Chosen for Power (Women of Power, #1) by Kathleen Brooks

too eagerly as they hurried after Bree.
    Elle and Mallory exchanged a look of silent laughter as Mary stared at Dean with hearts in her eyes. “So, what do you need Dean?” Elle asked.
    Dean looked at Mary and winked. “Sorry, this is confidential, babe.”
    Mary fluttered and with a dreamy smile got up. “Whatever you say, Dean.”
    “I’ll walk you out, Mary,” Mallory said, barely able to hide the laughter in her voice.
    “I think you’ll want to stay,” Dean said, stopping Mallory from leaving.
    Mallory shrugged and closed the door after Mary sulked out.
    “Elle, it’s always a pleasure to see you. I hate to bring bad news to such a beautiful woman.” Dean shot her a smile she was sure he practiced in the mirror.
    “What is it, Dean?” Elle asked, trying not to lose her patience. Dean was a goober, but he was one of her best salesmen.
    “It’s Hailey, our sales girl.”
    “Woman,” Elle said automatically correcting him.
    “That’s for sure.” Dean laughed before clearing his throat and turning serious. “Well, Hailey was out with Blue Diamond Financial Services last night and made a pass at Mr. Diamond.”
    Elle felt like banging her head on her desk. She fought daily to avoid the stereotypes of women in the workplace and now one of her employees just hit on one of the men she wanted to do business with. She could kill Hailey for jeopardizing her company’s reputation.
    “Thank you, Dean. I’m sorry you had to deal with an upset Mr. Diamond,” Elle said before paging her secretary to bring Hailey to her office.
    Dean chuckled. “Oh, Mr. Diamond wasn’t upset. He loved it. It was Mrs. Diamond who had the problem. She apparently wasn’t too thrilled to find Hailey’s hand under the tablecloth and around her husband’s . . .”
    Elle cringed. “I get it. Anything else I need to know?”
    “It wasn’t the first time. Mr. Chevski called to renew our agreement for another year and mentioned how lovely it would be if Hailey brought him the papers. I know men and I know the tone he used. She bonked him good.”
    “ Dean ,” Elle groaned. “Do I need to fire you, too?”
    “Oh, I mean . . . well, she . . . yeah, you know what I mean. I’m just going to go. Here’s the complaint Mrs. Diamond filed.” Dean got up and shot her another smile along with a wink to Mallory.
    The buzzer rang and Jessica notified her that Hailey was waiting. All she had wanted was a quiet day at the office. Sure, she was the CEO, but she thought of this company as if everyone in it were part of her family. But that also meant she felt more betrayed by Hailey’s actions.
    “Hi, Ms. Simpson,” Hailey said hesitantly. She was the same height as Elle and beautiful with chestnut hair. Her full breasts were encased in a form-fitting suit. Hailey shook her hand before they both took their seats.
    “Hailey, I have a complaint here from Mrs. Diamond. I’m not going to draw this out. This is unacceptable. Not only does it reflect poorly on you, it reflects poorly on this company. You only degrade yourself and all women trying to make their way in business with this behavior. I’m sorry, but you’re fired,” Elle said sternly as Mallory leaned quietly against the wall behind Hailey.
    Hailey shot to her feet, her smooth skin red with anger. “Do you know how much business I’ve gotten you? I’ll sue if you fire me. I’ll smear your good name all over the media.”
    Mallory smiled tightly. “I don’t think you’ll be doing that. If you recall, when you were employed you signed a very specific employment contract along with a confidentiality agreement. You just screwed yourself here. You take any action against us, and I’ll be the one coming after you. And I’ll find every skeleton in your closet while the legal team wipes the courthouse floor with you. Now, my men will take you to clean out your desk. I trust this will be the last we hear from you.”
    “You’ll regret this,” Hailey spat at Elle before