Chapter 9!
Carter takes Hope in his arms.
"I hope so! Still I can't shake it off, there are some bad vibes around here. The meeting with the heads of the departments didn't go that well. Nobody said anything directly, but I could read from their faces that most of them don't approve this takeover and the way it happened. And their reactions were rather critical and hesitant. In addition, they mentioned there a lot of rumors spreading around widely. Many of our co-workers are afraid of their jobs. And a lot of them seem rattled by the fact that Ridge and Steffy left. Apparently they feel conflicted about their own personal future here in the company."
"You think some of them would actually quit just to show some loyalty or something?"
"I wouldn't be surprised. The announcement of Eric, Ridge and Stefy made a huge impact on all of them. Or do you think it's a coincidence that just today all the others decided not to show up for work?"
"You speak about Zende, RJ and Ivy with Elektra. I guess there exists an innocent explanation for their absence."
"Well, I assume it has something to do with the fact that all of them are Forresters."
Hope tries to reassure him.
"Listen to me. None of them will leave the company, I guarantee you that. Ivy and Elektra are so happy that Forrester Creation gave them a chance with their jewelry line. And when they hear what plans you have for them, they will be thrilled. And we spoke with Zende yesterday. Okay fine he was a little bit shocked at first, but he didn't say No to my offer. And I promise you, I will convince him of the big asset he is for Hope for the future."
"Speaking about Zende, did you finally get a hold on him?"
"No, he didn't answer his phone yet, but I won't give up. I promise you Zende will be the designer for Hope for the Future. And about the rumors and concerns of our coworkers. There's nothing to worry about. There were always rumors going around the company. But when they realize no one has to be afraid of their job and Forrester Creation is even more the best company they can work for, the storm will calm down very quickly. Trust me!"
She kisses him again when there is a knock on the door. Immediately, Hope jumps up and stands behind Carter, who answers the knock. It is Zende stepping inside the room.
Hope approaches him right away.
Zende, there you are, finally! I was already wondering where you've been. We really do have a lot of work and we need to discuss some things. We should sit together now and come up with our new ideas for Hope for the future…."
Zende stops her talking with a hand signal.
"Wait, Hope. I didn't come here to talk with you about Hope for the future."
Hope and Carter are slightly irritated. Hope has a bad feeling about what Zende wants to talk with them about.
"Is it about the announcement of Ridge, Eric and Steffy? You shouldn't take their words too seriously. You know they only presented their side of the story."
"Do you try to say, what they said in their announcement is not true?"
"Well, you know it's not that easy and the situation contains a lot more and goes far deeper. Everything that is happening now has a long history. And the announcement doesn't state all the facts."
"You know what, Hope! You can stop your games with me. To tell you the truth, I knew about the announcement because I was with them when they published it."
"What?"
Carter and Hope both stare at him with the most shocking faces.
"And you didn't tell us? How could you do that? You should have called us immediately!"
"Why, Hope? I think you forgot something very important. I am a Forrester. Steffy, Ridge and foremost Eric, they are my family! You see…last night Eric and Ridge called the family together and we all met at Eric's place. They told everyone what happened and that they made the decision not to go along with this, that they will not work any longer for Forrester Creation. Not under Carter's leadership. And before you jump to any wrong conclusions, they didn't force me or any one of us to leave the company as well. They made it perfectly clear that it is our decision what we are going to do."
Carter intervenes now, trying to sound calm and reasonable.
"Well, I think that's fair. So you can still work for Hope for the future and be a part of your family…"
"No I can't and I won't. If you guys would have been there yesterday, you would have seen how much your actions affect Eric. At some point he hadn't even the strength anymore to join our meeting. He sat outside with Donna and he was devastated. He was at the lowest point of his life and we all were scared he would collapse every moment. What you are doing here is killing him! If you would have seen his tears, you couldn't possibly stand behind that desk now. What I'm trying to say is…I can't work for and with you guys and look Eric with a clear conscience straight into the eyes at the same time. I am not going to be part of this betrayal, and therefore there is only one logical step for me to do."
He takes out an envelope and puts it on the desk.
"I quit. I am no longer a designer for Forrester Creation!"
Carter and Hope first stare at each other and then at Zende with horror and disbelief. Hope tries to get through to him.
"No, Zende, you can't do that. Hope for the future needs you. We both need you. You are an important asset for the future of this company. You have a responsibility towards us. You cannot abandon us and the company."
"I also have a responsibility towards my family. Eric needs and deserves my loyalty. And I don't want to give him or anyone the impression that I tolerate what you two are doing and that I'm okay with it. Because I'm not. What you two did was vindictive and the meanest coup I ever witnessed. And just for your information, I'm not the only one who sees it that way. As a matter of fact, there are more people waiting outside who want to talk to you."
He opens the door and gives the group outside a signal. Hope and Carter are not sure what they are going to face. A few people step inside the room. The first are Pam and Charlie followed by Ivy with Elektra and the last person is RJ.