My hand tightened around the cup. "After what they did, you're asking me to forgive them?"
"Look, I know Marian went a bit too far, and Frederick was out of line.
"But Marian is the backbone of this company. Every major project has her name on it.
"You have to think about the bigger picture here, don't you?"
I couldn't speak.
The executive smiled at me. "How about this: I give Marian and Frederick a formal warning on their records, and for you, I can arrange a settlement payment.
"I'm sorry about the child, I truly am. But you and Marian can always have another one. You're still husband and wife.
"Marian's career is booming. You'll only benefit more from that."
I was so furious I laughed. "Fine, protect her. But why are you protecting Frederick too?"
The executive paused for a moment.
"You didn't know? Frederick was personally recommended and vouched for by Marian."
I nearly dropped the cup.
I had submitted my resume to this tech company three times.
Every single time, it vanished without a trace. No explanation.
I had begged Marian. Begged her to put in a word with her bosses, just to get me an interview.
Not a guaranteed position. Just an interview.