Page 112 of Forget Me

She arched an eyebrow. “Good luck with that. Only rich people can afford a sense of moral superiority.” With a sniff, she sailed through the door. No one stopped her, and her heels clicked away down the hall at speed.

Jackson thanked the security team, and they filed out and closed the door.

“You’re letting her get away?” Natalie propped her fists on her hips.

“Nat, I’m giving her a second chance. I’ve made mistakes, too.”

“Mistakes?” Her voice rose in outrage. “Embezzlement is hardly a mistake!”

“Jackson, I have to agree. It’s a felony,” I said.

“It was wrong, and I’m going to give her an opportunity to make it right. Other people gave me that chance—many chances—when I fucked up.” He rubbed a spot between his eyebrows. “But I promise we’ll keep an eye on her. If she tries it again somewhere else, we’ll come after her. I’ll cover anything she took from the foundation with my personal funds.”

She’d stolen from the organization I’d worked so hard for. From the kids. “But—”

“You’ll put measures in place so this never happens again, right?” he asked.

“Of course.” It was a promise.

“Now, we still have a gala going on out there and donors to squeeze.” He rubbed his hands together. “Larissa was supposed to make a brief speech and then introduce me. Can you do that, Mimi?”

“A speech?” Speeches were not my thing. This was why I’d become an accountant.

“Just welcome everyone, thank them for their contributions, and then say, ‘Here’s Jackson.’ Nothing complicated.”

“Do you have a speech prepared?” Natalie asked.

He chuckled. “You know me. I plan to wing it.” He strode out the door.

Natalie hugged me. “I’m bummed about Larissa’s theft, but I’m so excited for you. You should’ve been in charge all along.”

“But I don’t know anything about directing a nonprofit. Maybe you should—”

“I promise I’ll help you. You’ve got the skills you need. You’re organized, driven, and above all, you care about the kids the way Larissa never did.”

Natalie’s confidence propped up my own. “Okay, if you think I can…”

“I know you can.” She hugged me again. “Ready to make your way to the stage?”

My smile was unsteady. Sure, I’d achieved—surpassed—my goal. But now I had to step up and do the work. Without the safety net of someone else’s leadership. But Natalie believed in me. With her help, I might manage it.

“Okay.” We walked out together.

But as soon as I stepped into the ballroom, my gaze landed on the person I’d been looking for all night. Someone tall and blond and wearing a tux. And this time, it wasn’t Cooper Fallon.

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