Chapter 36 Ryker’s Fiancé
"What do you think?" Derek asked.
"I think it's completely wrong to get a job on my behalf without telling me. Especially when I haven't even stepped back into the industry yet."
That was the only part of his long explanation that actually grabbed my attention.
The desperation. The need for control. It wasn't just about wanting me back as his model.
After the scandal, I didn't just gain fame, I got offers. And from what he had said, I also got endorsements from companies. And greedy Derek? He said yes to them all without even asking me.
This little meeting? It was just him trying to seal the final step, which was getting me to work deals he already signed.
"It's not like that—"
"It's exactly like that," I cut him off, my voice sharp. "And for the record, I'm not doing any of those endorsements. Hand them over to your sweetheart."
"Are you insane, Vanessa?"Derek snapped. "Do you have any idea what's at stake? We're talking millions! You can't just throw that away because of some petty anger."
"Well, I actually can." I stood, grabbed my purse, and added coldly, "You don't get to use me like that."
He stood too, looking shaken. "Vanessa, be reasonable. These are great deals and—"
"Not my problem. You accepted them. You handle the fallout."
He moved in, like he wanted to reach for me, but I stepped back.
"I would if I could. But they want you. No one else. Not even Annie." His voice softened, almost begging. "Just take the offer."
He was desperate.
And God, I loved that look, desperation tangled with defeat. Watching him squirm because of me? It was pure satisfaction.
I lifted my chin, owning the moment. "How many deals?"
"Four. From different companies across the state. One's in Seattle."
Not bad.
"Fine," I said, straightening my back. "But I have terms."
His brows tightened. "Vanessa, don't push it. I'm still your boss and—"
"And I'm what? Remind me. Because if I'm the face that makes you money, you better start compromising. Or I walk. After all, I'm not the one who begged for the deals."
His face twisted, part hate, part anger, but I didn't care. And honestly? I didn't feel bad about any of it.
He exhaled, finally giving in. "Okay, fine. What are your terms?"
I draped my purse over my arm, a smile playing on my lips. "I'm not in a hurry, so I'll draft them at home. My manager, Leah, will send them over. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe the next day."
"No, that won't work," he said quickly. "I need them now. B&G wants to move forward. I can't keep stalling."
I frowned.
He kept rambling. "I thought after this meeting, we'd jump right into work."
"When you say 'jump right in', what does that mean?" I asked, keeping my voice calm despite the frustration boiling in my chest.
"I mean—maybe tomorrow, you would come to Global. We sign the paperwork for the collaboration." He ran a hand through his hair. "This is for you, Vanessa. It's your comeback. You should be grateful I took those deals for you."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Grateful? I didn't ask you for anything."
"What's gotten into you? You're acting all bossy now." His tone shifted, annoyed.
"Since I started being around people who want me to succeed. Not shrink."
His jaw clenched. Clearly, I had hit a nerve.
"But that's not the point," I said, stepping in, tugging at his collar until he froze. "My manager will reach out. If you really want me, you'll wait."
"I've run out of ways to keep them—"
I cut him off again, smoothing his collar with fake care. "Then find new ways. Look under a rock if you must. I don't rush anymore."
I patted his now-perfect collar. "I like taking my time." And with that, I turned and walked away.
Fresh air hit my face the second I stepped out of the restaurant, like a reset button had been pressed.
Air rushed into my lungs.
I'd just stood up to my ex-husband. Laid out my terms. Watched him squirm between anger and desperation.
And honestly? I liked this version of me better.
With head held high, shoulders squared, I walked over to Ryker's Range Rover. I could feel Derek's eyes burning into me as I climbed in.
With the door shut, safe from his burning gaze, I exhaled through my mouth.
Clutching the steering wheel, I leaned my head against the seat, trying to calm the storm in my chest.
But the moment didn't last.
My phone rang, cutting through the silence.
I reached for my purse, scooping my phone to see that the number was unsaved.
I hesitated, then picked up.
"Hello?"
What I heard next made my stomach drop.
"Am I speaking with Miss Vanessa, Mr Ryker Holland's fiancée?" A man asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"We're calling from the Brooklyn Police Department. Your fiancé is currently in our custody."