THE CEO'S GAMBLE FOR LOVE

filled with microphones. Gives me a seat with Mr. Pierce Hognan on my right and some other board members on my left. Pierce starts talking and introduces me to the people seated right before us. So

st have to keep doing things the way we have. There is nothing wrong with the current modus operandi.""Next question, please," Sarah hollers, searching for another hand. She finds one and picks it out with her pen. "I would like to follow up on the previous person's question, of you don't mind. I believe that my colleague has been hiding the real theme behind her question, which I shall bring to light. A lot of people think that woman attain high positions in business or politics because they have been favored. One, did you offer something to get here in return? And will you work solely based of your own accord or someone else's?"I take a deep breath. All eyes are on me, like this is the very question they've all been waiting for. I have no idea why. Mr. Pierce beside me says nothing. He's as stolid as a statue. Sarah on my left nudges me to give an answer. "No, I wasn't favored," I finally say. "In the way that you think.""And what way do I think, Ms. Ashley?" "It's Chairman," corrects Sarah, but the man just glances at her in silent acknowledgement. "In the stereotypical kind of way. That all women need to pay in kind to get to the upper echelon of the society. It's nonsense. I've been in this bank for years and no one, I mean no one, has asked me for any kind of gratification. I have offered my best, and worked to the satisfaction of the board, and they have favored me. By merit. Sir, if you still have this notion in your head, and you have a wife at home, then I should see her and tell her that if she ever gets a little pay raise, or if another man helps her fix her flat tyr