Chapter 4 - You’re Fired
Human Resources called me at 4:15.
By 4:23, I was sitting across from the chief legal officer.
A contract lay between us.
“We're eliminating your position.”
I stared at him.
“My department just landed Beaumont.”
“This is restructuring.”
“Does Adrian know?”
Silence.
That answered everything.
Richard Kane appeared in the doorway.
“He doesn't.”
I stood.
“You can't fire me without the CEO knowing.”
Richard smiled.
“The board approved the restructuring.”
“Why?”
“You already know.”
My hands shook, but my voice didn't.
“Because your son cares about me.”
“Because my son has forgotten what his future requires.”
He pushed the severance agreement toward me.
“Twelve months' salary. Full benefits. Sign the confidentiality clause and leave quietly.”
“No.”
His smile disappeared.
“Excuse me?”
“I said no.”
“You should think about your daughter.”
“I am.”
I pushed the contract back.
“That's why I'm not teaching her to let powerful men frighten her.”
I walked out.
Adrian was waiting in the hallway.
His expression told me everything.
“What happened?”
“Ask your father.”
He looked at the legal officer.
“Claire?”
“They eliminated my position.”
Adrian went completely still.
Then he entered the conference room.
“Everyone out except Richard.”
The door closed.
Even through thick glass, we could hear Adrian's voice.
“You fired her?”
Richard responded calmly.
The argument intensified.
Then the door opened.
Adrian stepped out.
“Claire, your position is restored.”
Richard appeared behind him.
“You don't have authority to override a board decision.”
Adrian turned.
“Then call a board meeting.”
Richard smiled.
“Gladly.”
Three hours later, eleven directors were seated around the main conference table.
I wasn't supposed to attend.
Adrian insisted.
Richard addressed the room.
“This isn't about Ms. Bennett's competence. It's about Adrian's judgment.”
Adrian leaned back.
“My judgment generated twenty-two percent growth last year.”
“You've compromised yourself.”
“How?”
“You're emotionally involved with an employee.”
Adrian nodded.
“Yes.”
I looked at him sharply.
He continued.
“So Claire will no longer report to me.”
Richard frowned.
“What?”
“Effective immediately, creative operations becomes an independent division reporting to the board.”
He slid documents across the table.
“Claire Bennett will run it as executive vice president.”
My mouth fell open.
Richard laughed.
“You're promoting her?”
“No.”
Adrian looked at me.
“She earned it six months ago. I delayed recommending her because I was worried people would assume exactly what you're assuming now.”
The room went quiet.
Adrian presented performance reports.
Campaign results.
Client retention.
Revenue projections.
Every number supported him.
One director cleared her throat.
“I've reviewed Ms. Bennett's record. Adrian is correct.”
Another nodded.
Richard's confidence began disappearing.
The vote passed eight to three.
My position was restored.
My promotion was approved.
Richard stood.
“This isn't finished.”
Adrian looked at him.
“For me, it is.”
Later, I found Adrian alone in his office.
“You didn't have to do that.”
“Yes, I did.”
“I didn't need rescuing.”
“I know.”
He looked at me.
“That's why I didn't rescue you. I put your record on the table and let eleven people judge it.”
I couldn't argue with that.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
I reached the door.
“Claire?”
“Yes?”
“I'm still respecting the distance you asked for.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
“But I need you to know something.”
“What?”
“I miss Mia.”
My eyes burned unexpectedly.
“She misses you too.”
His gaze met mine.
“And you?”
I didn't answer.
May you like
I didn't need to.
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