Page 8 of Forty, Flirty & Fired

"Unless you'd prefer to continue this conversation with security? Though I have to warn you, they're probably less appreciative of statistical analysis."

Her eyes narrow. "You want to hire me. Bring me back.”

It's not a question. Behind me, I swear I hear Gerald's monocle pop out. (He doesn't actually wear a monocle, but in this moment, it feels like he should.)

"Let's just say I'm interested in your unique approach to corporate culture. And your aim. Mostly your approach to corporate culture."

"You fired me. Today. On my birthday."

"Technically, the board fired you. I just had the pleasure of witnessing the aftermath." I reach for a napkin from a nearby waiter's tray, who looks like he can't decide whether to help or run away. "And I have to say, your exit strategies are... memorable."

Someone in the crowd actually laughs. Probably the same person who said "Oh snap!" earlier. I make a mental note to find them later and either fire them or give them a raise.

Mackenzie crosses her arms. "And what makes you think I'd want to work for the company that just gutted mine?"

"Because you care more about the developers than your pride." I meet her gaze, champagne be damned. "And because you know that changing things from the inside is more effective than throwing champagne from the outside. Though I have to admit, the champagne made quite a statement."

Her mouth twitches. Just slightly. But it's enough.

"Ms. Gallo," I hold out my hand, watching as a drop of Dom Pérignon rolls off my French cuff like a very expensive tear, “how would you like to be Drake Enterprises' new Corporate Culture Consultant?"

The silence in the room is so complete I swear I can hear Gerald's blood pressure rising.

"Well," she takes my hand, her grip firm and slightly sticky, “this should be interesting."

You have no idea, I think, already imagining Monday board meeting. I should probably wear a raincoat.

But for now, I just smile and say, "Welcome aboard, Ms. Gallo. I look forward to seeing what other... disruptions you bring to our corporate culture."

Her answering smile is sharp enough to cut glass. "Oh, Mr. Drake. You haven't seen anything yet."

And somehow, I believe her.

This is either going to be fantastic. Or fucked up.

Probably both.

Definitely worth dry cleaning, either way.

4

THE TROJAN HORSE WEARS PRADA

MACKENZIE

There are certain things they don't teach you in business school. Like how to walk into the company you just publicly doused with champagne and pretend you're there to help, not burn the whole thing to the ground.

With a whole weekend to decide what to do with Alexander Drake’s job offer, only one option remained.

Take him down.

And I’m not just talking about taking him down—I mean, taking down the whole enchilada.

The job. The board. The company. Everything.

It was all perfect. All working out.

I’d been working for a year behind the scenes on an exposé that would out the tech culture that didn’t give a damn about the human beings it brought on board. And companies like InnovaTech were the worst offenders. They lulled employees—employees like me—into a sense of safety before dropping a suitcase-sized anvil on their heads.

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