Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as told by Christian novel Chapter 11

From: Christian Grey

Subject: I’ll Show You Hot

Date: June 20 2011 17:08

To: Anastasia Steele

My darling wife-to-be

Maybe I can use the tie this evening, when I test your stamina.

Christian Grey

Impatient CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

PS: The sabotage is just conjecture. Don’t worry about it. This is not a request.

The elevator doors open.

“Happy birthday, Mr. Grey!” There’s a cacophony of voices. Andrea is standing by the doors, holding a large frosted cake with Happy Birthday and Congratulations, Mr. Grey written in blue icing across the top. There’s a solitary gold candle burning on top.

What the fuck.

This has never happened.

Ever.

The throng—which includes Ros, Barney, Fred, Marco, Vanessa, and all the VPs of their departments—breaks into a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday.” I fix a smile on my face to hide my surprise and, when they finish, blow out the candle. They all cheer and start applauding, as if I’ve done something worthy of celebration.

Sarah offers me a champagne flute.

There are shouts of “Speech. Speech.”

“Well, this is a surprise.” I turn to Andrea, who gives me a slight shrug. “But thank you.”

Ros pipes up, “We’re all grateful you’re still here, Christian, especially me, because it means I’m still here, too.” There’s a smattering of polite laughter and applause. “So we wanted to express our gratitude in some way. All of us.” She extends an arm to our colleagues. “We also want to wish you a happy birthday and congratulations on your good news. Let’s raise a glass.” She does. “To Christian Grey.”

My name echoes through the office.

I raise my glass to salute her and take a large swig.

There’s more applause.

I really don’t understand what has gotten into my staff. Why now? What gives?

“Was this your idea?” I ask Andrea when she hands me a slice of cake.

“No, sir. It was Ros’s.”

“But you got all this together.”

“Sarah and I did, sir.”

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Grey.”

Ros gives me a warm smile and tips her glass toward me, and I remember I owe her a pair of navy Manolos.