene’s delicate features.
She was too proud–she had no clue what she was about to lose.
“Harrison! Of course, Selene will go to the Summit Forum with you!” Victor answered on her behalf without hesitation.
He turned to Selene. “Just be smart about this, and I’ll order you ten more custom dresses!”
“Ten!” Harrison spat out the final number.
Only then did Selene finally look up to meet his eyes.
“I won’t be your accessory. I won’t play second fiddle to you ever again.”
She spoke with quiet conviction. “Harrison, I didn’t come here today just to have dinner with you.”
