Wild Violet (The Vi Trilogy of The Gilded Flower Series Book 1) by Vivian Winslow Page A

will not be pushed into marrying someone I do not know. As a matter-of-fact, I don’t feel ready to marry anyone.”
    “Why not? Marriage isn’t just about love, Violet. It’s a merger of mutual interests. Love and marriage is a ridiculous fantasy. It’s what ruins relationships.”
    Vi stops herself, momentarily agreeing with him. Love really does ruin a lot of things.
    “I’m not saying I want to be in love. I just find relationships complicated. I don’t want to have anyone in my life.” She throws her hands up into the air and walks back toward the windows.
    “You’re not a lesbian? Because I know you are with men.”
    She fights the urge to laugh at her conservative father. Instead, she shakes her head. “Marriage requires accountability, and I don’t want to be accountable to anyone but myself.”
    “That’s the vanity of youth speaking. Marriage is useful and provides protection for women.”
    “I don’t need protecting!” Vi shouts. “Am I less of a person if I’m unattached?”
    “In business, being married is practical.”
    “Being single is far more pragmatic,” Vi seethes. “In any case,” she pauses, her mind racing to keep ahead of her emotions. “My life is in New York right now. I’ve applied to a few business schools.”
    “I’ve told you, what you need to learn you can learn here.”
    Vi stops mid-stride and folds her arms in front of her chest. “What do you have against me going to Business School? Azahr attended HEC in Paris. Your C.O.O. went to Harvard Business School. As a matter of fact, everyone in top positions at Rai Industries has an M.B.A. or the equivalent. Why are you insisting that I don’t need one?”
    “Violet,” he warns.
    She resists the urge to roll her eyes at his patronizing tone. “Please don’t belittle me, Father. I respect you enough to come here despite the fact that I would’ve preferred to spend my holiday with my friends. I would like to take charge of my future, and as far as I’m concerned, that begins with my education.”
    “An M.B.A. is expensive. How do you expect to pay for it?”
    “I’ve been saving. I even got a part-time job. I have almost enough to cover my first year. Mum said she’d help if I need.”
    Her father gets up out of his chair, walks over to his desk, and makes a note on a piece of paper. “Then what?”
    Vi shrugs. “I’ll figure it out in the next year. If I come to work for you, it will be when I’m ready. It’s clear that Azahr sees me as a threat. I don’t want to work with him, especially if he’s going to treat me poorly.”
    He furrows his brow. “My son sees everyone as a threat. That’s why I like him.”
    “Well, I don’t need his abuse.” She walks around to the other side of the desk.
    “I do not agree to any of this, Violet.” Her father’s tone is subdued and serious.
    “I figured you wouldn’t. I’m sure it’s rare for people to say ‘no’ to you. But I can’t do what you want right now. I’m almost twenty-two. Marrying a man I don’t know and committing to this company is too soon. I know I can be successful on my own.” Vi nearly swallowed those last words, but is glad she didn’t. It’s affirming to put it out there, challenging herself to make it happen.
    She holds her breath while her father stares down at his desk, considering her words carefully. Vi jumps when he knocks his fist on the hard wood. “Then prove it.”

Chapter 37
    “You’ve got a lot of nerve.” A thick hand jostles the glass in Vi’s hand, dribbling vodka down her chin.
    “What the hell!” She wipes her chin and turns to see Azahr standing over her.
    “You’re a piece of work, aren’t you? A gold-digging whore like your mother.”
    “Right. You’ve got me all figured out, don’t you?” Vi stares back at him, swipes the glass out of his hand and takes a long drink.
    “Yes, I do. What will it take to get you on the next flight out of Dubai and out of my life?”
    Vi chuckles. “If only