My hand reflexively goes to my cheek, and my heart pounds in my ears. No one outside of the small circle knows about the tussle with Brock. Stephanie did not put it in her letter. The reference to the sexual expectations also isn't public knowledge, considering the scandal for the people involved.
"I would never sleep with someone to gain an advantage," I defend myself unnecessarily.
"Women have been using their sexuality as a weapon since the dawn of time. You, Miss Rhodes, are not a woman that uses that tactic to get ahead. Your intelligence, dedication, and commitment placed you on the fast track to success."
"Thank you, Mr. Redmond."
"My father taught me to spot a vixen at fourteen, explaining my lustful desires would ruin my life if I wasn't aware of the consequences. It seems not everyone in this building was taught that life lesson. Along with your situation, in the last two days, our infrastructure has imploded with revelations of adultery, improper relationships, ethical violations, and general chaos. We may be old men, but we're not completely obtuse. Telling our associates whom they can have a relationship with isn't our business. But it seems we are facing a public relations nightmare."
"I'm sorry to hear there are problems. Since leaving, I've had no contact with anyone in the firm until Mr. Donner a few days ago."
"We know. After your letters were personally delivered, we immediately began digging. You may have a ballbuster reputation, but you are well respected. Word of your return today brought mixed reactions, but most of the chatter was positive. With that being said, we could use some solidarity and foundation in the face of chaos. Would you reconsider joining us back at Redmond, Kersh, and Reid with a promotion to Managing Associate or possibly Partner if you're ready?"
The weight of his offer sends a wave of shock scoring through me. There was a chance I'd be walking out of here today on my way to disbarment. This is so out of the blue I grow lightheaded.
"Ashlyn, take a deep breath." Miller's arm curls around my waist, pressing me to his side for support.
"Mr. Redmond—" My voice cracks, and I swallow to push down the emotions that are clawing up my throat. Miller's hand clutches my hip, and Scottie comes to my other side. The two men in front of me note the support, both their gazes lighting with understanding.
To my horror, tears well in my eyes, and I wipe them away before they can fall. "Mr. Redmond, Mr. Reid, I can't tell you how much it means that you'd look to me to bring foundation to this firm. From the day I interviewed, it was my life goal to be offered a partnership. However, leaving here took me back to my roots and I've had time to reflect on what matters more than the title of partner. My life, my family, and my future are no longer in Chicago."
"Perhaps when things calm down around here, we could revisit a remote or virtual opportunity."
"Perhaps," I answer, but we all know it's my polite way of declining all offers.
They nod, Mr. Redmond giving me a sad, yet supportive smile. "You gave us many exceptional years, Miss Rhodes."
"Ashlyn," I correct him. "Please, call me Ashlyn."
His smile turns kind. "Ashlyn, as I was saying, you gave us many exceptional years and put our firm in the spotlight frequently with your expertise. All calls to your clients this last day have brought nothing but praise. If you move forth with your ethics complaint against Brock Donner, we will do as we need to, but as of thirty minutes ago, he understands he's on shaky ground. He claims you two are engaged, but we knew this was his attempt to cover his discretions. He will not pose a problem for you anymore."
"I'm not bringing a formal complaint against him." I decide in that second. "I'm also not marrying him. He's an ass, but as of this moment, he's vapor."
My breath hitches, and I press my lips together at such a trendy reference.
"Nice," Scottie utters approvingly.
"Vapor sounds about right. He's on thin ice. It seems his ambitions took him down a path of little return."
"I made a grave mistake in judgment getting involved with Brock years ago. Hopefully, that doesn't tarnish your opinion of me."
"Never, Miss- ah, Ashlyn," he corrects. "We may be on a different floor, but we're not on a different planet. Your relationship had the base to make the most untouchable power couple in the city. Unfortunately, we only got the bits and pieces."
Miller goes stone still, a low rumble coming from him.
"We now know what was happening and you're completely off the market." Mr. Reid aims his comment to Miller.
"Has been for a while," Miller responds gruffly.
I place my hand on his chest, silently sending the message to chill out.
"Son, I met my wife as a lowly law clerk. She was a legal secretary for a big-wig lawyer who had his sights on her. I moved fast. Five kids, thirteen grandchildren later, she's the best thing in my life. I tell her every day. Still, at my age, I have spirit. I'm assuming you are responsible for Brock's jaw?"
At the term 'son', the mood in the room shifts to a lighter vibe. Miller fully embraces me to his side. "He hurt her, I
