Page 126 of A Bossy Roommate

We leave Eden to her work and head to the conference room. Everything seems different now, is different. I’m not nervous. Meetings with the board rarely get to me, however, I’m apprehensive. I don’t know what to think or expect. The last time I’d seen them, they’d accused me of mismanagement and had brought up my fake marriage. They hadn’t cared about my defense then, which only makes me curious as to what they’re going to say now that they have the full story.

Bradley and I are the last to arrive. The first thing I notice is that Huxley is nowhere to be found. His chair is vacant. I take the same seat I did the last time.

“Carter, it’s good to see you again,” Bernie says once we’re settled. “I take it you know why we’re here?”

“Actually, why don’t you tell me?” I suggest. I bear no ill will toward Bernie. He had demonstrated his support for Eden by ensuring she retained her position. Although he hadn’t been able to convince the remaining board members to keep me on, he wields enough influence to have facilitated the internal investigation and prompt today’s meeting. Sensing his hesitation, I confront the board head-on, “During our last conversation, the board made their stance on me and my dedicated efforts abundantly clear. It seems that a few errors, for which neither my team nor I were responsible, and my preference for privacy were deemed more significant than my years of loyal service. Consequently, the board decided to terminate my employment.”

The board members avert their gazes in response.

“Yes, yes, we did,” Bernie agrees on their behalf. “But that was before we had the full story.” He takes a deep breath, briefly glancing at his compatriots, not that any of them want to meet his or my eye. “Bradley has brought to my attentionevidence that Huxley was the one who was talking to Ecclestone Construction behind our backs.”

There it is. The puzzle piece that completes the riddle.

“We were able to verify these meetings, there’s no room for doubt,” Bernie continues, “as well as recover conversations from our office messaging system that provide undeniable proof of his directive in changing orders and sabotaging projects across multiple accounts.”

I sit perfectly still, letting the information wash over me. I know most of it already thanks to Bradley, and I appreciate that Bernie doesn’t try to water things down.

“I’m glad to hear it,” I say after he pauses for a moment.

Somehow, it seems funny to me that the man who was blatantly out to get me ended up being responsible for the things that I was fired for.

“I am aware that letting you go was a mistake,” Bernie emphasizes, casting a deliberate gaze around the board members before returning his focus to me. “Once everything was explained, and we had it all in black and white, I knew we needed to rectify this at all costs. You’re an amazing asset to the team, and we’d like to have you back.”

“What about Huxley?”

“Huxley is no longer with the company.”

“Did you find out what Ecclestone offered him in exchange for selling us out?”

Bernie purses his lips so tight it looks like he’s swallowed a lemon. “Several million dollars,” he says. “At least, that’s what it was at first. As time went on, it seemed that Huxley got greedy, and started asking for more. He wasn’t interested in having fellow board members. I believe his goal was to disband the board and be the only one in charge, with all the benefits, money, and power that went with it.”

As much as I despise Huxley, I have to admit he went to greater lengths than I anticipated. I’d never have believed him capable of such a move. An absolutely stupid one to be sure. He had completely overestimated himself—but it was audacious and ballsy enough that it might have worked.

“Where’s he now?” I ask.

“Huxley has been told it would be in his best interest to retire,” Bernie says. “He figured that was a preferable option rather than facing the consequences.”

What? It also means he won’t be held accountable for his actions, which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Goddammit. Clearly, a public scandal of that magnitude would have a negative impact on Legacy’s reputation and brand image—by quietly dismissing him, the board is aiming to restore external and internal cohesion and focus on moving forward. Still, Huxley was able to walk away, living a life of leisure on a beach somewhere? It’s something I strongly object to. I was fired for something I didn’t do, yet the man responsible was given a slap on the wrist.

Bullshit. I sure hope the board had at least negotiated a settlement, which involves an appropriate financial compensation.

It’s not my place to ask.

Nor to act.

Yet.

There are alternative, let’s say “less conventional” methods to drive a point home without resorting to legal measures. One such approach could entail a carefully orchestrated scenario that will lead to the loss of financial means,andrespect,andinfluence—all as a form of just desserts. I’m a firm believer in ensuring any repercussions perfectly reflect the severity of the individual’s actions.

“This means there is now an opening on the board, and we’d like to give it to you, along with Huxley’s position. You’d be a partner in Legacy Builders,” Bernie continues, smiling now. “We’ve heard the full story about your aunt and your unwavering dedication to your family, and it’s precisely the kind of person we’re looking for.” He reaches for a pen and scribbles something on a piece of paper. He hands it to me.

Every single person directs their gaze toward me.

I sit in silence, taking a quick glance at the salary I’d be earning per year. The number is damn high. A lot higher than I expected.

When I don’t show the desired reaction, Bernie starts talking about additional compensations I’d receive in the form of bonuses, a profit-sharing agreement, and a range of other perks, such as extended vacation days. I’m barely listening at this point. Not needing the job puts me in the best negotiating position I could possibly be in. A couple months ago, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity. It was everything I had ever wanted and everything I had worked toward.

However, I don’t want it anymore.

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