That’s one of the main reasons to do it now. I have a strong following of very wealthy and influential art collectors that support my decision to leave the CAC and do what I love. Besides I need a career that gives me the flexibility to come and go as I please; where I’m not beholden to anyone but myself.”

Melvin still couldn’t accept this as the best career move for Bette. “You know how I feel about quitting under any circumstances. Don’t you have a contractual obligation to the CAC? I thought you told me you had at least two more years.” Melvin admonished his daughter.

“Daddy, I’m not the one going back on the agreement. If you want to know the truth I’m being pushed out.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Melvin asked now really concerned about the direction this was taking.

“It’s just a matter of time before they fire me, but I think the board would prefer that I leave on amicable terms. I fully expect to be bought out of my contract with enough cash to put a down-payment on the property for my new gallery. It’s in everyone’s best interest unless they want a nasty lawsuit on their hands.”

“Elizabeth is this about money? Given your financial portfolio I imagine you could purchase this gallery in cash if you wanted to.”

“It’s not about money Daddy. It’s about principles.” Bette answered with conviction.

“I hope you are getting sound legal counsel Elizabeth. Maybe I should look at this contract.” Melvin suggested reminding Bette that complex law was his bailiwick.

“I appreciate the offer Daddy, but I have a good lawyer and she’s dissected the contract. We have a solid case should I need to bring a lawsuit but I don’t want to go that route. The dissension boils down to one board member’s influence on the Board President. She’s using her personal vendetta against me to cause acrimony between us. She’s holding the CAC hostage first by withholding her foundation’s grant monies that should have been awarded to the CAC. Then she turns around and uses the same money to buy a controlling seat on the board. Now that they have funding they are too short-sighted to see how manipulative she is. It will be in the CAC’s best interest to disassociate themselves from her and buy out my contract rather than taking this public.”