He had been in charge of hiring for the last few years, as well as laying off staff. I shuddered at the thought of how many traitors and backstabbers I had treated like family.

I took the elevator and it opened up to the top floor, all of which belonged to Vincent as 'CEO'.

I made my way across the expansive space towards the door at the end of it.

Just before it was his assistant, Clarissa’s station, and I was forced to a stop when she suddenly jumped out from behind her desk and stepped in my way.

"Mr. Smith isn't in right now, but I can schedule an appointment for when he returns."

I stared at her with wide eyes, struck dumb by her audacity.

Like most things, I held my employees to very high standards, and the short minute I had been in her presence showed how little Vincent cared about Hart Inc's principles.

However, I had more important things to focus on than her poor communication skills.

"That won't be necessary." I tried to move, but she blocked me again, her plastic smile turning into an annoyed look.

"I can't let you go into Mr. Collins’ office without him present."

For a few seconds, I thought I misheard her.

Clarissa stared back defiantly, and a flash of realization made me understand why she was so bold.

Beautiful and fashionable, Clarissa looked more like a model about to step onto a runway than the secretary of a business executive.

So this was his ‘late nights at the office’.

My voice was low and level as I spoke.

"Excuse you, Clarissa, but I own Mr. Collins’ office just like I own your job. And if you don't get out of my way right now, I'll make sure this is the last time you ever step foot in this building."

Fear flashed over her face as she realized she wasn't in any position to mouth off when her sponsor wasn't there to protect her.

Clarissa mumbled a strained apology and stepped to the side.

I said nothing in response, knowing that when I purged the company of Vincent’s puppets, I would make sure she’d be the first to go.

I marched up to the doors and they opened to Vincent’s large office.

Stopping at the threshold my eyes swept over the extravagance with distaste and anger toward myself for letting it happen.

In one room was a pool table, a massage chair, as well as a couch, a TV and console so he could “de-stress” by playing video games.

The cherry on top was the door to the right.