My throat tightened at the mention of my mother’s passing and the memories it brought up, but I blinked back the tears. I was not going to cry for a second time that day, and I sure as hell was not going to do it in front of Zac.
I didn’t say anything, so he went on.
“You know that above all else, hard work and gratitude are the two most important values in our family. This company was built from nothing through the sweat, grind, and endless hours of work your grandfather and I put in. It wasn’t easy. And I want the person that takes over to understand the value of the position and be willing to work just as hard as we did. I was afraid your lack of effort in other areas of your life would carry into your work, but I hoped I was wrong. I had asked Zac to take you on this summer because he knows better than anyone else here what it means to work your way up from the bottom. I also requested that he treat you not as my daughter, but as he would any other intern, and to be honest about your performance.”
“So… what are you saying? I won’t have a job here after I graduate?” My voice came out weaker than I’d intended, but I didn’t care. My mind was spinning, and I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me.
Numerous scenarios had run through my head as I had made my way up here to have this conversation, but I could confidently say this was not one I had been prepared for.
My father contemplated for a few seconds before speaking again. “Once you graduate, you will apply for the job and go through the formal interview and recruitment process. If the individuals responsible for the hiring see you as a fit candidate based on your experience and academic record at that point, you will be hired.”
While trying to process what was being said, something occurred to me.
“What happens if they don’t like me and I don’t get hired? Or I do get hired but my ‘performance’ isn’t up to your standard? Who will take over once you retire?” I spoke slowly, and my voice was shaking now. I was genuinely hurt. I couldn’t believe this was happening.
What was I going to do if this didn’t work out? I didn’t have a backup plan because I didn’t think I would ever need one. For the first time in my life, I was unsure of my future. It was terrifying.
“When the time comes, I will choose whomever I believe is best suited and deserving of the role.”
Zac shifted in his seat and sat up a bit straighter. The move was so subtle that I barely caught it. But when I looked over, a half smile was tugging at the corner of his lips, threatening to break out as he tried to hold it back.
And that, my friends, was when it finally clicked.
He wants to be the one that gets chosen. That’s what this whole thing has been about. The sneaky, manipulative, conniving son of a bitch!
The rush of anger hit me like a ton of bricks as my head whipped between Zac and my father.
“What, do you mean him?” I pointed my finger toward the rodent. “You cannot be serious. Dad, please, for the love of all logic and reason, please tell me you don’t mean Zac.” I spat out his name like it was poison on my tongue.
“Milly, calm down. No decisions will be made for a very lon—”
“But you’re totally considering it, aren’t you? I can’t believe this. Dad, he’s a nightmare to work for!” The more I panicked, the louder my shaky voice became.
“And I’m not the only one that thinks so, I know I’m not! The other day one of the accounting interns came out of his office upset and crying. Is that really the type of person you want in charge? She doesn’t even report to him!”
I felt Zac stiffen beside me. For the first time so far during this meeting, he actually looked uncomfortable.
A beat of silence before my father asked, “Which intern? What is she talking about?”
Hah!
“Yelena Melnik,” I answered for him, crossing my arms triumphantly.
“Zac?”
“It is true that Yelena was in my office and that she may have left upset. However…” He hesitated and squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. “It was not work related.”
Oh.
Oh!
Ooohh.
Understanding washed over my father’s face, and then, almost immediately, his expression turned into concern. “You are aware that interpersonal relationships within the workplace are frowned upon. More specifically, they are strictly forbidden when it comes to our leadership teams… no exceptions.”
This really hadn’t led down the path I’d been expecting.
“Yes, Mr. Bloom, I am fully aware of the company policy. I ask that you trust that nothing happened and that the situation was handled appropriately.” A single glare was thrown my way, and I could see his ears reddening for the third time that day.
It felt way better than it should have to know I’d gotten under his skin.
I could tell my father wanted to believe him, I was just not entirely convinced he did. But he nodded and accepted the explanation anyway before turning his attention back toward me.
“Darling, I know that you are upset.” His eyes were a little sad when he looked at me. “But please know that I am only doing this in an attempt to set you up for success. I am not taking anything away from you. The company will be yours if you can prove that you’ve earned it and that you truly want it. Because right now, I don’t think you really do.”
I was tempted to keep arguing, but I knew my father well enough to know I was fighting a losing battle.
“Fine, but I just have one request.” And it was nonnegotiable. “Zac will have nothing to do with my interview or hiring process.”
Thankfully, he agreed.
“Zac, before you leave—Jasmine told me about your mother. I’m sure you had a rough night, and I’m surprised you made it in. I don’t expect you to be working, so if you need some time off to be with her, please take it. And let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
Zac didn’t say anything. He simply nodded before turning around and walking out.
My father gave me a look before I left, but it wasn’t going to work. I pushed any feelings of sympathy I had toward Zac down into a box, the same one I’d stuffed the last traces of the romantic feelings I’d had for him two months ago, and closed the lid.
This was war, and Zackary Evans was going down.
5
Here’s the thing about grudges: if you let them grow big enough and remain unchecked, they can consume your whole life.
They can impact your goals, relationships, major decisions, and everything else in between. Not to mention they can last an obscenely long time.
For some people it becomes an obsessive cycle of failures and misdirected blame. Others thrive on it; hatred becomes fuel to succeed, and sweet, satisfying revenge is the endgame. Either way, it’s toxic as hell. I knew it was toxic then, and I knew the same seven years later. But it didn’t change anything.
“Finished your undergraduate degree in three years, graduated top of your class, MBA from Columbia University while working at Yuval Digital, and then an additional two years full-time at the firm after graduation. This is a very impressive resume, Milly. Yuval is the top advertising agency in New York. Not to mention every single one of your references there gave you glowing reviews.” Margaret, the hiring manager at Bloom & Co. Advertising had, in fact, looked impressed. “Can you tell me why you’re looking to leave?”