“There will be other conditions, so please listen to my demands before you make your final decision,” he said firmly.
“Let’s hear your other conditions,” Roberto said.
“First of all, I want a temporary leave of absence before I come back as CEO,” Simon said. “Call it a well-deserved holiday. I haven’t taken a vacation in over ten years.”
“Leave of absence? What are we supposed to do while you’re gone?” Agnes demanded, panic lacing her tone.
“Linda Schaffer can represent me in my absence,” he replied.
“What?” Agnes widened her eyes. “Linda? She isn’t even on the board—”
“Make her a temporary board member, then,” he said. “She can be acting CEO in my absence, with a significant increase in pay of course.” He cocked his head, suppressing a grin. “You can simply write my paycheck to her while I’m away if it’s an issue.” The snorts and coughs of the other board members gave him some satisfaction.
“Has Linda agreed to this?” Agnes asked.
“I don’t know,” Simon said. “Do you agree, Linda?”
“As surprised as I am by this, I’d be honored to fill the position,” Linda said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get Simon back.”
“But what are her qualifications?” Agnes sputtered. “She works in the media department, for heaven’s sake.”
“She’s the head of the media relations department, which means she has executive and managerial experience,” Simon pointed out. “Plus, Linda has been here longer than any of you. I trust her to make decisions that are in Dover’s interests.”
“This is crazy,” Agnes said.
“You don’t really have a choice,” Simon said. “You need me. I don’t need you. I can sell my shares of the company. Or hold them. Even give them away.”
“I’m afraid to ask, but are there other conditions?” Agnes asked weakly.
He focused his attention back to Heather. She looked so beautiful. Now that her name was cleared, she didn’t have to worry about getting fired or arrested. More than anything, Simon had come in this morning wanting to give Heather peace of mind. Maybe he couldn’t solve all her problems, but he could make her life better. He wasn’t one to throw his money around, but he would do anything to make Heather happy. “Actually, it’s just one more condition. I believe it’s time for Heather to get a vacation. I’d like her to also get a leave of absence.”
Chapter 2
Sitting in on this board meeting was surreal. Like some silly dream that made no sense.
Heather stared at Simon, totally amazed at how easily he was controlling the situation with the board. A week ago, his demands would have been unreasonable. Now, he could probably get the board to do anything.
“A vacation?” Heather forced out.
“You don’t want time off?” Simon asked.
“I would love a holiday, who wouldn’t? But it seems so sudden,” she said.
“This vacation won’t be counted as part of the vacation time Dover owes you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he said. “Consider it part of your promotion.”
“We haven’t agreed to these terms,” Agnes said sharply.
“That’s your problem.” Simon chuckled as he stood up and buttoned his jacket, not bothering to look at any of the board members. He was clearly in control here. “I’ve given you my terms, and you can take them or leave them.” He sauntered towards the door.
“Wait.” Agnes let out a sigh. “Can you give us a week to think it over?”
He shook his head. “You have until the end of the day. After that, the offer is off the table for good.”
Agnes turned her focus to Heather. “Do you agree to these conditions, Ms. Hall?”
Heather swallowed hard. The tension in the room was putting her on edge. After Simon had resigned she thought things might go back to normal. At least, as normal as they could. But now she was being handed a promotion, a raise, and a vacation. Last week she had been facing the prospect of going to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, Dover seemed ready to reward her because Simon had demanded it.