Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BE BOUGHT
Diane lost her catering job the following week.
Leonard Pike called her into his office.
He did not offer an explanation.
He simply placed her final paycheck on the desk.
"Your services are no longer required."
Diane stared.
"Why?"
"Business decision."
She knew better.
"Is this because of Catherine Voss?"
Pike's expression changed.
"Leave."
Diane took the check.
Then walked out.
By evening, she had applied to twelve jobs.
Two restaurants.
Three hotels.
Four cafés.
And several administrative positions.
She also contacted a nonprofit legal clinic.
She wanted to know whether she had grounds to challenge her dismissal.
When Ravi learned what happened, he called.
"I can arrange a job."
Diane shook her head.
"No."
He sounded surprised.
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to owe you."
Ravi was silent.
Diane continued.
"I made one desperate mistake. I don't want the rest of my life to become payment for it."
For a moment, Ravi said nothing.
Then:
"Fair enough."
Diane frowned.
"That's it?"
"That's it."
She almost smiled.
A week later, she received an interview invitation from a logistics company.
She attended.
Answered questions.
And was offered a junior operations role.
The salary was better than her catering job.
The hours were regular.
And the company offered tuition assistance.
Diane accepted.
That evening, she told Sadi.
The girl screamed with happiness.
"Does that mean you'll be home for dinner?"
Diane laughed.
"Most nights."
Sadi threw her arms around her.
"That's better than money."
May you like
Diane held her tightly.
And for the first time in months, she believed they might be okay.
