With every word, her voice grew more bitter, more venomous. The jealousy was practically dripping off her.
So that was what this was about. She couldn't stand that someone she considered beneath her in every way had ended up on top.
"But was it really her luck doing all the heavy lifting?" Beulah let out a cold laugh. "Hardly."
"It was me. Me and Mr. Gilbert."
"Sure, she founded this company. But without me closing deals and delivering results, this place would've folded years ago. And now she has the nerve to throw coffee in the face of the woman who saved her business."
Beulah's little speech landed exactly where she wanted it to. The shareholders shifted in their seats, murmuring to each other, and one by one, their expressions hardened in my direction.
They believed her. They thought I was biting the hand that fed me.
"Ms. Henson, let's set aside the question of whether you understand French for a moment. Let's talk about what just happened."
"Secretary Finch has been instrumental to this company. She's closed deal after deal. She made one honest remark, and you threw coffee in her face."
"Exactly. Frankly, that kind of behavior is... unsettling."
Their accusations poured fuel on Beulah's fire. She straightened up, chin lifted, radiating the smug confidence of someone who believed she was untouchable.
"You hear that, Olive? If you don't want this company to lose its most valuable asset, you'd better walk over here, bow that stiff spine of yours, and apologize to me. Nicely. Humbly."
I listened to every word.
Then, instead of doing a single thing she demanded, I picked up my phone and called my assistant.
"Notify payroll. I want Beulah Finch's final wages calculated immediately."
Beulah shot out of her chair like she'd been electrocuted. "Olive, what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
I leaned back against my chair, my tone cool and unhurried. "You're fired."
The color drained from her face. She wasn't scared. She was furious—so furious she could barely form words.
"What? You think you can fire me?"
"Is there a problem with that?"
Beulah charged toward me, jabbing a finger inches from my nose.
"You're an uneducated nobody who can't do anything on her own! The only reason this company has any results is because you ride on other people's talent. And you have the nerve to fire me?"
She was practically screaming, every word shrill enough to echo off the conference room walls.