I didn’t cry. I didn’t scream. I slowly adjusted Zara, calming her rhythmic sobs, and then I stood up. I reached into my diaper bag, not for a wipe, but for my phone. I pulled up a digital ID and turned the screen toward Mara.
“My name is Immani Caldwell,” I said, my voice vibrating with a cold, crystalline rage. “I am the CEO of Care Loop Holdings. As of 8:00 AM yesterday, we finalized the acquisition of this facility. I am your boss, Mara. And you’re fired.”
The color drained from Mara’s face so fast it was almost comedic. Her “triumph” collapsed into a puddle of stuttering excuses. “I—I didn’t know—Ms. Caldwell, you were being difficult—”
“I was being a mother,” I cut her off. I turned my gaze to the rest of the staff. “And all of you? You watched. You saw a woman assaulted while holding an infant and you did nothing. Pack your things. Every single person in this lobby is terminated, effective immediately. My legal team will be in touch regarding the assault charges.”
