Page 19 of Elliot

“You know what? I don’t agree with you. What I do in my private life doesn’t get discussed here.” He pointed at her as he spoke. “I’ve proven I’m the best at what I do.”

“Do you want to know where I learned about your personal life? In the employee breakroom. Everyone knows about it. I mentioned it simply to tell you I knew about your issues, and I’m concerned.”

“Issues? Right. Well, fuck you and this company.” He glared at her, his face darkened, and he straightened his back.

She stared at him for a long moment before saying, “Please clean out your desk. You’re terminated. You’ll receive your severance and paperwork via courier. Your computer access will be canceled, and all NDAs will be vigorously enforced. Make sure you abide by the non-compete clause in your contract. Goodbye, Mr. Folk.”

Rage came off him in a hot wave. “You are a fucking bitch. A cold-hearted bitch who doesn’t give a shit about anyone but yourself and the fucking money you make off our backs.”

“If you say so.” She stared at him. “You may leave now.”

He spun, opened the door, and then slammed it behind him. She dropped the pen and rubbed her forehead as she hit the intercom. “Jessica, terminate Stanley Folk’s computer access effective immediately.”

“Terminate?” Jessica hissed the word.

“Effective immediately. Have Tanya Eliason come to my office immediately,” Maya directed, then disconnected the intercom. She glanced at Elliot. “Well, that escalated quickly.” She’d fired people before, but it was never an easy decision. She called HR. “Mannie? This is Maya. Please prepare a severance package for Stanley Folk. What did we agree to for a severance when he signed on?” She waited as her HR manager found the information. “Please double it. The cost of living has gone crazy since he was hired.” She smiled. “I’m sure. Thank you.”

“You doubled his package.” Elliot sat down in the seat Stanley had vacated moments before.

“Contrary to popular belief, I’m not a cold person.”

“Popular belief or one person’s embarrassed overreaction to the boss and the whole company knowing he cheated on his wife with the nanny?” Elliot cocked his head, and a small smile ticked at one corner of his mouth.

“Hmm … I’d like to believe the latter, but …”

At a soft knock on her office door, Elliot stood and moved to what she’d decided was his corner of the room. The spot gave her enough space to conduct business, but he was facing the door and could still see what was happening at her desk. Tanya Eliason came in when Maya waved her in.

“You wanted to see me? Did I do something wrong? I just passed Stanley in the hall. He’s in a black mood.”

“I did call for you. I’m offering you the position of PR Manager. You have all the qualifications and necessary connections.”

“But Stanley?” The woman’s brow furrowed.

“Has been let go.” Maya picked up the leather folder. “In full disclosure, I’d like to know how much of this plan you completed?”

Tanya took the folder, and her mouth dropped as she turned the pages. “This is my presentation. I gave it to him right after the meeting this morning. Except for this.” She turned the folder around. “I contacted these companies and several more months ago. We have that audience targeting in our records.”

“Thank you. I’ll have HR build a package for the position, and we’ll talk tomorrow. I would appreciate it if you could go through that plan and correct anything Stanley got wrong.”

“No problem; it won’t take long,” Tanya said as she continued to turn pages. “Why would he do this?” She looked up at Maya. “I mean, I don’t need the credit because we work asa team, but still, he’s never just taken the work I’ve given him without going through it with me and brainstorming ways to expand it and make it better.”

“I can’t speak to his reasons, Tanya, but I can ask you to keep doing the solid job you’ve always done for us.”

“No problem, Maya. I love working here.” Tanya smiled brightly. “I’ll get this information to you tonight. I want others to look at it and get some buy-in from the team. I’m confident in my presentation, but it never hurts to have the team go over it.”

“Thank you. HR will call you down after I approve the package.” Maya stood up and extended her hand. “Congratulations on your promotion.”

“Thank you!” Tanya said. “Wait until I tell my husband. He’s going to be over the moon. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, thank you. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” Tanya spun around and almost ran out of the office.

She glanced over at Elliot. “I have more work to do, and then I have that reception tonight.”

“Black tie, correct?” Elliot asked. “New York’s top 40 under 40. The most accomplished business professionals under forty. That’s quite a coup.”

Maya opened her laptop and smiled. “Yes, black tie, and thank you.” It was a coup, considering she’d been on that nomination list for the last three years and had won every year. She was rather proud but wouldn’t sit on her laurels. She’d watched people who’d made the list drop into obscurity. That wasn’t her plan. She focused on her emails. New suppliers had been located and signed long-term contracts, which was fantastic news and added to the company's valuation. She congratulated her team in a company-wide memo.

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