Page 46 of Hers to Love
“The compensation package will be generous,” Patrick said.
“Now, hold on,” Perry started.
“No! It should be generous.”
“You’re trying to buy her,” Marshall said, his skin heating. “Buy her silence.”
“I thought you said this was a different case.” Patrick eyed Marshall.
“It is, but you’re still treating it as though it’s the same,” Marshall countered.
“Then are you advocating we don’t pay her?” Perry asked. “Because I’m for that.”
Marshall pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn’t want her to leave without a lot of money, especially given the board’s unfair treatment of her. He also didn’t want her to think they were giving her hush money. It was a no-win situation either way. He thought about Kori and what she would accept.
“Fine,” Marshall said with a heavy sigh. “Don’t pay her.”
Chapter 19
They’d been in the meeting all morning. Hours. They couldn’t still be talking about Bendola. So much was up in the air about that country. It was a little early to be planning anything more, wasn’t it?
Kori sighed. She looked at her computer screen and reread her resignation letter for the twentieth time. Short and sweet. With a heavy heart, she pressed the button to print and went to the printer to retrieve the paper. She’d also send Marshall an electronic copy. After signing the paper form and leaving it on his desk, Kori shut down her computer, picked up her bag and jacket, and walked out of the office.
She didn’t want to leave this way, but a little bird had told her Jarod ran into Perry’s office this morning and spoke at length about the trip. Marshall had been right about Jarod. He was a spy for the board, and now everyone knew the truth. She wasn’t sure what was in it for Jarod, but what she’d get out of it was a pink slip.
Marshall was probably telling the board members right now that if they fired her, he’d walk. Kori really hoped he wouldn’t make such a rash decision. His life’s work couldn’t be lost because of her. And he’d turned his work around. He should have a chance to follow through on his progress.
She’d made a promise to Marshall that she would sign any document stating she wouldn’t sue the company. He’d refused her offer—and she loved him for it—but it would save him and the company a lot of headache. He was in there fighting for her job, when what he should do was let her go. Since he wouldn’t do it, she had to be the one to walk out. Who knew? Maybe one day they could find their way back to each other. Right now, she had a lawsuit to focus on.
She’d booked her flight out of Italy the night before and only had a couple of hours to make it through airport security. Good thing she packed light coming here.
This wasn’t right on so many levels. If she truly wanted to end well, she’d stay and help train the next assistant. Annie had walked out on Marshall, but Kori was a quick learner and good at her job after working with Brigham for so many years. She could’ve passed on some really helpful tips and tricks. Instead, she had emailed the operating guide she’d been creating since she arrived to Marshall so he could pass it along to his next assistant. She culled a list of resumes from a hiring database and left her recommendations in the same email with the guide. He would be in good hands—just not as good as hers.
As Kori settled into her seat on the plane a couple of hours later, her one regret was not being able to say goodbye. But who knew how long Marshall would be in that meeting? Last night had been the longest night of her life, and she just wanted it all to be over. For the first time, she had truly felt at peace about her decision. She was leaving on her own terms. No, she didn’t have a job, but she was ready to move on and start a new life. A new career.
To go home.
* * *
Marshall’s hands shook as he held the resignation letter. She didn’t even wait to hand it to him in person. That wasn’t like her. Maybe he didn’t know her as well as he thought.
No. That thought was out of fear. He knew Kori. Knew she’d do what was necessary to save him. He was busy putting her first and she was doing the same for him. He smiled, his heart growing more in love with her.
But maybe she didn’t love him back. She hadn’t left a forwarding address, nor did she say she’d call. His smile waned. She was subtly telling him that it was over. Whatever they had had died in the plane crash.
Marshall flung the paper over his desk. He was an idiot. Instead of limiting their contact to work hours, they should’ve gone sightseeing. Had dinner every night and breakfast every morning. He should’ve reassured her that everything would be okay. That whatever happened, they’d face it together. Just like they did on the plane.
If there was a chance the board would keep her on, he didn’t want to risk them being seen together. He knew a few of the board members who weren’t permanently based here stayed in this hotel.
He and Kori had been careful for nothing.
He put his face in his hands and breathed deeply. This was a good thing. He had wanted a fresh start. Didn’t his therapist tell him to stop looking at his life through the rearview mirror? He had to keep his gaze forward.
And that’s what he was going to do. Kori had done her job and now she was out of his life. His heart had beat again. Life had a greater meaning now than it did this time last year. He would finish packing up his stuff today and then go see Sabrina.
Right after he listened to a voicemail.
Chapter 20
