When Empires Fall by Katie Jennings Page B

eyes. It was incredibly unnerving, to say the least, to feel so examined, judged, criticized, in a way that was much more obvious than Grant’s quiet assessing had been.
    Swallowing her discomfort, Quinn determinedly held the woman’s gaze.
    “Hello.” She attempted a smile, holding out her hand politely. “I’m Quinn, Mr. Vasser’s new secretary.”
    “So you are,” Madison replied, extending her hand in an almost regal fashion, noting silently that the girl held her eyes without yielding. It was interesting to find the girl either stubborn enough or maybe aloof enough to do so.
    “You’re his sister, Madison?” Quinn blurted out, too impatient to wait for the woman to announce who she was. It was so obvious, anyway.
    Madison smirked, the curve of her lips slow and deliberate. “I am.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sorry you caught me in the middle of lunch. If you’re looking for Mr. Vasser, he’s out for another thirty minutes or so.”
    Madison shot a quick glance down at Quinn’s unfinished lunch, disapproving instantly of the girl’s carelessness. Food and drink other than water did not belong anywhere near a computer. “Please eat your lunch in the waiting area or the staff lounge next time, darling. We wouldn’t want any damage to the equipment.”
    “Oh.” Quinn glanced down at her Tupperware container, embarrassed. “Right, I’m sorry. Will do.”
    “Thank you.” Madison motioned to her assistant, her lips curving again. “This is my assistant, Carrie. On most days you’ll find both of us directly across the hall,” she pointed to the other glass wall alcove and accompanying office, “and so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Carrie.”
    “Okay, good to know.” Quinn nodded, smiling at Carrie politely. The girl simply stood, still and quiet as a statue, and nearly as emotionless. Frowning slightly, Quinn turned her attention back to Madison. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is it you do here at the hotel?”
    “I am the food and beverage director.” Madison replied simply, not seeing the need to supply more information than that.
    Quinn’s mouth damn near dropped open at the woman’s words, and she spoke before she could contain herself. “Seriously?”
    “Seriously,” Madison confirmed, a small, carefully restrained laugh escaping her throat. “Does that surprise you?”
    “It does, as I wasn’t expecting to meet you so soon.” Quinn beamed, nearly jumping from excitement, her earlier hesitancy about the woman gone. “You see, I’m something of a cook myself, and I was hoping to eventually get transferred into a position at one of the hotel restaurants, once something opens up.”
    “Do you have an education in the culinary arts?” Madison asked, just curious enough to hear the girl out.
    “Not a professional education, per se, but I’ve been literally cooking all of my life, and my mother and grandmother taught me everything they know. Couple that with years of a manic devotion to the Food Network, an unhealthy obsession with Mario Batalli, Iron Chef, and Rachel Ray, and you have me. Even if it’s not for a year or two, I understand, but if something opens up I hope you’ll consider giving me a shot. I really am good, I promise you.”
    Amused, Madison lifted one perfectly sculpted dark eyebrow and eyed the woman with a condescending smirk. “I’m afraid I usually require more experience than that. You have one of the best jobs this hotel has to offer, darling. I suggest you make the most of it. Pleasure meeting you.”
    With that, she turned on her heel and swept gracefully from the office, her long legs crossing with the smooth click of her heels as she went towards the elevators, her assistant in tow.
    Madison knew then that Grant had nothing to worry about from that woman. She was aloof, starry eyed and peppy, traits that Madison usually despised, but she certainly was no gold digger. And even if she had been, she was far from