Chapter 6 - THE PROMOTION HE PROMISED SOMEONE ELSE
The governance review took place on Monday.
I arrived with my laptop, my original files, and a written timeline.
Donovan arrived with an attorney.
Juliet arrived alone.
Evelyn chaired the meeting.
She explained that the purpose was to review project controls, document ownership, and any conflicts of interest affecting staffing decisions.
The train incident was relevant only insofar as it reflected possible workplace misconduct.
I appreciated the distinction.
I didn't want my breakup turned into a corporate spectacle.
I wanted the work protected.
Compliance presented the access records.
The altered proposal had been created from my original model.
Several risk warnings had been removed.
A new discount structure had been inserted.
Juliet's name had been added as primary author.
Donovan had approved the file for circulation.
When asked why, he said Juliet deserved recognition.
Evelyn replied:
“Recognition for work she didn't perform?”
Donovan looked irritated.
“She contributed.”
Priya spoke from the end of the table.
“She organized the appendix. She did not build the commercial model.”
Juliet began crying.
I felt a familiar urge to comfort her.
Then stopped myself.
Her discomfort was not mine to solve.
Evelyn asked Donovan whether he had promised Juliet a permanent position.
He hesitated.
Then admitted he had discussed the possibility.
“What position?” Evelyn asked.
Donovan looked toward me.
“Associate director on the Boston account.”
I stared.
That position didn't exist.
Not yet.
It was part of a proposed restructuring that would occur only if the client signed.
Evelyn asked who would supervise it.
Donovan said he would.
“And what would happen to Sloan's role?”
He looked down.
“She was considering a transfer.”
I spoke.
“No, I wasn't.”
Silence.
Evelyn looked at Donovan.
“Did you tell the staffing committee otherwise?”
He said nothing.
Then she asked the question that ended his confidence.
May you like
“Did you submit a transfer recommendation using Sloan's name?”
Donovan's face went pale.
