Page 136 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

I step forward, heart racing but voice steady."Thank you, Mr.Abernathy.I'm honored to lead this initiative, which will create pathways for candidates whose talents and abilities may not be reflected in traditional credentials."

A hand shoots up in the second row."Ms.Peters, isn't it ironic that someone who fabricated credentials is now in charge of a recruitment program?"

The room tenses, but I'm prepared for this.

"Not ironic—appropriate," I reply."My experience illustrates exactly why this initiative is necessary.When systems create artificial barriers based on privilege rather than ability, people find ways around those barriers.Our goal is to create legitimate pathways instead."

More hands rise.

I nod to a reporter from the Seattle Tribune.

"This question is for both of you.How can Abernathy Corp guarantee the integrity of its hiring processes after such a public credential scandal?"

Before I can respond, a familiar figure rises from the back row—Duncan MacTavish, looking surprisingly composed for a man who has recently been removed from his own company's board.

"An excellent question," he says, voice carrying through the room without a microphone."How indeed can a company maintain standards when its CEO not only overlooked fraudulent credentials but is now romantically involved with the perpetrator?"

The room erupts in murmurs and camera clicks.

Callum's jaw tightens, but before he can speak, the door at the back of the room swings open to reveal an unexpected figure.

Fiona Abernathy herself.Resplendent in a McRae tartan suit with smartphone in hand.

"Oh, do sit down, Duncan," she calls, striding forward with remarkable speed for a woman of eighty-eight."You're embarrassing yourself more than usual."

“Fiona,” Duncan says, a warning note in his voice.

“That’s Mrs.Abernathy to you,” she tosses back, reaching the front row."And major shareholder to these fine reporters.I believe that gives me speaking rights."

She turns to face the room, commanding attention without effort."For those unfamiliar with recent developments, Duncan MacTavish was removed from his position after evidence emerged of his collusion with Richard Abernathy to sabotage both Abernathy Corp's public image and Ms.Peters' reputation.His presence here is as relevant as last season's tartan—which is to say, not at all."

Duncan's face reddens as several reporters snicker behind their hands.

"As for the question of integrity," Fiona keeps on, "I believe my grandson can address that directly."

She nods to Callum, who looks torn between corporate composure and exasperation.

"Thank you, Grandmother," he says with remarkable restraint."And yes, I can address the question of integrity.Abernathy Corp's commitment to security and trust remains unwavering.What has evolved is our understanding of talent assessment."

He glances at me, then continues with growing conviction."Karina Peters possesses exceptional skills and insights that have transformed not only our marketing strategies but our corporate culture.Her journey—which she has shared with complete transparency through her #TheRealKarina campaign—represents exactly the kind of authentic leadership we value."

Duncan scoffs audibly."Authenticity?She built her career on lies."

"No.”Callum levels him with a green glare.“She built her career on talent, determination, and overcoming obstacles that people like you and I have never faced.The credential issues were a symptom of a broken system, not a character flaw."

The room falls silent, captivated by this unexpected defense.

"Ms.Peters has taught me—has taught all of us at Abernathy Corp—what true resilience looks like," Callum continues."She had the courage to share her story publicly, knowing it might end her career.Instead, it has launched a national conversation about credential gatekeeping that is long overdue."

I blink rapidly, taken aback by both the public praise and the emotion barely concealed beneath his professional tone.

Duncan opens his mouth to retort, but a security officer appears discreetly at his side.

After a brief, hushed exchange, he exits with as much dignity as one can muster while being escorted from a press conference.

A young reporter in the front row raises her hand tentatively."This might be inappropriate, but social media users are dying to know: what exactly is the status of your relationship?"

The room holds its collective breath.