It Happened in Manhattan

“You only think that because I do such a good job hiding it. But I don’t know what I’m doing. I wasn’t prepared to run Biedermann’s. The board never should have named me CEO.”

“Kitty, being a CEO is a difficult job. People are rarely prepared for it. In your situation it was worse because your father’s death was so unexpected and you were grieving for him. I’m sure it feels overwhelming. But that doesn’t make you incompetent.”

She glanced over her shoulder, sending him a watery smile. Where those tears in her eyes?

“You’re not listening to me. No amount of preparation would have been enough. I’m just not smart enough.”

And then he made his biggest mistake. He laughed.

She flinched. Exactly as if she’d been slapped. She was facing the windows again, so he didn’t see her expression, but he would bet those tears were spilling down her cheeks by now.

He wanted to cross the room to her, take her in his arms and offer her comfort, but he knew that stubborn pride enough to know she wouldn’t want him to see her crying. He wouldn’t add insult to injury by making her face him.

“Kitty, I’m sorry, but the idea that you’re not smart is ridiculous.”

“Ford—”

“I’ve listened to you verbally skewer just about everyone you talk to. You can work a crowd like no one I’ve ever seen. Anyone who can hold their own in a room full of wealthy socialites could not possibly be stupid. If you weren’t smart, believe me, I’d have noticed by now.”

She shot him an exasperated look. “Why are you arguing with me about this? When my father and grandmother were still alive, they protected me the best they could. When my father died unexpectedly, I should have had the sense to step aside. But I was selfish. I love this company more than anything. I thought that would be enough. But I only made a mess of things.”

She seemed so dejected, so unlike her normal self, he reached out a hand to her, but she deftly slipped out of his reach.

“You mentioned at the press conference that you’d be doing some restructuring. If you really intend to do everything in your power to ensure Biedermann’s is financially viable, then you’ll fire me.”

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