“They never saw it coming, did they?” she asked. “They thought they could humiliate you, but they just gave you a platform to show everyone exactly who they are.”
Alicia smiled, a real smile this time, full of warmth and determination.
“They thought wealth made them untouchable. They forgot that real power comes from knowing who you are and standing firm in that truth.”
The helicopter continued its journey back to Manhattan, carrying two women who had just demonstrated that the greatest power lies not in the ability to tear others down, but in the courage to stand up and say, “Enough.”
The sleek helicopter touched down on the rooftop helipad of a Manhattan skyscraper just as the sun was setting, painting the city skyline in shades of amber and gold. Alicia and Sasha stepped onto the landing pad, their hair whipping in the wind from the slowing rotors.
A black town car waited nearby, its driver standing at attention beside the open door.
“Ms. Rhodes.” The driver nodded respectfully. “Mr. Whittaker is already at the restaurant.”
“Thank you, James,” Alicia said, sliding into the backseat with Sasha following. The interior was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind in the Hamptons.
“I ordered extra security for the office tomorrow,” Sasha said, checking her tablet. “And I’ve started monitoring all major news outlets and social channels.”
Alicia nodded, watching the city lights blur past her window.
“Good thinking.”
“They won’t take this lying down.”
The car pulled up to an exclusive restaurant in Tribeca, the kind with no sign out front and a waiting list months long. But tonight, they were escorted immediately to a private room in the back, where Thomas Whittaker sat reviewing documents spread across the white tablecloth.
Thomas stood as they entered, his tall frame and silver hair commanding attention even in casual eveningwear.
“There’s my favorite client who just cost me my weekend plans,” he said with a wry smile, pulling out chairs for both women.
“Sorry about that, Thomas,” Alicia said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t sorry at all.
“Are you kidding?”
Thomas settled back into his seat, eyes twinkling.
“I haven’t had this much fun since we took down that corrupt board in Seattle.”
He gestured to the waiter.
“Three martinis, extra dry. We’re celebrating.”
“Celebrating?” Sasha asked, arranging her napkin. “The deal just fell apart.”
“The deal didn’t fall apart,” Thomas corrected, shuffling his papers. “Our CEO here executed a perfect termination clause after they breached contract through discriminatory behavior. Big difference.”
He pulled out a particular document.
“Speaking of which, I need your exact account of what happened. Every detail.”
The waiter arrived with their drinks as Alicia began recounting the events at the airfield. Thomas took notes, occasionally interrupting with clarifying questions.
Sasha noticed his jaw tightening as Alicia described the jokes and the dirty plane.
“Idiots,” Thomas muttered, shaking his head. “Complete idiots. Did they really think you’d just smile and take it?”
“They’re not used to consequences,” Alicia said, sipping her martini.
“That’s about to change.”
Thomas nodded, reviewing his notes.
“The termination is rock solid. They breached multiple clauses, including the anti-discrimination provisions we specifically added.”
He looked up at Alicia.