The Legal Affair - Nisha Sharma Page 0,2
and an iPad tucked against her hip grabbed Raj’s hand. Her enthusiastic shake felt like she was pumping water from a well on a dry day.
“Thank you so, so much for the incredible work you and RKH Collective have done for the Gen One Foundation. With the money your company helped us raise, we’ll be able to save so many women who have found themselves in this country without any support or job skills needed to take care of themselves and their families.”
“Thank you, sweetie, but I know what the foundation does. I’m on the board.”
The woman paused, as if she hadn’t been prepared for her speech to be interrupted. “Yes, of course. I’m Maggie, the head executive assistant at Gen One Foundation. You’d probably recognize me from the foundation quarterly calls. I came over because Kia would love to thank you before dinner. Do you have a moment?”
“Lead the way.”
Raj followed Maggie at a leisurely pace until she reached the high table in the corner of the portico. Kia sparkled in her black gown with white print and diamond clips in her braids. She held court with three men Raj had met previously: the CEO of a major bank, a chief diversity officer at a marketing agency, and a member of the UN.
“Ma’am,” Maggie said, cutting off the CEO midsentence. “As you requested, I’ve found Ms. Raj Hothi for you.”
Kia’s mouth pursed but she nodded at Maggie. “Thank you. Would you check to make sure all of our speakers are here? Text me if there is an issue.”
When the EA left, Raj crossed her arms and smiled at the other woman. “I admire the patience you have with your staff.”
Kia burst out laughing. “She doesn’t make the best first impression, but she’s the most competent assistant I’ve ever had. Gentlemen? It’s been a pleasure. Why don’t you go and enjoy yourselves? Have a drink. We appreciate your presence tonight and your interest in supporting Gen One.”
Raj said hello, presented her cheek for air-kisses, and waited until she was finally alone with Kia. She leaned down to embrace the woman.
“How long before we’re interrupted?”
“The longest I’ve gone tonight is five minutes,” Kia replied.
“Mmm-hmm, then you better tell me what’s on your mind.”
Kia’s smile slipped and her expression became wistful. “I wanted to tell you before I announced it tonight at the podium. I’m leaving the foundation.”
“Oh my god.” Raj was rarely surprised, but Kia had managed to catch her off guard. “Why would you leave? Gen One Foundation is your life. Is it the committee members again? ”
Kia shook her head. “The committee members are fine. I’ve only shared the news with my advisory group and they are doing everything they can to get me to stay.” She let out a deep breath. “Selassie has cancer.”
“Oh, Kia.”
She held her head high like the regal queen she was, but Raj could see tears shimmering in Kia’s eyes. “He’s going to be fine. The doctors caught it in time. He’s got a long road of treatments, though. He’s spent so much of his life supporting me. It’s time that I support him.”
“You two are lucky to have each other.” Raj tucked her clutch under her arm and held out her hands, palms up. Kia gripped them. Raj hoped that the older woman could borrow whatever strength Raj had left to spare.
“If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. Do you know who your replacement will be?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’d like for you to become chairwoman of the board and CEO of the Gen One Foundation.”
Raj had to work at controlling her surprise. That was the last thing that she’d expected Kia to say to her. “I’m . . . humbled that you would think of me.”
Kia rocked back with laughter. “No, you’re not. You’re shocked as hell, honey. But that’s okay. You have some time before I give my recommendation to the board. A month or two, tops.”
“Kia, I can’t run the foundation. Gen One is a full-time job. I have my own business.”
“This is what you’ve always wanted, Raj. How many times have we talked about your love for philanthropy? Between Gen One and your other charitable efforts with the New York City animal shelters, you should be leading your own foundation, and that’s what I’m offering you. You’re also young, resilient, and you don’t put up with the bullshit. Gen One will flourish under your leadership.”
“That’s a hard