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“As I understand it, you were given an ultimatum to either end your personal relationship with Mr. Davis, quit your job, or you’d be let go. Is that correct?” he asks.

Here it comes. He’s going to fire me. I stiffen further and my eyes fill with unshed tears but I hold them back. Chase sees my discomfort and grabs my hand, holding it close to him. I don’t look at him but appreciate the small gesture.

“It is.” The words come out as a whisper.

“After speaking with Mr. Davis this morning, I’ve done some digging, met with Mr. Jefferson, looked into your campaign results, your charitable giving ROI over the past two years and am honestly amazed that this wasn’t brought to my attention sooner. You are an incredible asset to the Foundation.”

Asset is a good thing my subconscious reminds me. That’s the opposite of deficit or defaming, or negative.

“I can assure you, your position at Safe Haven Foundation is stable. As a matter of fact, I want to promote you to Associate Director of Contributions.” He smiles widely and Chase squeezes my hand.

My mouth opens in shock. I’m having trouble making sense of what he just told me. A moment ago I was sure I was going to be fired, now I’ve been promoted?

“Ms. Peterson has been relieved of her duties. Threatening staff for personal relationships is not how I run my ship. Your relationship with Mr. Davis might be seen as preferential treatment and some may question your promotion, but you’ll handle that in a professional manner, I’m sure, and impress naysayers with your work.” I nod like a bobble head sitting on the dashboard of a pinto.

“Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne. I hadn’t expected our meeting to go this way. I will work hard to grow the department and increase our charitable revenue to the best of my ability.”

“I’m confident you will. Please take the rest of the week off as a bit of a thanks for handling this misstep with grace,” he finishes. “I look forward to working more with you in the future now that I’ve discovered your abilities.”

“I can’t thank you enough, Mr. Hawthorne.”

I’m reeling from what he’s told me. He fired Ms. Peterson? He’s promoting me? This is far too much information to process.

“See you on the course next month?” Chase stands.

“You know it.” Hawthorne grins and claps Chase on the back. “Give me an opportunity to win some of my money back!”

“Not a chance, Dave.” Chase grins and shakes Hawthorne’s hand.

Chase and I make our way out of the building. Jack is there with the car door open. I slip in and sit in silence, completely stunned.

Chase grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. “I told you I’d take care of the problem,” he says and my heart sinks. He has a smug, egotistical look on his beautiful face.

“What did you tell him,” I ask.

“I told him about our relationship, what that hag Peterson did to you. I told him I wouldn’t stand for it. No woman of mine is going to be given an ultimatum to choose between me and her job.”

I look at him, shaking my head. He doesn’t notice that every word he speaks is putting nail after nail into the coffin of our relationship. “I threatened to walk, and take my money with me.” He smiles from ear to ear rather proud of himself.

The tears I was holding back fall down my cheeks. “Stop the car, Jack,” I say loud enough for Jack to hear.

Chase looks at me and Jack peers at me through the review mirror but doesn’t stop.

My insides heat to boiling, fueled by my anger. “Stop the fucking car now!” I scream and slam my fist on the leather, ensuring I’ve gotten Jack’s notice. Traitorous tears run down my face and I wipe them with the sleeve of my suit jacket. Screw it! I’ll get the damn thing dry cleaned.

“Gillian, what the fuck?” Chase says angrily.

Jack finally pulls to the curb and I bolt from the car. I have no idea where I’m headed but I stomp off down the busy San Francisco street on a mission with no destination.

Chase’s footfalls slam against the concrete as he tries to catch me. “Gillian, stop now!” He yells forcefully.

I don’t care. He can’t control me. I’m not his property. No one owns me. I walk as fast as my four inch heels will take me. As I’m about to round a corner, I hear the one phrase that stops me in my tracks.

“You promised you wouldn’t run!” he yells.

I close my eyes and count to three, then turn around. “I cannot believe you did that to me,” I grit through my teeth.

“What the hell are you talking about? I just saved your ass from losing your job!”

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