They Thought I Was Just Staff
The day before the long weekend, I stopped by the branch office to deliver a file in my capacity as chairman.
I had barely stepped through the door when I saw my old college classmate, Whitney Sims, surrounded by her usual circle of admirers.
One of them said enviously, "I heard your fiance, Shane, is taking you home for the holiday? That's basically meeting the family, right?"
"And tomorrow night at the corporate gala, he's bringing you out for the first time? Looks like the position of Mrs. Wilson is already secured!"
I didn't react. I lowered my gaze and walked straight toward the office.
Whitney called out behind me, "Skylar? I sent you my wedding invitation this morning–why didn't you reply?"
"Oh–right, I almost forgot. The wedding's at the Grand Bellevue. You need at least a million in assets just to get in. I'm guessing you don't qualify?"
She tapped my shoulder lightly, a faint smile on her lips.
"Tell you what–I'll have my fiance speak to your supervisor and get your name on the guest list for tomorrow's gala. You can come watch me have my moment. Think of it as a preview of my happily-ever-after."
I didn't even look up.
"I'm busy that night. I won't be going."
The moment I finished speaking, the woman beside her shoved me.
"Who do you think you are? You're just a clerk running paperwork between offices–what are you putting on airs for?
"Our Whitney is engaged to the CEO! She's being nice offering you a seat–don't push your luck!"
"And don't think we don't know–if you hadn't stolen Whitney's college thesis, how would you have even gotten hired?"
I almost laughed.
I was the only daughter of the Reed family.
Before I had even finished college, my parents had already handed over Reed Group to me.
I was the chairman.
What interview would I ever need?