We’re here to discuss the fact that you abandoned a pregnant woman, lied about it, and then tried to humiliate her by hiring her to perform at your wedding. Is any of that untrue? Richard’s jaw clenched. My personal life is not the board’s concern.
It became our concern when it affected this company’s reputation, said another board member, a woman named Patricia Chin. Since that video went viral we’ve had three major clients cancel contracts. Our stock price has dropped.
Employees are questioning whether they want to work for a company led by someone with your values. This is absolutely our concern. I built this company, Richard said his voice rising.
I turned it from a small startup into a multi-million dollar business. One personal mistake shouldn’t erase all of that. Abandoning a pregnant woman isn’t a mistake, Mr. Harrison said quietly.
It’s a character flaw. And character matters Richard. Leadership isn’t just about profits and growth.
It’s about integrity about how you treat people when no one’s watching. You failed that test spectacularly. Richard looked around the table seeing the same judgment on every face.
So what are you saying? You’re firing me? From my own company? The company hasn’t been yours since you took it public and brought on investors, Patricia Chin reminded him. You’re the CEO but you serve at the pleasure of this board. And right now we’re not pleased.
Mr. Harrison pulled out a document. We’re offering you two options Richard. Option 1. You resign as CEO effective immediately.
You’ll receive a severance package and remain a shareholder, but you’ll have no leadership role. Option 2. We terminate you for cause based on your behavior bringing disrepute to the company. You’ll receive no severance and potentially face legal action.
Richard felt like the floor was dropping out from under him. You can’t do this to me. We can and we are, Mr. Harrison said.
You have 24 hours to decide which option you prefer. But either way your time as CEO of Coal Industries is over. Three days after the wedding disaster, Margaret received a call that would change everything even more.
Ms. Williams this is Rebecca Zhang from The Morning Voice talk show. We’d love to have you as a guest to tell your story in your own words. We want to give you a platform to speak your truth.
Margaret hesitated. The video had already exposed so much of her private life. Did she really want to sit on national television and talk about the most painful period of her life? I don’t know, Margaret said.
I’m not looking for fame or attention. I just wanted to survive. I understand, Rebecca said gently.
But here’s the thing, Margaret. Your story is already out there and right now, other people are controlling the narrative. Reporters are digging into your past, into Richard’s past, making assumptions and spreading rumors.
Wouldn’t you rather tell your own story in your own words so people hear the truth directly from you? Margaret thought about that. Rebecca was right. Already she’d seen articles speculating about her motives, her background, whether she’d plan the whole thing as revenge.
And there’s something else, Rebecca continued. We’ve received thousands of messages from women who watched your video. Women who’ve been abandoned, betrayed, told they weren’t good enough.
They’re asking to hear from you. They want to know how you found the courage to stand up for yourself. Your voice could help so many people, Margaret.
Margaret looked down at her pregnant belly. Her baby was moving, doing little flips and kicks. In a few months, this child would be born.
And Margaret wanted her child to grow up knowing that their mother was brave. That she spoke the truth even when it was hard. Okay, Margaret said.
I’ll do the interview. Wonderful. We’ll send a car for you tomorrow at 9 a.m. And Margaret? Thank you for trusting us with your story.
That evening, Vivian came over to help Margaret prepare for the interview. They went through Margaret’s small closet, looking for something appropriate to wear on national television. Everything is either too casual or doesn’t fit over my belly anymore, Margaret said frustrated.
Then we’ll go shopping, Vivian declared. You’re about to go on TV and tell your story to millions of people. You deserve to look amazing.
They went to a nearby maternity store, and with some of Margaret’s new money, they found a beautiful burgundy dress that made Margaret look elegant and confident. It fit perfectly over her pregnant belly and made her feel strong. Back at the apartment, Vivian helped Margaret practice answering potential interview questions.
Why did you decide to sing that song at the wedding? Vivian asked playing the role of interviewer. Margaret took a deep breath. Because I realized that staying silent was protecting Richard’s lies.
And I was tired of protecting someone who had hurt me so badly. I wanted the truth to be known. Good, Vivian said.
But maybe add something about how you also did it for other women who’ve been in similar situations. Make it bigger than just your personal story. They practiced for two hours until Margaret felt more comfortable with her answers.
But still, nervousness churned in her stomach. What if I cry on camera? Margaret worried. What if I can’t get through it? Then you cry, Vivian said simply.
There’s nothing wrong with showing emotion. In fact, that’s what made your song so powerful. You weren’t afraid to be vulnerable.
Don’t hide that tomorrow. Margaret nodded, trying to absorb her friend’s wisdom. And remember, Vivian added, squeezing Margaret’s hand, you’re not just speaking for yourself tomorrow.
You’re speaking for every woman who’s ever been abandoned, betrayed, or told she wasn’t enough. That’s a powerful responsibility, but you’re strong enough to handle it. The next morning, a sleek black car picked up Margaret and drove her to the television studio.
Margaret had never been inside a TV studio before, and everything felt overwhelming. The bright lights, the cameras, the makeup artist who fussed over her face and hair. You look beautiful, the makeup artist said, stepping back to admire her work.
The camera is going to love you. Rebecca Zhang came to greet Margaret in the green room before the show. She was a elegant woman in her 40s with kind eyes and a warm smile.
Margaret, thank you so much for coming, Rebecca said, shaking her hand. I want you to know that this is a safe space. We’re not here to ambush you or make you uncomfortable.
We simply want to hear your story. If at any point you need to stop or take a break, just say so. Okay…
