“Take her out through the front,” Judy ordered. “So everyone can see she’s history.”

Françoise tried to look defiantly back at her, but it didn’t work. She was afraid, and her eyes filled with tears. Crocodile tears, Judy thought. She watched the delicious sight of her enemy being frog-marched away through the staring crowd of Massot employees, many of whom had worked with her for years and gossiped about Judy with that same bitch of a woman.

Judy saw the fear in their eyes, saw them turn away from the weeping Françoise. Excellent. That would show them who was boss.

She clenched her fists, her palms moist from the adrenaline. It was, just like the cliché had it, a fucking jungle out here. If you weren’t tough they’d eat you alive.

Judy wouldn’t listen to that father-and-son stuff. She’d stay strong.

Focus on the future.

“Get me some coffee!” she snapped at her new secretary.

“Certainly, Madame.”

“And get me Tom Massot on the phone. Now.”

That snarky comment about Pierre had upset her. Judy wanted to speak to Tom, right now. They did have a relationship. They were in love.

I’m not a goddamned trophy! she thought.

There was a click, and then Tom’s voice. She braced herself; he’d been a little distant lately.

“Chérie—” that was a good start—“it’s good to hear from you.”

Judy smiled.

“Are you free for lunch?”

“For you, always.”

“I’m glad. I’ve got something important to ask you.”

Judy’s head swam. She could hardly stop the grin from breaking out all over her face. Tom would ask her to marry him. It was like the years of heartbreak hadn’t happened. She would be Judy Massot! Well, Sophie, she thought, the queen is dead, long live the queen!

The grandeur of it all floored her. Judy was faint with triumph.

“That’s wonderful, darling,” she said lightly.

“Why don’t you come up here?” Tom asked.

“I’ll be right there. Love you.” Judy hung up, and walked out of her office. “Forget the coffee, Christine,” Judy sang as she stepped into the elevator. After all, she had more important things to think about!

Tom didn’t think it through. He didn’t want to.Thought was dangerous right now. Tom needed to act, to get back a sense of self-control. He felt like a man tossed at sea, clutching onto a rock while the waves crashed around him, groping blindly for anything he could do to help himself.

Judy walked through the door. Tom gave her a brisk smile. She was a fine-looking girl, and as sexy today as ever. His practiced eye flickered across her. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on her thighs, no softness at all—until you reached the breasts.