Page 66 of Finding You
I took a sharp breath. This was worse than I thought. It was bad enough I had received several more threatening texts, but there were others? I felt like I was going to throw up.
“Secretaries talk. And he was in the New York office for a while. And Lucy Smith—she supports the real estate group—she was there for a while as well. Apparently there have been a few. And all left under mysterious circumstances.”
“Thank you for telling me.” This was the last thing I wanted. It was bad enough that Max screwed me over, but to find out that others were involved as well? It made me sick.
“Do you remember an associate named Monica Sweeting?”
“Huh. I think so.” Monica was an associate in the debt restructuring group. She was a few years ahead of me. I worked with her on a few deals when I was a junior, but didn’t really know her.
“Apparently he was the reason she left.”
“Oh.” I was dumbstruck. All this time, I assumed it was just me.
“It’s not your fault, dear. This place is a pressure cooker, and it’s easy to be manipulated into staying silent.”
“I feel worse that it wasn’t just me. I can’t believe there have been others.”
“I’m sorry. But things are different now. Back when I was your age, women just had to shut up and deal with this stuff. You’re different. You can fight back.” I wasn’t entirely sure what we were talking about anymore. How much did Donna know?
“It doesn’t feel that way.”
“I know. But Astrid, I’ve known you for years. You have a cool head and a big heart, and I know you will figure it out. He shouldn’t get away with this.”
I loved Donna. She knew just what to say to me. “It’s just so frustrating,” I vented. “They confiscated my laptop and company phone when I was fired. I have no evidence.”
“Leave it to me, Astrid. Text me your mailing address on my personal phone. I may be able to help.”
My heart soared. Donna was on the inside. If she had any information, it could help me make my case against Max and the firm.
“Anyway, the reason I was calling was to RSVP to the gala. I plan to be there.”
“Oh good. I am so glad you are going to come. You deserve that award so much, Astrid.”
“You do too, Donna.” Donna had stayed with me late nights copying documents and proofreading our training materials. She was just as responsible for the success of the initiative as I was. As depressed as I was about this Max situation, I was proud of the work we had done.
“Oh, stop. I am always happy to support your brilliance.”
“Thanks, Donna. That means a lot to me.”
“So great. I will make sure you are confirmed for one of the firm’s tables.”
“And I will have a guest.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. His name is Declan Quinn.”
“Is he your boyfriend?”
I hesitated. “Yes. He is my boyfriend. I am so excited to bring him as my date.”
“Oh, I am so happy for you. Where did you meet him?”
“I’ve been staying at my aunt’s cottage up in Havenport. I met him here.”
“I love Havenport. So lovely and so much history. I am glad you are having such a lovely break. It’s about time you gave yourself some time to rest and relax.”
“Yes. It’s been nice actually. I’ve made some friends here, and I’m reading and exercising. It’s been a good change.”
