After The Dark (Billionaire In Love 3) by Ava May Page A

Even if I was doing well, I wouldn't be able to get another promotion for a couple of years. I feel like I've made a big miscalculation...”
    “I don't think that's true. You saw what you wanted and you went for it with all your heart. I think that's admirable, and it's one thing I've always liked about you. When you want something, you go for it with everything you have, no matter what, and nothing can stand in your way. It is hard when these people are saying all these awful things about you...”
    “Awful, true things.”
    “Well, yes, but that's another matter entirely and I will have to have a word with you about that when you're feeling up to it,” her mother said in a tone of voice which Scarlett knew to be leading to a lecture. She was astounded at how even though she was a grown woman her parents could still  find ways to make her feel like a child.
    “But these things are like a storm. You have to ride them out, even though I know that's easier said than done. Eventually something new will capture their attention. These people are just people with empty lives and they have to fill them up with rumors  and gossip about other people. As long as you hold your head up high and show them that it doesn't affect you, then they'll grow tired and move on to something else.”
    Scarlett nodded, but she didn't think it was going to be that easy. Especially not where Sam was concerned, for it felt like he had placed a target on her back and he was gunning for her.
    “I guess I just thought that once I got this promotion, I'd be set up for the rest of my career, but instead it feels like I'm back to being an intern where I have to fight for the right to work there. I should be past all that. I hate all the office politics.”
    “But that's not the main reason why you're upset. Are you sure you don't want to call him?”
    Scarlett groaned and began to tap her fingers on the table. She chewed her lip and took another long gulp of her drink.
    “No, definitely not. It just ended. It sucks, but there's nothing I can do about it. It was one of those things that burned brightly for a moment and then fizzled out. I just thought that it was going to be something I'd been searching for. I had that feeling, you know? The one that you don't get too often.”
    “Oh I know that feeling, all right.”
    “Do you and Dad still have it? I mean, does it stay with you throughout your life?”
    “For the most part. As you get older, it comes and goes, and things happen that try and shake you off course, but by that time, you've built a solid foundation and you can weather the storm together. It's not always easy, and goodness knows there are times when I've wanted to kill your father, but at the end of the day, he was the man I chose. And after all this time, I'd still choose him over anyone else.”
    The words were sweet and Scarlett wished that she could find a love like that. She had been so close with Jack... so close that it was painful.
    “Tell me again about how you met,” Scarlett said softly.
    “Oh you don't want to hear that old yarn again,” her mother scoffed.
    “No, please,” Scarlett pleaded. It was a pleasant story and reminded her that sometimes you could meet the love of your life in an entirely random way. But just as her mother began the story (and whenever she told it, her eyes glowed with happiness, which was a sight Scarlett loved to see), a car pulled up and Matt got out.

Chapter 2
    Scarlett groaned. Seeing her ex was the last thing she needed right now, and she didn't even have the energy to be angry at him.
    “Sit there, dear. I'll get rid of him,” Janice said, and rose to meet Matt.
    “Hey, Mrs. Parker. I just want to talk to Scarlett.”
    “Well, that's nice, Matthew, but she's made it quite clear that she doesn't want to talk to you. I appreciate that you still have feelings for her, but this is no way to go about it. I think it would be best if you just got in your car and got on with your