Daniel shifted in his chair beside me.
“Mother, maybe we should talk about this privately. Olivia’s work has been crucial. Everybody in this room knows that.”
“Enough, Daniel.” Victoria didn’t even look at him. “This isn’t about sentiment. This is business. The board has made its decision.”
I looked around the table.
These were people who’d watched me build this company from the ground up. Harold Greer, the board chairman, who’d once told me at a Christmas party that my sensor was “the most elegant piece of engineering” he’d seen in thirty years. Linda Okafor, who’d cried at my wedding. Ray Castillo, who brought me coffee the night we passed FDA testing on the first device.
Not one of them would meet my eyes.
They were all afraid of Victoria Bennett.
She’d taken over her late husband’s small electronics firm twelve years ago, after Richard Bennett died of pancreatic cancer, and she’d turned it into a major player in medical technology. She was brilliant at it. She was also ruthless. And everyone in Atlanta’s tech community knew you didn’t cross her twice.
What none of them knew, what Victoria herself seemed to have completely forgotten, was a single sentence on page eleven of my employment agreement.
I’d written that sentence too.
I stood up. I gathered the papers in front of me with steady hands.
“I’ll need time to review these with my attorney,” I said.
Victoria waved a hand like she was brushing away a fly.
“Take all the time you need. But I’ll expect your office cleared out by end of business today. Margaret needs to hit the ground running.”
I nodded. I didn’t trust myself to say anything else.
As I walked toward the door, Margaret’s voice floated after me. Sweet as syrup.
“Don’t worry, Olivia. I’ll take good care of your projects.”
I didn’t turn around.
Let them think they’d won. Let them believe I was just another corporate casualty, pushed aside for someone with better connections and the right last name.
They had no idea what was coming.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.