I shake my head, and a smile grows on Florence's face.
“What is it with athletes and their arrogance? Is it all the money they make? Because your brothers also waltzed into my office just a few months ago when you had the flu and demanded I let you miss the show. The common factor with all three boys is the sport they play.”
I actually cringe at the reminder of Sire and August doing that. I was so sick but adamant to be in the show. They made it their mission to tell Florence to let me rest, and me missing one show wouldn’t kill her, but she certainly acted like it would kill her, considering it was an annual show I would’ve been missing, and those arehugefor us. Agencies around the world know not to plan anything for that day because everyone comes to watch us.
“I’m sorry, I’m still confused. What exactly did Liam say?” When he came to see me the last few days, I talked about my worries about the contract headaches since he asked. I even cried about it, but I wasn’t expecting him to talk to the damn CEO. I might actually die to know what got her to change her mind because not even Angie could get her to cave, and everyone caves for Angie.
“He asked me how much money I’d be losing if you didn’t model in a show for me. I did the math, and as I said, the majority of our audience come for you, and I told him how much it’ll cost the company not to have you.”
I wait for her to add more, but she doesn’t. “And?” I don’t see where this is going…
“He doubled the cost of losing you if given the possibility you were to miss my show for Mr. Moore.”
I feel my eyes squint as I focus on her lips because I can’t seem to comprehend what came out of her mouth.
“He. Did.What?”
She says it so casually. Like this was just another business deal for her, and I guess, in a way, it was. I’m sure this was all a bribein his eyes. Either way, we makemillionsat just one show… how much did this cost him?
I waste no time goinghome since Royal is throwing my congrats party tonight, but I text Liam to meet me here, and it takes him five hundred years for whatever reason. I’m already ready for the party by the time he knocks on my door.
“Dory.”
“Hey.” I look up at him, and I love that even though I’m 5’ 10, he’s still taller than me with my heels on. I watch him as he drinks in my outfit, and a small smile tugs his lips.
“You look perfect.”
I thank him before his smile widens.
“How was your day, beloved?”
I step into my apartment, and he follows me in before we settle on my couch.
“You went to see my boss?” I turn to him.
He shakes his head as he lays back on my couch.
“I told her not to tell you,” he says more to himself. When he looks over at me, his smile grows, but it looks sad. “I told you you’d have your way.”
“How much?”
“None of your business.”
“It’s all of my business. How much money did you give her?”
He lets out a soft sigh as he rubs my thigh, but he doesn’t make a move to answer me, and I move his hand from my thigh. “Hello?”
“I don’t remember.” He rubs my leg again.
“Tell me.”
“Couple million, I don’t know, but it was way less than what you’re worth.” His eyes meet mine and he watches me with such sincerity. “I would’ve paid triple what she asked for. You’re priceless, baby.”
“Liam–”
“Stop asking.”
I tilt my head to the side, and he mirrors me. “How much is acouplemillion to you because a couple is like two or three.” When he doesn’t answer, I feel my brows raise. “You paid more than that?!”
