Page 119 of Strings

“As you already know, she is more than qualified to serve in this role. I have never met anyone in my life who loves her job and the company where she works more than Amy. If it weren’t for her, I would have failed a long time ago. Every success I’ve ever had, I owe to her. I hope you’ll consider her as a replacement. She deserves it and so much more.”

Amy fidgets with her necklace for a moment and then stops as if something resonates inside her. She holds her head high and pushes her shoulders back, standing proudly. I smile at her and she smiles back.

“I accept your resignation. Thank you, Talia.”

“What? No! You can’t resign.”

Bordo, Amy, and I all turn at the same time as Bella comes charging toward us.

“Don’t let her resign. She deserves this job. It’s not her fault. None of this is her fault.”

I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Did a pig fly past my head? Has hell suddenly frozen over? What in the fuck is happening?

“Mr. Bordo, it has come to my attention that our CEO has been propositioning and blackmailing women in our organization. He has forced several women into sex or sexual situations, using his authority and holding their jobs over their heads to get what he wants. I have asked for his immediate resignation and he has agreed.”

My mouth drops as Bella hands Bordo Mercer’s letter of resignation.

“I’ve never had so much mail at a Gala in my life. Is everyone resigning tonight?”

“I spoke with the board. We would like you to be our acting CEO. You more than deserve this position. It should have been yours a long time ago.”

Now Bordo’s mouth drops. I smile, and Bella and I make eye contact.

“Talia, I owe you an apology. The other day, I overheard you and Sebastian talking. I heard what my father did to you. At first, I didn’t want to believe it, but then I did some digging. Women all over the world have been forced into silence for far too long. It seems there at least ten of you at this company alone. Probably more. I hope you’ll consider speaking up at his trial. He needs to pay for what he’s done. I am sorry you were yet another victim. If it helps you at all, please know that if I have anything to say about it, you will be his last.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“I don’t either.” Bordo scratches his head and stares at the letters in front of him.

“All I ask is that you let Talia keep her position.”

I shake my head. “Thank you, but I don’t want it.”

“Keep it! Stay!” Amy begs as she places her hand on my arm.

“I don’t belong here. Thank you so much for wanting me. That alone means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

“I appreciate your honesty. All of you. But can we please keep it down? There’s a lot riding on this Gala’s success. Tomorrow is another day. Can we keep this scandal between us until the morning?”

We all agree. “Now, Amy, as acting events manager don’t you have something to do?”

“Yes! Oh my gosh!” Amy runs off toward the other side of the stage. Bordo smiles as he holds out his hand to shake mine. “If you need a letter of recommendation, you have it.”

“Thank you.”

Bordo follows after Amy, leaving me alone with Bella.

“I can’t believe you did that. Turning in your father took a lot of guts.”

“No. I’m a coward. I should have seen his true colors sooner. It’s been staring me in the face for years. And I’m sorry for getting drunk last night. All of this was a little much for me to handle.”

I nod. “I need to be going. Goodbye, Bella.”

“Aren’t you going to stay to hear Sebastian play?”

“You have to stay!” Amy yells as she hurries toward us with a clipboard. “You need to tell him how you feel.”

I shake my head. “I tried. It doesn’t matter. It’s over. He’s made that clear.”