The Villains Must Win-Chapter 52: Alexander Vale 2

What was even more infuriating was that Celeste wasn’t wrong.

Ethan hadn’t told Riley. He had assumed it wasn’t necessary. Celeste had always been an afterthought—someone temporary, someone replaceable.

So why did it suddenly feel like she was the one discarding him?

"What’s the matter?" Celeste asked innocently, the picture of amusement. "Didn’t Ethan tell you?"

Riley swallowed hard, shifting in her seat. She didn’t need to answer. Her face said it all—she was lost, frustrated, and—if Celeste wasn’t mistaken—just a little bit jealous.

Celeste chuckled. A low, knowing sound that sent a flicker of irritation through Ethan.

"Oh, don’t worry about that little detail, dear," she purred. "What we had was never serious, so there’s nothing to be concerned about."

"Enough."

Ethan’s voice cut through the room, sharp and final.

Celeste tilted her head, watching him with quiet amusement.

"You don’t need to show her the ropes," he said through clenched teeth. "I’ll take care of it."

With that, he grabbed his checkbook, scribbled something down, and tossed it onto the desk in front of her.

"Here," he said coolly. "From now on, you’re fired. That’s your severance pay—and any other bonuses you’re owed. Your remaining contract terms have been compensated. Pack your things and leave."

Celeste leaned forward, glancing at the check without a flicker of emotion.

One million dollars.

Generous.

She let out a soft hum of approval, then gracefully stood up, brushing invisible dust from her coat.

"Well," she said brightly, "it was nice doing business with you."

And with that, she turned on her heel and walked away—without another word, without a backward glance, and most importantly . . .

Without giving Ethan Carter the reaction he had been expecting.

Ethan could only watch as Celeste walked away, her every step radiating confidence. His frown deepened. A strange, unfamiliar irritation bubbled up inside him.

Why did it feel like she couldn’t wait to get rid of him—and not the other way around?

It was supposed to be the other way around. He had fired her. He was the one letting go.

Yet, somehow, it felt like he had been discarded.

His jaw clenched slightly.

Damn woman.

His thoughts were cut short when Riley’s voice pierced through his momentary daze.

"Girlfriend? Really, Ethan?" she said, arms crossed, her disapproving blue eyes fixed on him. "Your girlfriend was also your secretary?"

Ethan blinked, snapping back to reality.

He turned his attention back to Riley, and immediately, whatever irritation had been forming in his chest melted away at the sight of her small pout. He chuckled, amused.

"What? Are you jealous?" he teased, a playful smirk curling at his lips.

Riley scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Of course not. I’m just judging you for being so unprofessional."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed. "What? It’s not my fault if they fall for me."

"Yeah, right," Riley deadpanned, giving him a look. "Well, just so you know, that won’t happen with me." She flicked her hair over her shoulder for emphasis. "I don’t care about your past relationships or other women. I’m here strictly for business."

Ethan grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Sure. Unless, of course, you end up falling for me."

Riley scoffed louder this time. "Not gonna happen."

Ethan leaned in slightly, voice low with amusement. "Be careful, Miss Evans. You might jinx it."

Riley rolled her eyes again and stood, clearly deciding she had better things to do than entertain his nonsense.

"If you don’t mind," she said in a clipped tone, "I’d like to start working now."

Ethan’s grin only widened.

"I’ll show you the way," he said smoothly, standing up beside her.

Finally. Another chance. Another opportunity to be close to her, to fix the mistakes of the past. Ethan thought.

Riley, however, restrained her rampaging heart. She had to remind herself—this was work. She wasn’t here to rekindle anything with Ethan Carter. This was just business. Strictly professional.

And yet, despite her firm resolve, a small, hidden smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she followed him out.

But while Ethan walked with Riley, something else lurked in the back of his mind.

Celeste.

Her dazzling smile. Her confidence. That to-die-for body that any man would be lucky to have. The way she had smirked at him, completely unbothered. Like he didn’t matter to her at all.

The last sight of her lingered, refusing to fade.

Ethan clenched his jaw, irritated.

Damn woman.

With a quiet hiss, he shook his head, forcing Celeste out of his mind.

Or at least . . . he tried to.

=== ===

Celeste strutted through the grand lobby of Vale Tower, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. She wasn’t here to window-shop or admire the luxurious interior—she was here for one reason and one reason only.

Time to meet the villain of this story.

Without hesitation, she made her way to the front desk, flashing the receptionist a dazzling smile.

"I’d like to set an appointment with Mr. Alexander Vale."

The receptionist, a young woman with sleek hair and professionally arched brows, barely glanced up before offering a polite, practiced smile. "I’m sorry, but Mr. Vale’s schedule is completely booked for the next month."

Celeste didn’t bat an eye. Of course he was busy—he was the classic overachieving villain, after all. But she hadn’t come all this way just to leave empty-handed.

Thinking quickly, she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to sound curious but casual. "I see. Well, in that case . . . does Mr. Vale happen to be looking for a secretary?" freēwēbnovel.com

The receptionist blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"

Bingo.

Celeste internally smirked but kept her expression neutral. Of course she knew. Riley Evans had only recently resigned as Alexander’s secretary to go work for Ethan, meaning the position was likely still open. And if there was a power move worth making, it was this one.

"I have my ways," Celeste said airily, then beamed. "And as it happens, I’d like to apply for the job."