The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 65
Kendall met Sophie outside the executive elevators with two thick folders pressed against her chest. Her usual energy had been replaced by focused urgency, and she checked the corridor before speaking. “Two things. Do you want the good news or the bad news first?”
“Good news.” Sophie entered her office and closed the door. “I need one before Cooper tries to end my career.”
“I investigated him like you asked.” Kendall opened the first folder. “Among his female subordinates, two received unusually fast promotions and eight resigned voluntarily within the last two years.”
“Ten employees can be coincidence.” Sophie examined the dates. Several departures occurred immediately after private performance meetings with Cooper.
“That is what I thought, so I kept digging. Former employees say he engaged in sexual misconduct with women who reported to him. The two promoted employees may have been pressured into silence, and some who resigned were threatened with damage to their careers.”
Disgust replaced Sophie’s anxiety. Cooper had used his seniority as protection while presenting himself to the board as a guardian of company tradition. “Have you found evidence?”
Kendall grimaced. “That was the bad news. We have consistent accounts, but no one has submitted a formal complaint yet. They are afraid he will retaliate.”
Sophie closed the file. Using unverified accusations merely to defeat a board vote would repeat the abuse of power she meant to expose. “Contact every former subordinate. Encourage them to report directly to the police.”
“Already started.”
“Provide independent legal counsel, protect their identities where possible, and cover the fees. Make it clear that their participation is voluntary and not tied to any settlement with the company.”
Kendall’s smile returned. “I already arranged most of that too.”
“You are awesome.” Sophie felt genuine relief for the first time that morning. “If they choose to speak, Cooper will face his conduct. If they do not, we fight the board with the financial records.”
Kendall gathered the folders but did not move. “There is one more thing.”
“Worse than a hostile board and a predatory vice president?”
“Stella and her mother are here. They arrived with your father and went straight into the conference room.”
The speed of the attack confirmed they had prepared it before the Monet reception. Karen did not hold a corporate position, yet she had come to watch Sophie be humiliated and removed.
Kendall handed her a second packet. “I prepared the financial statements, shareholder records, and the documents you may need. Just in case.”
Sophie took the packet and headed for the boardroom. “They cannot wait to kick me out. Fine. It is time for a counterattack.”