He actually started pulling the ring off his finger.
Eileen grabbed his hand and stopped him.
"Russ Farley, are you really this pathetic? I'm engaged and you're still causing a scene?" She tilted her chin up. "You want to be with me that badly?"
She pulled Marcus closer.
"Make Marcus happy first. Then I'll consider you."
"Eileen?" Marcus turned to look at her.
She gave a soft laugh. "He won't leave me alone, so we might as well use it. But if he wants me to accept him, he has to get through you first." She traced a finger along Marcus's jaw. "I'm sure you can find ways to keep him in line."
Something flickered behind Marcus's eyes. Delight.
Eileen looked at me. "There. Simple enough for you to understand?"
I touched the cheek she'd slapped.
Said nothing.
Just stepped forward.
Slap.
Gave it right back.
Mom grabbed my arm. "What are you doing?"
Marcus let out a strangled gasp. "Russ! If you want to hit someone, hit me! Don't touch her!"
"Hit you?" I laughed. "You're not worth the effort."
"You—"
"Eileen."
I looked her dead in the eye. "As CEO of Apex Group, I'm terminating your employment. Don't bother showing up."
"Apex?" She blinked.