Walk Out If You Think I'm A Shitty Boss

Patricia's POV

I didn't understand why I was so nervous. Tomorrow I'm unveiling my new company and today is my first day working as a board director in Liam's company.

Honestly, he had an interesting business, somewhat similar to what I was accused of; art forgery.

It was such a big deal in this country so I wondered what strings he pulled to get me out of the four walls of a cell. Anytime I remembered how cold and dejected I felt, I would feel the walls of my lungs close and I would try to breathe. It was embarrassing and hurtful, but now, I had other things to do.

I woke up quite early, watching a couple of documentaries but somehow I fell back asleep and now I'm getting dressed and rushing like a crazy lady. A cream skirt and a red button up top made me look professional and at the same time, sexy.

A part of me wanted Liam's eyes to be on me the whole time, even after what happened last night.

I still had no idea how I would face him and I know putting on a brave face wouldn't save me, but I'll try. The skirt hugged my ass and hips tightly and I paired the fit with black stilettos. Looking at myself in the mirror, I smiled satisfactorily. I grabbed my bag and practically ran out of the penthouse.

Finally arriving at the company, I caught my breath. I couldn't even relax until I arrived and now, I am okay.

I gave my keys to one of the company valets to park and walked into the company. The last time I was here in my pink beautiful dress, I barely made it in so obviously, the staff were more than petrified to see me. I guess Liam didn't tell them.

As usual, I heard gossip but I ignored them because I knew that if I didn't, my vengeful ass would make Liam relieve them even though I had no right. They were all surprised that I was out. After all, Patricia Lynn was unstable. Liam's guards were behind me and I guess they had been waiting for me to arrive, so they guided me all the way to the office and sadly, they were all waiting for me.

A part of me shrinked and felt small as I walked into the large office. Their gazes fell on me, all scrutinizing me from head to toe. My eyes fell and locked on Liam's and he was already staring at me.

For a second there, I stood, completely rooted to the ground. I felt lost and I watched Liam stand up from his chair and walk up to me. Grabbing my free hand, he enveloped it with his and he proceeded to walk me to my seat.

I didn't even realize that we were walking until he opened my seat and pushed me in comfortably when my ass hit the rich looking material of the seat. Leaning over me on the long table, he pretended to reach out for something but instead, he whispered into my ears. The words, "Calm down tigress. They won't hurt you. If they try to, hurt them instead."

His voice coursed through my veins and until my spine, melting me a little.

When he finished, I watched his limited edition velvety jimmy choo click as he walked back to his seat.

Finally seated, the meeting started. I finally raised my head up to face my new colleagues. I absolutely didn't care about what they thought of me, but maybe I did.

"Patricia Lynn. Welcome to our company. We've been expecting you. Our CEO here, Mr Liam, told us about you." A middle aged man said, almost icily as he clearly eyed me. I instantly knew he would hate his time here, because I refuse to be the one that would get uncomfortable by his presence.

"Thank you for the warm welcome." I forced out a strained smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. They stared like they truly couldn't stand me and a strength from nowhere suddenly clothed me.

The silence stretched till truly, things were getting uncomfortable. I glanced at Liam and watched the way the corner of his lips lifted, he was enabling me to be comfortable.

Soon, someone broke the suffocating silence.

"You should understand why it's all awkward here. Miss Lynn, you were considered unstable by the court and you never even got to attend the psychiatric hospital as advised. How can we trust that you're in your right state of mind and you can handle our company? Why should we trust you?"

The insult hit me for some reason, my hands grew clammy. It was clear he wanted to taunt me. I still didn't understand why it was still a thing, me being unstable.

One look at Liam and smiling faintly at his approval to do as a pleased, my mouth began to run, expressing my thoughts the way I felt them in my head.

"Let me get this straight. I don't need your approval on anything. We can simply vote on it and I would walk away because after all, your CEO brought me here himself. If he didn't trust my judgement, would he have done that? Now, look at me."

I said, standing harshly and spinning around eloquently.

"Do I look unstable to you?"

I asked, expecting everyone to answer. Anger had clouded my sense of reasoning.

When they said nothing, I sat back down majestically. Their poor attention would never faze me.

"All I can say is the truth will come to light soon and when it does, I expect you to mind your business."

"Liam, do you see the way this tiny woman is talking to me? Is this your plan? To bring someone here to insult and make me uncomfortable?"

Liam was about to speak but I cut him short.

"If you had asked me a reasonable question, everything would have been fine and you wouldn't have felt attacked. Now, any questions or objections on why I can't work here? I'm into art forgery? Or I simply can't work here? Give me a suitable reason and I promise to withdraw." I leaned comfortably onto the table like I owned the place.

I eyed them all, daring them to say something. Of course, everyone knew about my successful company. It wasn't common knowledge that my company got stolen so now, I looked incompetent but still, I would never let them say that to me, because it wasn't true.

"Should we vote then? Before that, I promise to improve the company. After all, it's the least I can do since your CEO must've moved a mountain to get me out of jail. Trust me, and we are good to go." My eyes fell on Liam's and the whole time, he was smiling hard at me. I took in his outfit for the first time. A cream suit, almost matching my skirt. A strange thrill followed it's wake down my spine.

Liam was silent the whole time and finally ordered that they cast their votes with a show of hands. If they wanted me to stay, they would raise their hands. If they didn't want me to, they would keep their hands to themselves. I was pretty confident about the outcome anyway. After the collection of votes, it was in my favor. Clearly the man I just finished absolutely didn't vote for me.

Liam nodded satisfactorily.

"It's great that she gets to stay because after all, I've never been a fair man. If you all opposed, she would've stayed anyway. Walk out if you think I'm a shitty boss."

He stood tall, his demeanor daring them to speak.

"That's what I thought." He adjusted his cufflinks with a smirk. A hot, dark one.

Now that, was a different side of Liam. Fuck.