Page 3 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

I pushed my shoulders back and held my head high as I walked from Terrence’s office. No way would I let anyone see the thoughts and emotions churning inside of me. They wouldn’t get the satisfaction of mocking me behind my back.

As I passed Dora’s desk, she smiled at me. Was it sympathetic? Did she know? How many others were aware of my humiliation? My downfall? I wanted to ask her what she knew, but I kept walking. If I behaved badly, it would only give them justification for what they’d done to me.

I suspected the color had drained from my face. Shit. I didn’t need everyone I met in the hall to tell tales about how ghostly pale I was on my walk of shame. I made a conscious effort to smile and nod at those I met, willing the color to return to my cheeks.

A pimply faced intern, who couldn’t be over twenty, greeted me with a smile. Did he know?

Of course, he didn’t. Paranoia didn’t suit me.

Sweat rolled down my stomach, so I subtly ran my hand over my blazer, hoping my undershirt would soak up the worst of it.

I said a silent thank you to my past self for having the foresight to wear the protective layer.

If I hadn’t, they could add repulsive sweat stains to the legend of my dismissal.

Nope. No way would I give any of them satisfaction, especially the boys’ club who’d hated me for years. They could laugh at my pain, but they wouldn’t see it. Whatever stories they told would be made up because I’d give them no ammunition.

Shit. The universe was testing me. Grant and Philip stood down the hall, jawing about something. Probably their latest conquest. Business or female? With them, it could be either. I scanned the area, looking for an escape, but I found none.

I could do this. They looked at me as I approached. I smiled and said the most provocative thing that came to mind. “It’s gonna be the Mets’ year. Thirty and ten, while the Yankees haven’t broken five hundred.”

Grant scowled. “Fucking Mets. They’ll crash and burn.”

I kept walking. Despite it being the second-longest walk of my life, I’d about made it to my office. Thoughts of my longest walk flashed in my mind, but I couldn’t go there. I steeled my jaw as I pushed open the door to my suite.

Nancy looked up from her desk and gave me a huge smile. It soon faded when she saw my expression. She opened her mouth to speak.

I held up my hand. “I need to speak to you in my office.”

She glanced around the empty room. “Uh, okay.”

Much to her credit, she didn’t bother to ask why we couldn’t talk here. Instead, she stood and followed me into my office.

My office. Which was no longer mine or at least wouldn’t be soon.

My gaze swept the room. It was spare, decorated in my aesthetic—minimalist. Not exactly bare, but the decorator handled the décor since I didn’t have time.

It would take little to erase all traces of me from my office.

Except for my shelf full of awards. My proudest being from Forbes, recognizing me as a female executive to watch out for.

The thought was a gut punch. Fifteen years of my life—erased. Someone else would soon occupy this space, and no one would remember I existed.

Exhaustion overtook me, so I dropped into my desk chair. I pointed to the seat in front of my desk, knowing I couldn’t have this conversation with Nancy if she stood. I felt powerless enough without her looming over me.

“What’s the matter?” Nancy asked as she sat.

It wasn’t my style to sugarcoat things. “Fortitude is being sold, and I’m not part of the package.”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open.

Shit. Guilt washed over me. In my haste, I hadn’t asked what Terrence intended for Nancy. Wanting to correct the problem, I said, “I’ll make sure Terrence treats you fairly.”

I pushed my mouse a little harder than I intended to activate my computer.

At least this gave me something to do other than stare at Nancy’s shocked expression.

I’d keep it professional. Despite her years of loyal service, I wouldn’t let her see my pain and how deeply Terrence’s betrayal cut me. Nobody would.

“I don’t want to be here without you,” Nancy blurted out.

Her words warmed me, but I wouldn’t tell her. “Very well. I’ll ask for a generous severance package for you.”

“But...” She let out a loud sigh. “I don’t understand.”

I looked up at her and flipped my wrist, hoping it came off carefree. “It’s how the equity game is played. He’s selling to MetaForce.”

“But you were supposed to take over. Isn’t that why you were meeting?” Her big brown eyes filled with tears. “Did you know about this?”

The part of me wanting to save face considered telling her I suspected or wasn’t surprised. She’d believe anything I told her. Would she feel betrayed by me?

So I didn’t have to look at her, I opened my email and clicked the icon to compose a new message. “While I had greater expectations, I’ve been in this game long enough to understand nothing is certain.” Nailed it. It was a perfect face-saving answer.

“What is wrong with you?”

Her loud voice drew me away from my computer screen. I hadn’t expected the mixture of rage and pain on her face.

“Shouting will do no good in this situation.” My voice was smooth. I was proud of the ice water in my veins.

She stared at me for several seconds before she said, “How can you be so calm?”

Good thing she couldn’t see my drenched undershirt.

I’d have to wring it out when I undressed, or perhaps I’d just throw it out.

“I won’t let circumstances dictate my response.

I’m in control. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to compose an email to Terrence, letting him know of your intentions as the sale proceeds.

” I met her gaze. “When should I inform him your last day worked will be?”

Her expression hardened, which was unusual for her. “Are you serious? That’s all you have to say?”

I took my hand off the mouse and leaned back in my chair. She deserved better, but I didn’t know how to give her more. I wanted to get the hell out of here, and Nancy was impeding me. “I understand you’re upset, but—”

“Aren’t you?” she interrupted me, something else she never did.

“My feelings are immaterial.” I turned back to my computer screen. “I’ll email Terrence and then pack a few belongings to take with me. Once I’m gone, could you have someone box up the rest of my belongings and have them sent to me?”

She steeled her jaw. “I’ll do it.”

Damn her. Why couldn’t she make this easy? “There’s no need for you to do that.”

“I want to.”

Her steely gaze told me not to argue, so I nodded. “Very well. Thank you. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get this email sent.”

She stood and shuffled out of my office without another word. While she deserved better, I had nothing to give. I turned back to my email.

I kept it simple.

Terrence,

In my haste, I forgot to inquire about your intentions for my personal assistant, Nancy Stern.

After speaking with her, she is not prepared to stay once MetaForce acquires Fortitude. HR will have to work with her on her final date.

I request that she be well compensated for her loyal service. I ask that Fortitude provide her with a $5 million severance package.

If Fortitude is unwilling to honor that request, I ask that you deduct the $5 million from my package and funnel it to Ms. Stern. The only stipulation is she’s never informed of this arrangement. I will sign whatever documents Martin requires for this to happen.

Blake Saunders

I stared at the screen, liking my cool detachment. I was back in control after my momentary lapse in his office. These sons of bitches wouldn’t see me sweat. I chuckled as I adjusted my sweat-soaked bra. Nope. They’d never see it.

I returned to the email and added: I have removed some personal effects from my office. Nancy will pack the rest and have them shipped to me.

Before I hit send, I glanced around my office, realizing I’d better gather my things first. I snatched my leather Von Baer bag from under my desk and removed the files I’d been working on. As I plopped them on my desk, it gave me satisfaction when the folders splayed across the top.

I picked up the only picture on my desk and shoved it into my bag, unable to look at it right now. The remaining stuff Nancy could send or throw in the trash as far as I was concerned. If it wasn’t for Nancy having to pick it up, I would sweep everything onto the floor.

I snorted. Didn’t they usually have security or HR present when someone packed up their desk? Had Terrence wanted to save me from humiliation, or did he know I was incapable of doing the horrible things rushing through my mind?

In protest, I kicked over my garbage can. It wasn’t all that impressive since someone had emptied it last night.

Enough. I needed to finish and get the hell out of here, so I unplugged my lamp.

The annoying dot of light from the imperfect blinds flooded my office.

Good. Whoever occupied it next would have to deal with the annoyance.

Carefully, I wrapped the cord around the stem of the lamp.

Finally, I opened the side desk drawer and removed my Moleskine notebook.

With my picture and notebook secured in my bag, I stood and slung it over my shoulder before picking up my lamp.

I hit send on the email to Terrence and left the office.