The Unexpected Offer
Moments later, Michael turned to her. “Miss Walsh, could we speak in my office?”
Certain she was being fired, Catherine followed him upstairs with Robert at his side.
Once seated, Michael surprised her completely. “Miss Walsh, I owe you an apology.”
“Sir, I’m the one who—”
He raised a hand. “No. You did exactly what I wish more people would do.” His voice trembled slightly. “My father’s been treated like an inconvenience here more than once. Today, I watched a young intern remind everyone—including me—what real respect looks like.”
Catherine swallowed hard. “I just… I have a brother who’s deaf. I couldn’t stand to see your father treated that way.”
“And that,” Michael said, “is exactly why I want to offer you a full-time position.”
Catherine blinked. “I’m sorry—what?”
“I’m creating a new role: Director of Accessibility and Inclusion. You’d report directly to me.”
“Sir, I don’t have management experience—”
“You have something better,” he said. “Empathy. And vision.”
Robert smiled proudly beside him.
