Gold Digger Wife Planned To Marry Her Boss After Cheating On Husband But Revenge Was Brutal. Story

[Music] life has a peculiar way of leading us to unexpected Crossroads my story began not in a grand dramatic moment but in the quiet monotony of routine I had built my life around predictable days work home and fleeting attempts to reconnect with family somewhere along the way though I became a shadow of the person I once aspired to be it wasn't any single event that pushed me toward a new beginning Rather it was the accumulation of little realizations a strained marriage endless hours at work and health warnings I naively ignored all contributed to a growing

sense that I had lost control when the memo came across my desk it was as though the universe decided to shove me out of my stuper as I scanned the contents of the memo a Cascade of unwelcome memories surged forward ones I had desperately tried to bury Amy my ex-wife whose betrayal had left scars I Thought were healing was now my Superior the head of my apartment the irony wasn't lost on me it felt like a cruel Cosmic joke while I had breathed a sigh of relief when our marriage ended I hadn't anticipated its ghost

reappearing in my professional life Amy had always said I was a heart attack waiting to happen she was right my doctor warned me but I didn't take it seriously thinking I was just working hard for my family Amy's Ambitions were endless and I was The one expected to provide like I'd been raised to do the Mansion the pool the unused country Country Club membership none of it had brought us happiness the woman who once held my heart was now poised to control my life once more that was the final push I needed I couldn't work

under her not after discovering all the men she'd been involved with I finished packing my things wrote my resignation letter and left the office for good as I walked out I placed my resignation phone keys and credit card on Megan's desk it's been a pleasure Megan I wish you the best you're a valuable employee don't let her mess with you I said Megan raised an eyebrow so you're really leaving yes I replied I can't work for someone I don't respect she's ruined that chance I'm going to miss you Sam Megan said she's going to be

furious when she finds out I've been trying to keep quiet about your schedule but I feel bad I should Have said something sooner don't worry about it you're just doing your job I reassured her I knew this was coming once the merger memo landed there's nothing I've done here worth hiding okay but what do I tell her Megan asked her voice laced with concern tell her the truth she won't be able to make a scene over that just stick to your values I advised Megan chuckled softly I shook her hand and kissed it gently it's

been a pleasure I'll stay in Touch as I got into my car a black limousine pulled up and Amy stepped out with two well-dressed men she looked every bit the professional but I knew better she was a high-priced escort with a title Amy glanced around but didn't see me I waited a minute then drove off for the last time I'd already settled everything sold what I could stored the rest my doctor recommended a change of scenery so I took his advice 3 months of traveling followed And eventually I found a small town near the void

the people were friendly the fishing great and the climate mild I rented a three-bedroom Cottage by the lake with an option to buy it was exactly what I needed to start fresh sitting on the porch sipping a cold drink I reflected on how Amy had taken my sudden departure I decided to call Megan the next day to find out how things were going at the office hey Megan it's Sam how's everything I Asked Sam I was starting to think you disappeared off the planet Megan replied I laughed enjoying the view of the water against my

pontoon not quite but the scenery here is amazing wish you were here what's going on at work you definitely stirred things up Megan said Amy's on a rampage laying people off left and right Kevin Paxton quit after a blow up with her she moved him from Logistics to the basement archives he hated it and resigned That's a shame Kevin was great I said whatk she thinking if she keeps this up she'll ruin everything before she even starts how's she been with you Megan asked Megan chuckled she's frustrated tried to fire me on the first day

for letting you go before she had a chance to talk to you I told her I couldn't stop you and then she said since I had no boss I should pack up I told her I'd sue the company and her if she fired me I mentioned your name and she shut up Real quick Megan laughed again now I'm stuck as her secretary I told her I expected a pay raise and she wasn't thrilled but I got it I Megan filled me in on the latest drama part of me was glad to hear Amy's plans were

falling apart I left for my own peace of mind but it felt good to know I'd shaken things up still I worried about how it would affect everyone else the next morning I ran out of sugar so I stopped by a small store nearby as I walked out I almost bumped into a young couple behind the counter was a stressed out woman in her 20s can I help you she asked as her baby started crying looks like Junior needs a feed I'll take care of the customers while you handle that I offered she looked relieved

thanks Sam I'm Vivian by the way I took care of the customers at the gas pumps washing windshields and chatting then returned to the store a man was browsing the fishing rods can I help you I asked just Looking around he replied I'm on a business trip and got stuck here while my car's in the shop he seemed like a business business man and I almost saw myself in him noticing he was about to buy a cheap Rod I asked do you fish often not really but I'd like to he said I smiled I'm your

guy I convinced him to buy a better Rod promising he'd catch more fish and have more fun I helped several more customers before viven finally got her daughter settled thank You Sam Vivien said things always get crazy when you least expect it I grinned it's like quantum mechanics don't ask me to explain it though Vivian face twisted and I quickly apologized sorry I didn't mean anything by it Vivien looked at me with sad eyes a single tear Frozen in the corner Sam it's not your fault but I'm a widow she said her husband Greg had

been eliminated in a truck accident while on maneuvers with the Army Reserves the worst part was that he Never knew he was going to be a father Bessie was likely conceived the night before he left Vivien wiped away her tears I think he would have been a good father this place the store was one of his ideas she gestured toward the building and the land over the next few weeks I started helping out at the store whenever I could viven was beautiful and sure I hadn't been satisfied in a long time but it wasn't just

that it was about regaining my sense of selfworth Amy's infidelity had shown me she didn't need me that she didn't trust me to provide that was the final blow Vivien seemed to understand my need to help and while she never directly asked she was always appreciative when I did spending time with her made me feel good she was fun caring and grateful exactly what I needed one evening on my way home my phone rang hi you're lucky you're not secretary Sam you wouldn't last a day with your phone Manor Megan teased hey Megan I replied

I had to wait until I got home to call she explained I wasn't sure if that witch was tapping my work phone but I didn't want to take any chances Sam you need to be on guard Amy's got a private investigator tracking you she she asked me to put him on your Trail I couldn't say no but I'm warning you so you can lay low I sighed as she made it her life's mission to provocate me I don't know Sam Megan said shek been working non-stop trying to Turn things around but it's clearly taking a

toll on her she looks 10 years older and has gained a lot of weight well she can't be pregnant I muttered maybe but not by me Megan laughed I think it's all stress and too many trips to the freezer for ice cream she's frantic to find you she blames me for leaving before she could talk to you Jesus I muttered again here's what I think Megan said give her a week then tell her a fake report came in saying They couldn't find you but that your phone is real say you convinced me to talk to

her are you sure I asked feeling excited by the idea Sam I really don't want to get involved but you have to do what's best for you Megan replied thanks Megan you take care of yourself first I said A week later Megan texted me pH no tobb today be ready for call I laughed at her shorthand the call came as expected I answered yes Amy what do you want there was a brief pause before she Snapped what's that witch my secretary been up to I hung up she called again damn it Sam Amy said I

hung up again Megan answered the next time are you going to talk to her or not Megan asked I grinned tell that witch to be polite and she might get more than two words out I'm done with her trying to control me Megan laughed got it talk soon 5 minutes later Amy called again Sam she asked yes Amy what do you want I replied there was a long pause can I talk to you For a minute she asked I'm listening I said another pause Megan cried on your shoulder Amy continued what did she say I

asked curiosity Rising Amy's great Sam she said she's the only reason you're talking to me right now if I were you I'd be thanking her so what do you want I asked irritated Amy sighed I'm sorry Sam I've been under a lot of stress Megan's been doing a good job and I appreciate it I knew she was trying to soften my frustration get to the point Amy what do you want I heard Amy stifle a SB Sam I really need to talk to you I need your advice I thought we were a team but you

quit before I could explain anything I snorted annoyed I saw the writing on the wall Amy once I found out your company bought there was no point in staying I wasn't about to be humiliated again so have a good life but I doubt I'll see you again please Sam She begged almost crying I know I don't deserve it but I need 30 Minutes to pitch my idea please just give me a chance I don't know who else to turn to I clenched my teeth all I wanted was to hang up but I resisted after a

pause I said okay but I'm not chasing you you need to meet me at my office I'll have Megan let you know when and where I ended the call half expecting her to ring back but the phone stayed quiet the next day Amy asked why do I have to go through Megan why can't you just give me Sam's address Megan Gripping the steering wheel snapped because Sam wants it this way you meet him he doesn't want to see you if you don't like it tough but I'm not sticking around for your meeting I was chopping

vegetables for dinner when Megan called to say they were about 30 minutes away I didn't want Amy to feel comfortable so I kept busy hoping it would throw her off 15 minutes later there was a knock on the door it's open I called Megan walked in smiling Well don't you look settled in here I grinned back Hi Megan good to see you you look great Amy standing behind Megan looked anxious Amy I said flatly Megan noticed the tension I'm dying for a drink she said offering a friendly hug and kiss wine beer or Coke I

held up my dirty hands want something to drink I glanced at Amy Amy lowered her gaze sensing the coldness in my tone Hi Sam a glass of wine would be nice Megan's right you look good Megan opened a Bottle of white wine and poured two glasses handing one to Amy which way from the edge of the world I want to admire the view I'll leave you to alone Megan said with a smirk but remember I'm not cleaning up any messes she winked at me behave I pointed to the back door there's a fishing rod on

the deck if you want to try your luck Megan rolled her eyes not like likely I wouldn't know what to do with one with that she left and I turned to Amy take a seat and tell Me why you're here Amy hesitated but sat down she glanced around trying to break the tension nice place small but nice I replied my irritation creeping out this isn't Small Talk Amy I said turning back to my chopping just say what you need to say and we can both move on Amy sighed took a sip of wine and braced

herself can I ask one question I sighed you can ask whatever you want but that doesn't mean I'll answer just ask why did you leave I turned to look at her sensing She was waiting for me to snap over the years she knew I fought to keep my temper in check I dropped the knife and turned to face Amy you don't need a rocket science degree to understand why I left Amy you're a VP now you must have some brains I think you can figure it out Amy frowned clearly irritated that was low Sam I'm

good at my job but I can't read mes I folded my arms and stared at her for a moment you're right but to be a good manager you have to Read people understand their motives and use their strengths it's about finding a balance that benefits everyone do you really want to know what I think of your talents Amy I asked she stiffened sensing something harsh was coming still she pressed on okay Sam what do you think of my corporate skills I almost laughed at her challenge you're a bulldozer Amy subtlety and finesse aren't your thing

you plow through every everything in your way not considering Anyone but yourself she was stunned bulldozzer she asked still processing yeah Amy you take the most direct path to your goals without considering others you don't analyze situations or think about who you might be hurting you just Barrel forward and burn Bridges along the way as I finished speaking I noticed a tear forming in her eye it was the first time she seemed truly vulnerable no I don't want to she whispered I sighed Everything I did I did for us but your ego got in the

way I know I hurt you and I'm sorry for that if you'd stuck around I could have explained my plan she pressed you still haven't told me why you left I tasted the sauce and added some salt I saw the writing on the wall Amy I knew you were brought into clean house you were the hatchet and I wasn't foolish enough to think I wouldn't be next so I did what I had to do to make It easier for you her expression shifted clearly eager for more Sam Beckman for a smart man you sure do

some stupid things I wasn't planning to fire you if you were any smarter you'd know that I replied what I did I did for us I did it so you could achieve your dreams she tried to sound sincere that's a good trick tugs at my heartstrings while stroking my ego but I never said you weren't good at that I just hate that you're still playing me I gave her an Unimpressed look I can't count the times we've sat around talking about how the higher ups are ruining the company I believed in you Sam I still

do I worked hard to get your company back on track to make it profitable and now I have the chance to help turn your ideas into reality I shook my head now it's the it's all your fault Gambit you've left me to struggle on my own without ever giving me a chance to explain I've been working non-stop trying to make this Work all I need is a Little Help from the one person who should understand me best it's you Sam I need you together we could make this happen I'm not naive enough to think we'll

get back together even though I dream about it I said but if we focus we can build a solid business relationship and succeed so how about we call a truce let's work together and show them we're a force to be reckoned with Amy took another sip from her wine and leaned back in her Chair letting me stand there in silence her passion had faded and now it was up to me to respond I had finished the sauce while she spoke and was now putting the spaghetti water on to boil my mind kept going back back

to the same thought at two Brutus betrayal this was what I thought when I first heard about her using the company for her own gain Amy was attractive but those three words good Amy summed up her actions a good manager considers everything before Making a decision I said letun say I buy into your plan why do you think I can be useful to you her eyes narrowed annoyed by my question I've already told you she replied I believe you're capable and respected enough to get the support you need the obstacles you faced before were with

upper management but that's changed now that I'm VP you don't see it do you I said my voice tinged with sadness your very presence here has undermined my ability to gain support you refuse to Acknowledge your role in that others see it differently Amy frowned have you ever wondered why it's hard to get people behind you the rumors about your business ethics are well known by now and I haven't said a word to fuel them I could see her Comfort this wasn't the conversation she wanted to have people see you as someone who slept her

way to the top stepping on others to climb the corporate ladder I continued they know about our marriage and it's the reason I Couldn't work there anymore when I divorced you I kept my dignity and the respect of my colleagues if I joined you now it would be like saying everything you did was okay I would lose their respect and my work would suffer tears wed up in Amy's eyes and I could see her belief in herself starting to cck I don't believe you Sam she said her voice trembling I've worked hard Jason wouldn't have

given me the job if I wasn't capable I shook my head feeling a Mix of anger and sadness she still didn't see the truth did Jason come to you with the Takeover offer or did you push him into it Amy wiped her eyes with a tissue and sat up straighter it doesn't matter I'm not Jason's puppet so you pushed him I asked raising an eyebrow yes she replied replied her voice firmer now and he resisted at first but eventually he let me present my plan to the board I nodded just as I expected the merger

went exactly as I Thought let me ask you did Jason entertain you when he finally agreed to your proposal amyk eyes gave her away and the Sigh that followed confirmed my suspicion why would you think that she asked struggling to collect herself I smirked at her reaction do you know why I was good at my job Amy I continued leaning in slightly because I studied people everyone I met including you the problem was I let my feelings for you cloud my judgment I trusted you blindly And that mistake cost me but my grandfather used to

say there's no point in getting older if you're not getting smarter I paused for a moment letting the words settle I've learned to assess people by what they say and more importantly by what they do if their actions align with their words I know how to either work with them or around them Amy sat still listening intently the her face showed no emotion I pressed on knowing Jason's character I don't Think he cares if you succeed if you fail he'll distance himself and blame the board for approving your plan she took a sip of her

wine still quiet but I could see a flicker of realization in her eyes if you succeed Jason gets the credit for promoting a promising exec and boosting profits he wins no matter what don't assume you have his support he doesn't care if you pull this off or fail so long as you keep him entertained he's happy you're on your own Amy a Small fish in a big pond surrounded by hungry piranhas Amy gripped her napkin tightly the fear was starting to show but true to form she ignored the reality of her situation so you don't

think I can do it she asked her voice tightening no Amy I replied I don't think you can I know you can't her anger flared I could see it in her clenched jaw but I pressed on this would be a disaster you'd go from VP to corporate Oblivion where would your precious security be then From what I hear all you've done is create chaos leaving everyone else to pick up the pieces I wouldn't be surprised if the next shareholders meeting shows a 25% profit drop you can paint it however you like but it all comes

down to why you started this in the first place I took a deep breath watching her carefully then continued you told me you loved me that you were doing this for both of us Amy flinched at my words but she nodded but deep down It's about your own safety not mine if you loved me like you say you would have tried harder to stop me from liquidating myself with work she blinked confusion Crossing her face what did you say that I was a heart attack waiting to happen I waited for her to think it through

then leaned in a little closer you didn't try and if you did you weren't convincing you just let fear take over waiting for me to burn out you could Have threatened me with divorce but you didn't I I know your infidelity played a part in all this it's why I'm here now feeling fine I love you Sam she said softly guilt lacing her words you love me but you were willing to watch me work myself to pass away does that sound loving I said with a bitter smile she couldn't argue and she couldn't meet my

eyes I didn't mean what I said back then I love you even now she said her voice shaking but I didn't trust her not Anymore I regret a lot of what I said too she added I didn't buy it I'm sure you believe it Amy but love doesn't change the fact that I can't trust you anymore whether in personal matters or business I'm ending this conversation I said firmly you've made it to the top but now you're on your own to climb higher you'll have to wait for Jason to step aside your real plan is

to solidify your position and go for the CEO role Amy opened her mouth to protest but I Stopped her you're using me getting me to work myself into the ground for your own gain I can't believe you expected me to follow your orders when I kicked you out the first time I thought it was clear I wasn't weak but maybe it's my fault for not letting you fail sooner Amy looked confused torn between guilt and Defiance you're talking nonsense Sam you've got it all wrong I sighed exhausted you've heard the saying sometimes you have to

Be cruel to be kind well I wasn't kind I let you think I could be talked back into your arms and I made Jason and keep his promise to make you a VP I didn't want to see you fail even though you deserved it I made a mistake by not cutting you off sooner I stood up checking the sauce you wanted me to buy into your little love notes but if I'd done what I had to you'd be gone starting over hopefully a little wiser that's what I'm telling you now walk Away start over tears

streamed down Amy's face again as I spoke you'll have to settle for a secretarial job but that'll be better than trying to fight this you'll be lucky if your job just involves licking stamps while some post office guy entertains you I watched her trying to speak thickly but it saddened me to see Defiance instead of humility on her face I know I hurt you Sam I regret it every day but what you just Said is evil you don't believe in me yet I believe in you she said almost pleading if you think that then sit

back and watch I'll show you how it's done just then there was a knock at the door come in I snapped is everything okay Sam sorry to interrupt came Vivian's voice I sighed realizing I'd lost my temper I glanced at my watch surprised by how much time had passed sorry Vivian please don't come in Amy was just leaving I glared at Amy waiting For her to get up Amy looked at Vivien who was younger slender and stunning standing in the doorway Amy's face Twisted as she realized why she was here she turned to me I

stared back then saw her eyes shift to the food simmering on the stove she seemed to understand what was going on what you thought this was for you I said my voice hardening I told you from the start this wasn't some fancy dinner don't get upset because I invited a friend over we've been broken Up for years the only reason you're here is so I can knock some sense into you Amy jumped up head down and rushed past Vivian tell Megan I'll be waiting in the car she muttered Vivien looked at Amy concerned I hope

I didn't make things worse no you didn't we'll handle it can I tell Jillian I don't need her tonight it's not about you I'm glad you showed up when you did I hugged Vivien kissed her cheek and added you can watch the pasta For a minute I need to tell Megan that the meeting's over and she can take Amy home as I stepped outside I saw Megan napping on the back Terrace the afternoon sun slipping behind the Horizon I couldn't help but think that Amy's words held some truth now that Amy was VP she had

cleared the way for my ideas it made me reflect for a moment how's the view I asked turning toward Megan she smiled keeping her eyes closed just like you said Sam amazing I watched Her for a second before asking how did it go in there no fire shots she chuckled playfully not well she's not backing down Amy's in the car waiting for you Megan shifted slightly and then asked can I ask you something sure anything I replied still watching the sunset I hesitated how do you see your future at work how ambitious are you Megan

Megan raised an eyebrow surprised by the question not sure what you're getting at but if you mean what I think I'd like to take amyk job she stood up I know I can do it well but I won't compromise myself for it why do you ask I thought for a moment I think it's time to end this circus can you connect with Kevin Paxton and meet me in town in 3 weeks I might have an offer for both of you Megan nodded and I led her inside she saw Vivien at the stove viven elbowed me

and whispered now I get why Amy ran out of here like that you old dog Megan smirked glancing at me she's Gorgeous she's probably the final nail in Amy's coffin Jesus Sam Amy never stood a chance not even I do poor girl's probably licking her wounded Pride right now viven added I nodded appreciating Megan's Beauty and she's just as beautiful inside Vivian looked up as I introduced Megan nice to meet you Megan hesitated eyeing me Sam seems to have so many women in his life I'm not sure there's room for me Megan chuckled don't worry

about the other women he's the Only man you need to trust and as far as I can tell he's got his eye on you watch your back girl Sam can be a real Casanova when he sets his sights on someone he likes I didn't know what Megan meant by that I hadn't been around her enough for her to say that my face rened I think you've said enough for one night Megan time to go I said nudging her toward the door before leaving Megan looked over her shoulder and said if you're smart Vivien don't let

this guy Slip away she kissed me on the cheek be smart see you in 3 weeks Vivien and I sat on the back deck of the Mero watching the water foul drift by we talked about the events of the day and I filled her in on the mess my marriage to Amy had become you don't really want to do this do you Sam Vivien asked I shuddered at what was coming no I don't but it has to be done I can't sit by while everyone loses their jobs because I took the easy way out as

much as it Hurts I have no choice viven stayed quiet for a moment then said if you must know Amy still has feelings for you I almost laughed I knew that before but not anymore not after what I told her this afternoon I laid into her but I don't think it made a difference viven smiled for all your toughness it's clear you care about people including Amy we women appreciate that men I didn't have a response so I took another sip of my beer viven patted my arm as if trying to Reassure me if I'm

right about you Sam Youk do what's best for everyone I nodded a grim sense of for boing settling in but I'm afraid not everyone will agree Vivian Shrugged you didn't make her bed she did now shek have to lie in it I drifted into thought and just as I was lost in it viven caught me off guard speaking of beds she said her tone teasing when are you going to show show me yours I blinked completely taken aback what Vivien chuckled Megan told me If I wanted to claim you I'd better not back off what

did she say I asked still processing the sudden shift viven smiled knowingly if you're smart Vivian you won't let this guy slip through your fingers well she replied with a grin I'm grabbing on to someone I think is worth holding on to so you're interested in more than just being friends I asked feeling like a nervous teenager I didn't mean to mess this up as you can see my history with women isn't great Vivien Giggled you're blushing Sam my ears burned and I smiled sheepishly you sure know how to make a guy feel stupid I

rubbed my face trying to regain my composure when I walked into your store and saw you looking shattered and accepted my help I felt like a knight rescuing a damsel in distress Vivian's smile was priceless you were my knight and you still are she leaned over and kissed my cheek since then I've relied on you I understand now why you've taken Care of me all these months viven stopped when she saw the confusion on my face it must have been hard for you when Amy made you feel unnecessary if it helps I need you Sam

Vivien said I haven't felt this comfortable since Greg died it's a man thing and Amy didn't get it I couldn't explain it either viian reassured me with a pat on the arm you've been good to me and I appreciate it it wasn't until Megan caused a little stir that I Realized I had had feelings for you so what do you say want to take it to the next level vivien's expression was sincere mixed with hope well Madam if you insist I guess I'll have to show you my etchings I said with a Sly grin Vivian's

face lit up forget the Engravings I'm more interested in what tool you use to make them we both burst out laughing as she stood and headed for the door race you to the bedroom later when I walked into the restaurant I saw Kevin and Megan watching me Kevin stood and offered his hand long time no see old friend you look 10 years younger he said with a grin I smiled and shook his hand it's good to see you too I'm doing fine how's life average to average Kevin replied still grinning but no complaints no one

listens anyway I turned to Megan and kissed her on the cheek you look radiant as always I don't know what you saw in that brute but I hope he treated you well Megan laughed he may be rude But I like the rugged type I raised an ey brow how do you know Megan smiled knowingly because like I told Amy I'm A people Watcher I saw how you reacted when I asked Kevin to join us you two would make a great team Kevin grinned speaking of that what kind of offer do you have for us I

chuckled I'll straight to the point Kevin you'll never change okay business first then we can relax and enjoy the food as drinks were served I started the company is in serious Trouble and if nothing changes soon everyone will be looking for work as you both know the options here are slim I pulled several folders from my briefcase and handed the white one to Kevin if you disagree or have anything to add Feel Free as Kevin flipped through the folder I opened another one here's a list of people you need to get on your side how

you do it is up to you Kevin scanned the folder in his hands you've clearly thought this through not only are you Going after JPL and Amy but Dobson Inc and Jason too I saw the concern on his face we have no choice since Dobson bought JPL we have to hit from both sides my initial plan focused on JPL but now we need to Target Dobson's board if we're going to have a chance if you can get the board on your side and Megan works on JPL we might have a shot though it's a long

shot Kevin handed the folder to Megan you're not kidding when you talk About Sam skinny is an understatement more like anorexic but I see the potential I think we should involve Jack Deacon he's a numbers guy don't you think I suggested I thought for a moment before responding Jack's a genius with numbers but we didn't exactly get along I don't know why but he made it clear I wasn't his favorite colleague Megan nodded I agree Jack should be involved for the Creative Accounting I'll talk to him and Listen first Kevin picked up the second folder

and skimmed the list of names not sure I could even meet some of these people let alone bring them on board I smirked at Kevin's doubt what do you think I've been doing for the last 3 weeks there there's one name Slovak that's crucial if heun not on board this plan falls apart Kevin raised an eyebrow how did you become so influential influential if I were that good Slovak would already be eating out of the palm Of my hand I replied handing him another folder this one's for the meetings you have scheduled minus Slovak Megan

glanced up isn't Slovak Jerry cambridge's Uncle maybe he can help us get an appointment Kevin and I exchanged a look Kevin asked can you figure something out sweetie Megan smiled I have a meeting with Jerry tomorrow I'll ask him then I felt slightly better I've organized the times and dates for you things are starting to get messy even at The top I've outlined my concerns but we need more details we need everyone together to finalize this Megan shook her head I can't believe Jason didn't see this coming he knows everything's falling apart I scoffed he

just doesn't care he's got Amy as a scapegoat she's in for a nasty surprise when he stabs her in the back Megan wrinkled her nose am is selfish but she doesn't deserve that I agree I said Jason will have to act before the next stockholder meeting If he wants to stay clean we need to move fast and clean impress the big shots and we're in the clear Kevin shook his head you seem sure we'll take your offer I smiled think about it what do you have to lose if Amy can pitch her ideas this will

be easy for you you haven't found a job that matches your skills have you I know you've got issues with Amy and Jason's definitely not on your Christmas list I nodded at Megan and she believes in you as much as I do Just take the reins and I've done all I can you just need to bring it home Kevin and Megan laughed all wrapped up with a pink ribbon Kevin said sarcastically Megan frowned what about Jason he won't give up without a fight and he's got the power to destroy this before we even get started

I grinned Darkly leave Jason to me you won't even have to deal with him just keep Amy distracted so she doesn't figure out what's going on and mess everything up Megan smirked she's not a Problem anymore after your talk she's so rattled she doesn't even know what day it is Vivien really got under her skin and she's determined to prove you wrong you really messed with her head Sam Megan said with a grin we continued our meal while finalizing plans as we parted we agreed to meet again in two days with others to discuss the

final version the meeting was tense Megan and Kevin had gathered a group to help push things forward including Jack Deacon who was Immediately hostile but listened carefully let me see the financials Jack demanded and we watched as he quickly scanned the pages adding and subtracting with impressive speed this is nonsense Beckman you can't back up these numbers I held back my frustration and replied they estimates projections Jack smirked don't quit your day job I've seen more accurate weather forecasts it's time to put up the money I knew I had to handle them carefully listen Jack

I know we Haven't spoken since Amy took over but I know you're good at this which is why you're here you're the best he puffed up a little offended I may be a worker to you but I'm not so clueless as to miss when I'm being patronized I gritted my teeth that wasn't patronizing but it's still true I addressed the group what are you all going to do when the next shareholders meeting comes around I don't care if you agree with this plan or not I can leave And go back to my life you guys

will be figuring out how to line up for unemployment Jack you're a genius with numbers and you can land a job anytime but what about everyone else we need you to make these numbers work Jack paused then asked so this isn't some scheme to get your wife promoted I shook my head with a sad grin no Jack she's my ex-wife and she'll be lucky if she has a desk job after this I regret how things ended but I'm here to fix that whether this Takeover succeeds or not Amy and Jason are done Jack scanned the

room then flipped through the folder again you know Sam I've been doing a lot with nothing for so long now I have the chance to do everything with nothing when's the deadline for this miracle Kevin answered cautiously by 3:00 tomorrow afternoon Jack's eyes widened holy crap even God would have trouble sorting this out by then we all exchanged glances starting to doubt the Plan but then Jack surprised us all I want a sign on my desk that says God if I pull this off Kevin grinned I'll personally engrave it and everyone can kneel at your

feet if you get us those numbers by 3:00 relief washed over the room okay okay folks we're working overtime apologize to whoever you need to and get to work Megan approached me asking if she could bring in some of the typing group for help it's your call Megan take control now I'm just here to Answer questions I said handing her the reins she glared at Kevin Sam's right you need to pull it together honey and show everyone they can rely on you within the hour Megan had organized teams and started brainstorming ideas Jack pushed back

but Megan snapped at him I don't care how many people you need Jack just get it done Kevin chuckled you were right Sam she's a little firecracker I smiled at Kevin's Pride never doubted it I said tapping my Temple then went to help I walked into Jason's office ignoring his shocked secretary I'm sorry sir but you can't go in there Jason waved her away it's fine Lyn what's the Beckman Invasion about he asked clearly annoyed to see me that's no way to start a negotiation Jason I thought someone of your business caliber would know when

to be more contrite I had a sinister fake smile on my face as I stood there Jason leaned back in his chair waiting for me to say something But I didn't need to rush him I knew well that in a standoff the first person to speak loses after a while Jason broke the silence sweat starting to form on his brow are you just going to stand there staring at me or are you going to explain why you're here he glanced nervously at his watch I've got a shareholders meeting in an hour here's why I'm here

I said finally I'm here to help you pack you idiot and where am I Supposed to go Jason's discomfort was obvious and he clearly didn't like the direction this was going I don't care where you go just as long as you're gone by the end of the day I said A sly grin tugging at my lips but if I were you I'd head to the other side of the country and what if I don't feel like going anywhere huh I'm just a few years away from retiring and I'm not throwing away my golden retirement package

for the likes of you I shook my head unfaith You've got two options Jason I said coldly you can get up hand in your resignation and walk away with only what's left in your pockets or you can stay and watch me tear your life apart starting with your family you'll be lucky if you have enough left for a cup of coffee Jason scowled clearly trying to find a way out I did what you asked Beckman I gave Amy a shot at vice president and now she controls JPL so why the sudden threats we've never even

Met but I always thought you were a man of your word so what changed why are you going after me now digging up the past I leaned in planting both hands firmly on his desk so my face was just inches from his you changed my mind you fool I said Voice Low and menacing I kept my part of the deal until you decided to break it now you're going to pay for it you sabotaged Amy in every way possible you let her stand before the board with a plan that you knew would fail you Thought

you'd get rid of two problems in one shot set her up to fail and knew I wouldn't step in to help you broke our agreement and now I want what I owed Jason wiped the sweat from his face as I spoke his mind clearly racing to figure out how I knew all this I didn't break the deal Beckman he protested she came to me I just gave her a chance to prove herself if anyone's to blame for her situation it's her not me stop lying I snapped swiping a few gadgets off his Desk in frustration

you had every opportunity to stop her and everyone can see that without you she never would have even gotten in front of the board to make a fool of herself I pointed at him my voice sharp it was your choice you made it and now it's time to face the consequences resign or sit back and enjoy the destruction of your life Jason's face shifted with every emotion Under the Sun I watched him carefully as he considered his Options I seriously doubt you have the kind of dirt you think you do he muttered trying to look

confident I smiled watching as he mentally tried every possible Escape Route only to find them all locked tight you really think I've been sitting on my hands all these years I chuckled I've got all the dirt on your shady affairs from before you ruined my marriage and I've dug up even more since then corporate fraud embezzlement not to Mention two other little secrets I knew I was bluffing but I was pretty sure Jason had enough skeletons in his closet to make the threat sound real here's your choice Jason jail or retirement I said watching his

reaction closely I could see the Panic setting in now his eyes darted around the room realizing that his only option left was to walk out that door and he had no choice but to leave Kevin Paxton is talking to your board right now and he's got a proposal That's going to turn your life upside down when I leave here I'm going straight over to hand everything I've got over to them so you better make your decision I continued watching the tension grow Jason's response was quick he hit the intercom button with urgency ly get in

here with a pad and pencil I need to dictate a letter right now I walked over to his liquor cabinet and poured myself a scotch you win Beckman Jason said defeated I'll be gone by the End of the day as I took a sip his secretary walked in and sat down at his desk ready to take dictation no problem Jason I said I don't have anything pressing at the moment I'll drop off an email for you Lynette could sense the tension in the room as she waited for Jason to begin dictating his letter by the

time he finished she was struggling to keep her laughter in check and quickly left his office I saw her reaction and realized Jason wouldn't have enough time to pack up and leave as he walked out of his office for the last time I called after him I hear the South Pole is nice this time of year don't worry I'm not planning to look for you there oh and have a great day Jason a few moments later Lynette returned and hugged me thank you Mr Beckman I can't tell you how much this means to me I

was taken aback wait what exactly are are you thanking me for tears welled up in Lynnette's eyes as she calmed herself Jason tried to Blackmail me she said her voice trembling he's been making advances it started with subtle hints but I was worried he was going to push harder if I didn't step forward I can't tell you how grateful I am for what you did for me I was seething inside at the thought of Jason's actions I had been right Amy had served her purpose and now Jason was looking for a new Target I figured

Jason's fate was sealed and his Marriage was on the line if things go according to plan I said he'll only ask you to do your job and nothing more heun's a fair man who values loyalty Lynette kissed me on the cheek again you're officially on my Christmas list from now on and I'll try to convince my husband to name our next son after you she smiled thanks again for everything she handed me an envelope I've never had so much fun typing a letter before later I entered the office Jason had vacated 6 months ago morning

Lynn is the boss I asked glancing toward her desk morning Mr Beckman yes Mr Paxton is expecting you she replied with a smile as I reached for the door she added you were right by the way he's everything a secretary could want in a boss thanks again I smiled back as I opened the door no problem Lynn and call me Sam Mr Beckman was my father Lynette chuckled and waved as I stepped inside once inside I settled into a chair and Asked so how does it feel to be running one of the most profitable companies

on the market at the end of the quarter from behind his desk Jason's voice boomed with enthusiasm Sam you old fool where the hell have you been how's everything I can't thank you enough for what you've done especially for Megan and me she still pinches herself every morning to make sure it's real I raised an eyebrow oh really how do you know are you waking up next to her planning a Merger of your own I teased Kevin Shrugged well we're still in the negotiation phase but it looks promis ing I'm sure Megan would love for

you to come to the signing and I heard you've got a little one of your own you're taking care of I laughed yeah same story here you had a company to save I had one to build Vivien is certainly being raised right a real Thoroughbred Kevin leaned back and the joking quieted as his expression turned more serious have You heard about Amy I felt the mood shift yeah Megan called me the day she was hospitalized I guess the pressure just got to her and she snapped Megan wanted me to visit maybe try to menend some

but I didn't see the point not until she got professional help me showing up would have made things worse Kevin nodded then Shrugged I think Megan felt sorry for her but that's women for you I'm thinking of offering her a job at JPL maybe as a secretary hope that doesn't bother you I shook my head my frown deepening no it doesn't bother me to be honest I don't even care about her anymore she's just someone I used to know I hope she gets better and moves on Kevin leaned back in his chair so no desire

to come back to the business I could find you a great job with a solid Financial package I grinned not a chance buddy besides you don't need me from what I hear you've got divine Intervention on your side now that made Kevin burst out laughing oh I almost forgot about Jack he got his plaque and the respect of everyone here you were right about him he's a real Math Genius for a while he was the Hot Shot I'd walk into board meetings with him handing me Financial reports just before shareholders arrived Kevin's smile grew wider

and you know what's funny I raised an eyebrow what so funny I was just thinking about how Jack reacts when Women sneak up on him let's see how he handles women with his math formulas if he figures it out I might just believe he's a God I laughed out loud I would have loved to be there for that and I would have liked to sit in on the board meeting too but like you I had more unpleasant business to take care of while you were grooming the board poor Jason was sweating it out at the

very table you now sit at Kevin's grin was unmistakable same story but seriously if You ever need a job just let me know I shook my head I've got everything I need now Vivien and I have launched our own little family resort I'm here to offer you corporate rates for Thanksgiving weekend maybe some good-natured contests to promote team building Kevin nodded clearly approving sounds like a plan I think we could make a fishing contest work that should get everyone bonding Vivian and I were invited to Kevin and Megan's wedding and now they have two Wonderful

boys they's still a powerful duo in the business world every Christmas we get cards from Lynn and her family she even convinced her husband to name their next child after me her daughter's name is Samantha or Sam for short as for Jason he hasn't been heard from since his wife kicked him out she tossed all his belongings onto the lawn and turned on the sprinklers his prized Elvis signed guitar became a necklace for her garden gnome after she dropped It on his head rumor has it he's hunting penguins in Antarctica now but who knows and

Amy after getting the support she needed to move on from everything Jason had put her through she took Megan up on her offer for an entry-level secretary position she sold her absurdly extravagant mansion and use the proceeds to buy a modest apartment close to work she'll never climb the corporate ladder in the way she once dreamed but at least she has a roof over her head and a Steady job even if she has to work hard to make ends meet until retirement I spoke with her at the company's Thanksgiving party at the lake she wasn't

too eager to come at first but Megan convinced her she needed a break we had a good conversation and she apologized for her arrogance admitting she had overstepped I apologized too acknowledging that I had to make tough choices to protect everyone's jobs even if it meant injuring her in the process After therapy she said she realized how misguided her thinking had been I was glad to hear her laugh when I mentioned Jason's Fall From Grace she seemed to enjoy the weekend relaxing in the sun with her co-workers as for her social life I'm not really

sure Megan mentioned she occasionally goes on dates with other women but that doesn't seem to stick with anyone for long honestly I don't give it much thought nor do I really care it's her life now and she's The one who has to live with the choices she's made 6 months later viven and I tied the knot and we moved her and Bessie into my Cottage one day as she unpacked I saw her p a picture of her late husband from her suitcase stare at it for a moment kiss it and gently place it in a

drawer of the dressing table the moment moved me deeply and I walked over to her she looked at me uncertain so I pulled out a picture of glory and placed it on the table beside hers I think Greg Would want to see his wife happy well cared for and loved don't you Vivian smiled through tears and hugged me tightly you're a good man Samuel I think Greg and you would have been the best of friends my Guardian Angel has been watching over me for a long time I'm so lucky to have not one but two

people in my life that I can truly call my soulmates I felt amazing no I felt more than amazing better than I had in years when Bessie is old enough I'll make sure She knows all the wonderful things about her father they both deserve that our little Fishing Resort continues to grow Jillian now has an apartment above the store she's not always the most punctual but at least we know where to find her when things get busy we've expanded our cabins and added private docks for weekend Anglers I spend most of my days working in

the shop handling routine boat repairs and general maintenance viven still runs the store and Bessie Now five is always underfoot she's starting to see me as a father figure I'm the only father she's ever really known last summer we gave her a big surprise her own little brother Brady has temporarily stolen the spotlight but I have to admit I spoil both of them and my doctor's happy too I should probably send Amy a thank you card to Mark the occasion but no I'm just kidding [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]