Richard walked toward a bench.
I followed.
He sat down.
I remained standing.
“Sit down, Emily.”
I couldn’t.
My heart was pounding.
Finally, I said what I had been thinking all week.
“Mr. Bennett, if you’re going to fire me, please just say it.”
Richard looked at me.
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then he said quietly:
“Fine. As of today, you no longer work for me.”
Even when you expect bad news, hearing it can still feel like being hit.
My stomach dropped.
Seven years suddenly seemed to disappear in one sentence.
I forced myself to speak.
“Can I ask why?”
“Because I’ve made my decision.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No.”
“Did I make some kind of mistake?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
Richard folded his hands.
His expression was unreadable.
“I can keep you in the company on only one condition.”
Hope returned immediately.
If there was a condition, maybe I could accept it.
