Ashley's POV

The Value Hall isn't as filled as I thought it would be. And because of how nervous I am, I quickly count the people seated in this hall. Around the number thirty.Sarah ushers me to the long table 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. Someone once told me that the suits with spectacles are the ones to watch out for. Even the politicians get all fidgety when such a hand is raised. And right here, there are a lob of those spectacles. Comforting. The first question comes from a man in short sleeves, but it's not mine. And he isn't wearing spectacles. "Can you tell us why this decision of appointing a female Chairman was taken, sir?" "It was a decision by voting," says Mr. Pierce without any hesitation. "And Ms. Ashley Swift here got fifty-two per cent of the votes cast, which was enough to hand her the position.""So this means that everyone on the board is comfortable and contented with Ms. Ashley being Chairman of Peacecholds Bank." "That's correct.""But it has never happened, going back. Does this mean the women outnumbered the men on the board?""Next question, please."A woman's hand goes up. Sarah points at her. "I have a question for Ms. Ashley. Honestly, I congratulate you on your new position as Chairman, ma'am. Being the first, how do you feel?" I clear my throat even if it is a totally unnecessary gesture. "Can't tell you how surprised I am. Earlier this morning, as I arrived here with my colleague, we talked. And she mentioned something that actually came through. That I deserve more. When we walked into the conference room some minutes later, everyone was gathered there. They started clapping. After that, I was given the shock of my life. Now you know how I feel.""What is the first thing you will change?" "I told Mr. Pierce Hognan here that I have no plans to change anything this quick.""And by this quick, do you mean in a month?" "No, no. I mean a year."Murmurs spread. "Why?" asks the lady. "Well, Peacecholds has been doing relatively well in business. And I have been a part of that progress. We just 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 tyre, things as little as these, her husband will surely think she offered herself as gratitude."Value Hall erupts like a correction facility. I hear cheering and I also some uncomfortable verbose.Sarah begins to shout at the press, "The Chairman will answer no more questions. No more questions!" Then she herds me out."Well, you sure ruffled someone's feathers, Chairman," Sarah says as we ride the elevator. "Please call me Ashley," I correct her. "He pulled my strings. I felt it fair to pull his as well.""That tenacity I've heard about," says Sarah with a smile. I look at her. "And what else have you heard about me? Tell me something I don't know already.""Apart from the usual gossips? Now, that's hard." I smile. We are two floors away when she says, "I think you're not as tenacious as you make yourself to be. Deep down, there is some weakness. And since you don't want other people to find out about it, could be something bad.""Are you a shrink or my handler?" "I'm only a castle of glass. Can be anything you want me to be." One floor to go. "Have you always worked for the board?" "No, I'm like a freelancer, actually.""Previous place?" I inquire. "Dutton," she replies. "For the CEO.""Terry Palmer," I say, nodding. "How was the experience? I bet he had you sacked immediately when you struck a chord.""What are you talking about?" says Sarah, as the elevator doors begin to open. "Terry can be ruthless when it comes to business, but he never takes a woman for granted. He's the best person I've ever worked with. And I hope to make a better one out of you.""We'll have to find out," I say.