Chapter Ten

Madisyn didn't like hearing those words. Even if they might be true for some reasons, she still hadn't moved on from the breakup yet. Receiving such a hard truth was not something she expected.

When her mother died, her father changed his life completely. He was already a successful, wealthy man by then, but after that day, he made sure his only daughter—the only woman he had left by his side—was spoiled with every kind of attention.

Deep down, he felt guilty and miserable for what had happened to his daughter. He couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for her to grow up without a mother as a reference point. He knew very well that he couldn't play the role of a mother. He couldn't explain how periods worked or how to deal with a broken heart. He couldn't answer her doubts about life, nor could he provide the affection only a mother could give. He knew all that very well, and he felt so guilty for not being able to do it.

So he gave her all he could: all the attention and money she could ever want. He bought her gifts at every occasion and tried to make her happy in every way. But he could clearly see in her eyes that the only thing she truly wanted was the one thing he couldn't buy: her mother back.

However, she never cried in front of him. She knew how much her father had done for her, and she didn't want to let him down.

She sighed, "I may have fallen for him and been silly, but I'm still the victim here, and he is the one to blame."

"I don't have anything to say against that. I just want to give you a reality check because I've worked with women my entire life, and I know you all fall for the same traps."

"I feel like you know too much about me, and I don't know anything about you. Why haven't you ever fallen in love with a woman? Are you gay or something?" she asked, leaning forward and raising an eyebrow.

He exploded in a loud laugh and shook his head. "Oh, trust me, I'm the biggest fan of women in the entire world. But I don't do relationships."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please! That's a classic!" she mocked, mimicking his tone of voice.

He continued to laugh and shook his head again.

"So, did you get your heart broken, get burned by your last relationship, and then lock up your heart?" She asked to mock him.

He leaned forward as well. "No, that's you, darling."

Ouch. Touché.

Her lips tightened in annoyance.

"I feel like we won't get along," she whispered.

He was so full of himself, almost as annoying as he was handsome. God, he really was Joey's brother.

"Oh, you think so? I feel like we'll get along just fine," he said, a light smirk highlighting his face, causing Madisyn to roll her eyes once again.

'He sounds like such a spoiled kid who thinks he runs the world just because he grew up rich,' Madisyn thought to herself as she shook her head. Having him as a boss must be a nightmare.

"If I work for you, I'm not going to wear those super short and ridiculous mini skirts. Just saying, the little Barbie at the entrance was barely dressed."

He laughed. "I'm sorry, but you'd have to. It helps attract clients. That's why I only hire beautiful girls."

Madisyn almost blushed at that. Was that a compliment, or was he just mocking her?

"I won't let you objectify my body just to attract clients and fatten your wallet," she replied, annoyed by his arrogance. She didn't like him.

"You've got to learn to understand jokes and sarcasm. You must have a very boring life with your boyfriend if you barely get jokes. You can wear what you want; I let my workers wear what they want. The 'Barbie' at the entrance loves that style and always wears those kinds of outfits."

"Oh, I imagine you gave her a raise for her dedicated work in client affiliation."

"Madisyn, why do you hate the entire world, huh? I understand my brother was a jerk to you, but you should stop wasting energy hating everything and everyone around you. You're judging her based on her outfit. She's a good person, and you could get to know her better."

Madisyn shrugged. "I just think there is suitable clothing for everything. And maybe a miniskirt and tank top isn't the right one for this. But sure, I'm hating on her."

The waitress approached the table. "I hope everything is good. Would you like to order anything else?"

"Yes, thanks," Madisyn replied.

"No, we're done here," he said at the same time.

They replied in sync with completely opposite answers, and Ethan smirked as if that was the proof to confirm his theory.

Madisyn scoffed. "Whatever, you may be right. And you're definitely on the list of people I dislike now!" she spat, forgetting the waitress was there.

"Seems like getting on that list isn't that hard after all."

The waitress was embarrassed, having witnessed the scene. "Alright then..." she murmured. "I'll give you some time to discuss it." She forced a polite smile and turned to walk away.

"Well, I'd challenge anyone to go through what I've been through and still have faith and positivity in humankind. So stop acting like an all-knowing, annoying, spoiled man."

"Oh, wow."

"No, seriously, I can't imagine how hard it must be to have you as a boss."

"Well, you'll know soon enough."

Madisyn inwardly screamed at that reminder. He was right, he would be her boss. He would have so much fun torturing her and pissing her off.

"I can't wait," she said, smiling sarcastically.

"That's the spirit I want!" he said with a grin.