Chapter 283
Now that Ana thought about it, even though she and Cassian had been married for a while, she’d never actually been to his office before. No wonder the receptionist didn’t know who she was.
Ana kept her cool and said, “I’m here to see Mr. Rhodes.”
The receptionist looked Ana up and down with narrowed eyes.
This chick looked totally unfamiliar–she’d definitely never seen her before.
These days, hot, loaded guys like Mr. Rhodes were like catnip to women. They practically threw themselves at him every chance they got.
The receptionist figured Ana was just another wannabe trying to get her claws into him.
“You got an appointment? No appointment, no entry,” she said with attitude.
“I don’t have one, but I know Mr. Rhodes and his assistant. Could you just buzz them and let them know I’m here? They’ll tell you it’s cool.”
The receptionist rolled her eyes. “Oh sure, you ‘know’ Mr. Rhodes. But does he know you? That’s what they all say, honey. I’ve been here a few months and lost count of how many gold diggers like you I’ve had to bounce. Get some self-respect.”
Ana’s eyes flashed with annoyance.
“Look, I’m not trying to storm the castle here. Just make a quick call. Is that really too much to ask?”
“Nope. You claim you know them? Then call them yourself. I’m not your personal secretary.”
“Isn’t this literally your job?” Ana shot back, getting irritated.
“My job is helping Mr. Rhodes, not random chicks who waltz in here,” the receptionist snapped back.
“Whatever. I’ll call them myself.”
Ana had actually tried calling on her way up, but Cassian was probably in meetings and didn’t pick up. Same with his assistant.
Ana frowned, feeling the receptionist’s judgmental stare.
When she looked up, the woman was smirking at her like she’d won some prize. “What happened to all those phone calls? Thought you knew them so well. Go ahead, I’m waiting.”
“They’re not picking up, but this is urgent. Can’t you just pop your head in and tell him I’m here?”
“Why the hell would I do that? I already told you–I don’t work for you.”
The receptionist went back to scrolling on her phone, completely dismissing Ana.
The takeout bag was getting heavy, so Ana thought about setting it on the reception desk while she kept trying to call. But the receptionist suddenly snapped to attention.
“Excuse me? Do I look like a table to you? You mess up my workspace, you’re cleaning it.”
“Are you serious right now–”
“Dead serious. What, nothing to say now?” The receptionist smirked and snatched the takeout bag. “Bringing Mr. Rhodes some sketchy street food? He’s got class–this garbage belongs in the trash where I’m about to put it.”
Right then, Ana’s phone buzzed. Cassian was calling her back.
As Ana hit accept, she lunged for the bag. “Give that back!”
“Hell no. This is going straight in the garbage,” the receptionist said, looking way too pleased with herself. “If you actually knew Mr. Rhodes, I’d eat my own shoe.”
But instead of Cassian’s voice, some woman answered: “Hi, is this Ana? Cassian’s swamped right now and can’t talk.”
Ana’s blood pressure spiked. “Who is this? Why are you answering his phone?”
Sonia grinned wickedly on the other end. “Why do you think?”
Once you plant that seed of doubt, no amount of explaining can undo the damage.
“Put him on. Now,” Ana said, her voice deadly quiet.
“Did you not hear me? He’s busy!”
Before Ana could say another word, Sonia hung up.
Ana stared at her phone, then watched in horror as the receptionist actually dumped her food in the trash.
Something inside Ana just snapped.
She was done being nice to people who didn’t deserve it.
Ana marched over and slapped the receptionist hard across the face. “Fish that food out of the trash and eat every last bite.”
The receptionist just stood there, totally stunned. She probably never expected Ana to go full savage on her.
After a beat, she recovered, clutching her cheek and shrieking, “You crazy bitch! You just assaulted me! I’m calling security!”
She’d dealt with plenty of thirsty women trying to get to Mr. Rhodes, but none of them had ever actually gotten physical.
Ana wasn’t backing down. When the receptionist charged at her, Ana was ready to throw hands.
That’s when Cassian’s assistant came running over, looking like he’d seen a ghost when he spotted the receptionist going after Ana.
“What the fuck is happening here?!” he shouted, grabbing the receptionist.
The receptionist thought he was there to help her. “Thank God you’re here! This psycho claims she knows you guys and wanted me to announce her to Mr. Rhodes. I told her to call, but she went ballistic and–”
“Shut your mouth!” the assistant barked. Jesus Christ, she has no clue who she just messed with.
“Pack your shit. You’re fired.”
The receptionist’s jaw dropped. “What?! I didn’t do anything wrong!”
The assistant was thinking, Lady, you better run before this gets worse for both of us.
“You have any idea who you just disrespected?” He gestured toward Ana. He almost blew her cover right there, but remembered Cassian’s instructions to keep things quiet.
“Security will escort you out. Move.”
The receptionist shot them both a venomous look. “You’re both fucking insane!”
The assistant turned to Ana, looking mortified. “Ma’am, I am so sorry. I was grabbing lunch and had no idea–”
Ana waved him off. “Not your fault.”
Then she looked back at the receptionist. “What I said stands. Fish that food out and eat it. Then you can leave.”
“Like hell I will! You already got me fired!”
The assistant suddenly noticed Ana’s hands were empty and put two and two together. Oh shit, she brought lunch for Cassian.
“Do what she says or you’ll never work in this city again. Your choice.”
Ana wasn’t usually this petty, but this woman had pushed every single one of her buttons.
Just then, Sonia appeared from the inner office and froze when she saw Ana standing there.
The receptionist rushed over to Sonia like a lost puppy. “Mrs. Rhodes! You have to help me! Your assistant and this psycho are ganging up on me. I was just following your orders to keep these gold-digging sluts away from Mr. Rhodes…”