The Mitchell manuscript was another of her discoveries that Daniel had claimed for himself, of course. Though I should mention that the author specifically requested my feedback on the new chapters. Daniel’s smile tightened. I’m sure you can forward any relevant notes to me. The elevator stopped at the editorial floor.
As Rebecca moved to exit, Daniel added, Oh, and the quarterly review meeting has been moved up. Hayes wants all department heads in the conference room at 10:00. Something in his tone caught her attention. Just department heads? Daniel’s smile turned unpleasant. Don’t worry your pretty little head about executive matters, Rebecca.
The doors closed on his condescending expression, leaving Rebecca seething in the hallway. The man had systematically undermined her career for years and she’d let him, partly out of a single mother’s fear of rocking the boat, partly because she’d never had proof of his manipulation until Jackson’s revelation. At precisely 9:57 a.m.
, Rebecca’s phone chimed with a text from an unknown number. Conference room, 10:00 a.m. Don’t be late. J. Her heart skipped as she stared at the message. How had Jackson gotten her personal number? More importantly, why was he summoning her to a meeting explicitly for department heads? At 10:01, Rebecca slipped into the conference room, where Meridian’s leadership team was already assembled.
Daniel’s face registered shock, then barely concealed fury at her appearance. Jackson sat at the head of the table, immaculate in a charcoal suit, looking nothing like the relaxed man who had taught her daughter magic tricks two nights ago. Ms. Walsh, thank you for joining us, Jackson said, his voice professional, devoid of the warmth she’d grown accustomed to during their pretense.
Please take a seat. She chose the only available chair, directly across from Daniel, whose eyes now darted between her and Jackson with growing suspicion. Before we begin, Jackson continued, I’d like to announce some organizational changes effective immediately. His gaze swept the room, commanding and unyielding.
Daniel Morgan will be transitioning out of his role as editorial director. A stunned silence fell over the conference room. Daniel’s face drained of color. In the interim, Rebecca Walsh will assume his responsibilities while we evaluate permanent restructuring options. Rebecca froze, certain she had misheard. Across the table, Daniel half rose from his chair. This is outrageous.
On what grounds? On the grounds of deliberately sabotaging company operations, withholding promotion opportunities from qualified staff, and falsifying communications to senior management, Jackson interrupted, his tone glacial. My office has compiled a detailed report, which HR will review with you following this meeting.
Rebecca sat motionless as whispers erupted around her. Jackson continued the meeting with ruthless efficiency, outlining quarterly projections and marketing initiatives as if he hadn’t just detonated a bomb in her professional life. Throughout the hour, she could feel Daniel’s venomous glare promising retribution.
When the meeting adjourned, Jackson requested she stay behind. As the room emptied, Daniel lingered in the doorway, his expression dark with rage. You’ll regret this, Hayes, he said quietly. Both of you will. After the door closed, leaving them alone, Rebecca turned to Jackson. What just happened? He loosened his tie slightly, the only hint that the confrontation had affected him. Justice, I hope.
Though perhaps I should have warned you first. Perhaps. Rebecca struggled to keep her voice level. You just put a target on my back in front of the entire executive team. Daniel has powerful friends in this industry. So do I. Jackson’s expression softened slightly. Rebecca, you earned this promotion three times over. The work you’ve done despite Daniel’s interference proves you’re more than qualified. That’s not the point.
She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache building. This looks like favoritism, Jackson. People will talk. Let them. Your work will speak for itself. Easy for you to say. You’re not the single mother who suddenly appears to be sleeping her way up the corporate ladder. The words hung between them, harsh and unretractable.
Jackson’s expression shuttered. Is that what you think this is? He asked quietly. Rebecca sighed, immediately regretting her outburst. No, but it’s what everyone else will think, which is exactly why I requested HR conduct a thorough review of Daniel’s communications before making any announcements. Jackson slid a folder across the table, evidence of his systematic suppression of your advancement, documented and dated.
This promotion is based solely on merit and anyone who suggests otherwise will find themselves in a very uncomfortable conversation with legal. Rebecca opened the folder, stunned by the comprehensive paper trail Jackson had compiled in just one day. How did you get all this so quickly? I’ve had suspicions about Daniel for months.
Your situation simply provided the catalyst to investigate thoroughly. He hesitated. This has nothing to do with this weekend, Rebecca. I give you my word. Something in his earnest expression made her want to believe him. Thank you, but this doesn’t solve the practical problems. I have a 5-year-old daughter, Jackson. The editorial director position requires late nights, weekend work, travel.
All negotiable. He leaned forward. Meridian needs to modernize its approach to working parents anyway. You can set the precedent. Before she could respond, Jackson’s assistant knocked and entered. Mr. Hayes, your 11:00 is waiting and Ms. Walsh, HR would like to see you to discuss transition details. The moment broken, Rebecca gathered her things.
At the door, she paused. For what it’s worth, thank you for believing in me. Jackson’s smile was brief but genuine. Prove me right, Rebecca. That’s all the thanks I need. The following weeks passed in a whirlwind as Rebecca navigated her new role. True to his word, Jackson had ensured her position came with flexibility for Penny’s schedule, though the workload still left her exhausted most evenings.
