Melanie had been powerless all her life, just struggling to get by, but suddenly, and only for the next few moments, would she have the power to decide the destiny of kings and princes of industry. She could make or ruin a dynasty of powerful men. Billions of dollars would change hands with just a few words of truth or deception from her lips.
But it was a one-time-only opportunity. Once used, the power was gone forever.
"Mr. Drummond," she said, "I don't want your money, or your sons."
"Melanie!" Alex Junior cried. "Don't say that. Please, you don't mean it."
"Let the girl speak." Alex Senior shouted. "Melanie, continue."
"You can fire me. I don't care. I'll get another job somewhere, no matter who you think you are. This is a big country and a free one. I'll get by. I don't want either of your sons to follow me. This is their life right here and both of them are needed by the thousands of people in this corporation."
Mr. Drummond smiled and then gave a slow clap.
"Bravo Melanie, bravo. Pity you aren't my daughter. Instead, I have these two numbskull boys for progeny. Maybe I should fire them and hire you instead."
Alex ignored his father's remarks. "Melanie. I won't let you do this. I've already tendered my resignation and I'll follow you to the ends of the earth, whether you'll take me or not. I made up my mind when I first met you; I just didn't quite know it myself. You won't achieve anything by pretending you don't love me. There's no point. I'm not Alex Drummond Junior, billionaire anymore. I'm just Alex, the guy who fell in love with you on a tropical island in the sun. That's all you need to know."
Melanie looked into his eyes, his beautiful brown eyes with the intent stare that had captivated her since the first moment they met. Words failed her and tears of joy came to her eyes. It was too much for her to resist.
"Oh, Alex." She gasped and threw herself into his open arms.
"You see, father?" Sebastian glowered. "They just won't see reason. This is hopeless. Melanie, there's no need for you to do this. You can leave the company with a generous severance package. I'll help you get a job somewhere else or retrain for something new you'd like to do. Alex can continue on with his life as before."
"Last chance, son." Alex Senior pushed the resignation letter back across his desk. "Take this piece of stupidity back and resume your place next to your brother at Drummond Corporation where you are needed. If you walk out that door today with her, then there is no coming back. Ever."