Working as a driver for Mr. Taylor, the owner of a mid-sized company, wasn’t my dream job, but it paid the bills. My true aspiration was to own my own construction company. Life, however, had different plans. The silver lining was working alongside my wife, Alice, who had landed a job as Mr. Taylor’s personal assistant.
One evening, as we made pasta for dinner, Alice reassured me about the job. “It’s not forever. The pay is good, and it’s a stepping stone,” she said.
Mr. Taylor, on the surface, seemed like a typical entrepreneur with a sharp suit and a commanding presence. But he thrived on control, and his management style had taken a toll on his employees, including Alice. Recently, he had been preparing for a big business meeting with potential investors, and Alice was under immense pressure.
Alice had taken on more responsibility, eager to prove her worth. However, when she came home one night, she was distraught. “The meeting didn’t go well. They backed out because of some outrageous terms Mr. Taylor insisted on,” she explained.
People sitting in a boardroom | Source: Midjourney
The next day, I saw Mr. Taylor call an impromptu meeting. Alice stood, her face pale and her posture slouched. Mr. Taylor’s voice echoed through the office: “Look at Alice. This is what a failure looks like! She’s a prime example of a mistake hire!”
I was seething with anger. Without thinking, I moved forward, confronting Mr. Taylor. “You’re the failure here. You don’t get to talk to Alice like that. It was your ridiculous terms that caused the deal to fall through.”
“Do you think you know better than me?” he retorted. “You’re just a driver.”
“Yes, and you’re just a bully,” I shot back.
“Fired!” he spat. “Both of you. Get out!”
Alice gasped, but I took her hand and we left, the door closing behind us with a heavy thud. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“It’s not your fault,” I reassured her. “We’ll figure something out.”
Later, as Alice made dumplings from scratch, I formulated a plan. I knew where Mr. Taylor would be that evening for another meeting.
I drove to the hotel, spotted his luxury car, and went inside. Mr. Taylor was at a secluded table, not with a business partner, but with a woman. I took quick photos before leaving.
I went to Mrs. Taylor’s house and showed her the photos. “Is that… my husband?” she said, stunned.
“I thought you should know,” I said.
Mrs. Taylor was furious. “Send me those photos. I’ll deal with this. The company will fall to me if infidelity is proven. I’ll ensure Mr. Taylor’s actions have consequences and get you and Alice reinstated. Enjoy the week off, and when you return, you’ll have a raise.”
I left her house feeling a surge of relief and hope. The weight of Mr. Taylor’s humiliation was lifted, and with Mrs. Taylor’s intervention, there were new possibilities on the horizon. Maybe now, I could finally pursue my own dreams.
What would you have done?
