Mated by Contract to the Alpha (Rebecca and Dominic) novel Chapter 60

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“Brown,” Steve called from his office doorway, his voice booming through the now–quiet store. “A word in my office, please.”

I knocked lightly on the already open door. “You wanted to see me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual while my heart thumped against my ribs.

“Close the door and sit down,” Steve said, his smile not reaching his eyes. His gaze traveled over my body in a way that made my skin prickle with discomfort.

I did as instructed, perching on the edge of the chair across from his desk. My fingers dug into the armrests, seeking something solid to ground myself.

“Your performance today was quite interesting, Rebecca,” he began, leaning back in his leather chair. His bulky frame made the expensive chair creak under his weight. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cool temperature in the

office.

“Thank you,” I replied cautiously. “The sale to Ms. Collins will help with this month’s numbers.”

Steve’s smile suddenly vanished, his expression hardening like cement. “You humiliated one of our most valuable VIP

customers.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the shift. My mouth went dry. “I… I was simply following store policy about damaged.

merchandise.”

“Policy,” Steve scoffed, folding his hands over his protruding stomach. His fingers tapped impatiently against his knuckles. “Policies are meant to be applied flexibly, especially with someone of Ms. Collins‘ status. Do you have any

idea who her father is?”

“That shouldn’t matter,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tremor I felt building. She deliberately spilled champagne on store merchandise and my uniform. I only asked her to pay for what she damaged.”

Steve’s eyes narrowed, small and pig–like in his fleshy face. “Elizabeth Collins has been shopping here for years. Her family spends more in a month than you’ll sell in a year. And you thought it appropriate to embarrass her over a few drops of champagne?”

“It wasn’t a few drops, I countered, indignation rising. My cheeks burned with heat as I leaned forward. “She deliberately shook the bottle and sprayed it everywhere. The shoes she was wearing are ruined, and so was my

blouse.”

Steve waved his hand dismissively, his gold rings catching the light. “I’m requiring you to personally visit Ms. Collins

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Chapter 60

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to apologize. And I’ll be deducting your performance bonus this month.”

I sat up straighter, my spine rigid with tension. “That’s not fair! Why should I be punished for enforcing store policy? My voice rose slightly. “Is the policy only for regular customers and not for those with special privileges?”

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A cold smile spread across Steve’s face, revealing yellowed teeth. “Now you’re beginning to understand how the world works, Rebecca.” He leaned forward, his chair groaning under the shift in weight. “Some people have privileges others don’t. That’s just reality.”

“It’s not right, I insisted, heat rising to my cheeks. My fingernails dug into my palms.

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