“You have your own gallery on the east coast, why don’t you ‘challenge the world’ there?”

“Wow, so what are you saying Franklin?”

“What I am saying Bette, is that we are buying out the rest of your contract. Leo is going to be on a probationary six months.”

“Those are my six months and you’re not giving me that? I delivered you Provocations and it’s going to be here for the next three months don’t tell me Leo’s name is going on it. My blood, sweat and tears went into that project; you can’t just take that away from me.”

“Don’t be absurd, your name will still be attached to it.”

“I cannot believe this. Franklin, you’re leaving me with nothing. I just finished construction on my home, Tina’s pregnant, and I just had my son, my long lost son move here. Why are you doing this to me?”

“Bette, don’t be a martyr, your contract will leave you with sufficient financial stability and your severance is more than generous, and you still will collect commission from Provocations. Plus you still have your reputation, your sterling, pristine reputation. You’ll find a new position in no time.”

“You know what, fine. I’ll have my stuff out in an hour. You’re a class act Franklin, you’ll regret this.”

Bette stormed out of his office, and slammed the door. She hustled to the store room and gathered a few boxes and went to her office. She started taking her office apart, throwing everything into a box. The rustling, the slamming and Bette’s voice brought James through the door, a look of concern on his face.

“Wha-what happened Bette?”

“Oh I was fired.”

“You’re joking.”

“Does it look like I’m fucking joking,” Bette exclaimed and started sobbing, “I gave him four years of devoted work and what do I get? Replaced by some fucking robot. Well, I’m not going down without a fight. Mark my words, Franklin will come crawling back.”

“Well, I guess I’m gonna work on my letter of resignation.”

“No James, you can’t quit.”

“Why not? You’re the only reason why I applied for this position and I’ll be damned if I am Leo’s fucking assistant.”

“What are you going to do for work then?”