The furniture store had been in his family for three generations. At one time it was one of the largest in the region. It thrived from being founded in the late 1800s and continued on through the 1970s, at times employing 50 or more people.
First it was the big box stores that hurt his business, and then online shopping. By the 200s, the company was a ghost of its former self. He knew he either had to change the way they operated or fade away. So, he did what every other business in his situation did, he hired a consultant.
She was smart. At 28, she grew up with Google and Instagram, she knew how to DM and had an eye for video. She had a savvy way of doing business and didn’t ask for much in return. The on issue he had was that she had a ten year old daughter that was constantly by her side. He hated kids, but nobody would hire her and she was good for his business so he just dealt with it.
The more business she brought in the more she asked of him. At first, he gave her everything she wanted. She was making a difference and he could justify the expenses. Before too long though, she began asking too much, even going so far as to be given a place to live in one of his family-owned apartments. She turned into a diva expecting that he owed her and her daughter a better life because she “saved” his business.
It became too much.
He gave her a month to find a new place to work and even offered her a small severance package. As much as she became a liability, he wanted to give them a chance to find another job.
She sued, accusing him of breaking their contract. At the same time, she told everyone that they were in a relationship but she left him because she caught him trying to molest her daughter. She told him that she would stop if he gave her what she wanted.
It was absurd, the lies were so big that he knew nobody would believe her. So, he ignored her. He had a good lawyer and knew he could easily win the lawsuit. He never got to go that far though.
The police investigated him. They didn’t care about the contract, or the relationship, they just cared about the kid. They asked if he had ever been alone with her. He had, many times, the mother left her in his office to play. She annoyed him but sometimes he would suffer her. She would jump on his lap to play the computer at the desk. There was just enough said to give doubt.
They arrested him. His lawyer left him. His face was all over the news. “Local businessman assaults child.” He paid the bond.
More lawsuits followed. She was able to win over $100,000 from him. He fought for three years before giving up. Both his business and his reputation were ruined.
Finally, he had to accept a plea deal. There was nothing left to fight for. His business went bankrupt after three generations, sold to pay legal fees. His savings were long gone. Broken and exhausted, he found prison to be a break from the hell his life became. Ten years, eight if he’s good.
She never looked back. She had her money and her fifteen minutes of fame. Despite the lies, she felt no remorse. She never asked for forgiveness. She felt nothing.
