The Day I Fired My Husband Novel

6 Thirty minutes later , the main doors to the office swung open . My father , Robert Sterling , Chairman of the Board , strode in . He wasn't alone . He was flanked by the company's COO and the entire corporate legal team . His presence filled the room , sucking out all the air . Employees shrank back in their chairs , a path silently clearing for him as he walked . The entire office was so quiet you could hear the soft clack of his Italian leather shoes on the floor . He didn't even glance at Lexi , who was now a sobbing , crumpled heap on the carpet .

He walked past her as if she were a piece of trash . He came directly to me . His expression was stern , but as he looked at me , his eyes softened with a flicker of concern and anger on my behalf . He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear . " Are you ght ? " he asked , his voice low . I shook my head , my throat suddenly tight . I swallowed the emotion down . " I'm fine , Dad . I'm just ... disappointed that your company has been allowed to become this . " He nodded , his jaw tight . " You're right .

" From the floor , Lexi saw my father and seemed to find a last , desperate surge of energy . She scrambled on her hands and knees toward him , trying to grab the leg of his trousers . " Mr. Sterling , sir , I'm so sorry ! I made a mistake ! I had no idea she was your daughter ! Please , forgive me ! " she wailed , tears and mascara carving rivers down her face . My father's expression turned to one of pure disgust . He took a sharp step back , avoiding her touch . He turned to his head of secur- ity , who had followed them in .

" Get this unauthorized individual out of my building , " he commanded , his voice devoid of any emotion . " And I want a full investigat- ion . Find out how she was granted access , who approved it, and who gave her the authority to run rampant in this office . Every sing- le person involved , from the top down , is terminated . Effective immediately . Blacklisted from ever working for this corporation again . " Lexi's sobs choked off , replaced by a sound of pure despair . Two large security guards hauled her to her feet and began dragging her toward the exit . " Carter ! Carter , save me !

" she shrieked , her voice echoing through the silent office . " I'm sorry ! Don't let them do this ! " No one moved . No one spoke . The woman who had , an hour ago , acted like she owned the place was unceremoniously thrown out into the hallway . My father turned to face the entire office . He stood in the center of the floor , his voice resonating with power . " Effective immediately , Audrey Sterling will be assuming the role of Interim General Manager of this division , with full operational authority ," he announced .

" As for Carter Hayes , he is suspended , pending a full review by the board . " A wave of understanding rippled through the staff . I was the real heiress . This was a palace coup . I saw them glance toward the door where Lexi had disappeared , their expressions a mixture of pity , contempt , and no small amount of schadenfreude. 0732L Chapter 2 I picked up the phone on my new desk and dialed the extension for facilities , putting it on speaker . Every eye in the office was on me . 07.32 D " This is Audrey Sterling , " I said calmly .

" I need a cleaning crew sent to the general manager's office immediately . Sanitize everythi- ng . Especially the carpets and the sofa . I find them ... filthy . Also , have everything that is not company property boxed up and remo- ved . I want no trace of Carter Hayes left in that office by the end of the day . "