“Well, Hunter did, and that’s what counts, isn’t it?” Colette said.

Audrey was silent. She was still shaken that Hunter had been so persuaded by Colette’s memo. She’d read it, and there’d been some good points, but nothing earth-shattering.

Maybe she should try a more conciliatory approach. She perched on the chair in front of Colette’s desk. “I agree with Hunter that you should be sharing strategy because you now know everything about our defensive case. I can see that. But I don’t think it helps either of us if we’re discrediting each other. There’s a better chance both of us will make it if we support each other.”

“That seems naively idealistic to me,” Colette said. “It’s highly unlikely that they’ll make two women partners given the current financial situation.”

“They need more women partners. I asked Hunter, and he said that.”

“He has to say that. He can’t say that they have a quota.” Colette sneered.

“They’ve more junior female associates than male associates.”

“That doesn’t seem to have persuaded our male bosses in the past. They presume most of those women will leave to raise families.” Colette leaned forward and bit out each word. “They have never appointed two women partners in the same year. And you can’t say that the candidates haven’t been worthy.”

“No, I can’t,” Audrey said quietly, remembering the talented women senior associates who had not made it.

A tense silence filled the room as both women stared at each other. Audrey felt her flush flooding her neck and shoulders.

“They may have worked against each other—maybe that’s what defeated the other women,” Audrey said. “And you want us to repeat that.”

“Oh, please.”

“I just don’t think we should accept that they’ll make only one. We should change that construct and act as if both of us will make it.”

“Are you trying to appeal to some sense of decency?” Colette asked. “This isn’t some kindergarten contest where everyone wins a prize.”

“No, I’m well aware of that,” Audrey said. “I don’t expect that they’ll feel compelled to make us both partners because they don’t want to hurt our feelings. It’s a business. But you acting as if they’ll only promote one woman just legitimizes that premise. If we work against each other, there’s a good chance that neither of us will make it. We’ll both end up tarnished. Advocating for each other is the way to go.”

“I’m not going to support you, Audrey.” Colette crossed her arms.

Audrey stood up. She turned as if to leave, but then turned back to beseech Colette: “At least, let’s communicate—including any disagreements.”

“I just did that.” Colette smiled. It was not a warm smile. “But I can cc you in the future.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Five