Flynn’s eyes widened. ‘Would it be possible to listen to that conversation?’
Jenny reached on to the sideboard behind her and grabbed her phone. ‘Of course,’ she said, pressing play on the recording.
What followed was a calm start to a conversation followed by an explosive argument, in which David degraded Jenny in every way possible: telling her she was stupid, there was no job or money, they had used her so they could sabotage the good reputation of Starcross Manor and become the number one wedding venue in the Scottish Highlands. She’d thrown the competition and that was her choice.
Libby was flabbergasted. ‘I can’t believe such awful people exist in this world.’
‘I’m deeply sorry, Flynn. I really am.’ Jenny was remorseful and tearful.
‘Oh Jenny, you should have gone to Flynn and told him what was going on.’
‘How could I? I made a bad choice and now I have to pay the consequences. I’m really sorry for letting you down.’ Jenny looked towards Flynn.
‘Can you send me that recording?’ Flynn asked.
Jenny immediately handed over her phone and Flynn sent the recording to his phone before handing hers back.
‘Can I just confirm that they didn’t fill in any sort of application form for the competition?’
Jenny shook her head. ‘No, they didn’t.’
‘Okay, this is what we are going to do,’ Flynn stated. ‘Firstly, you’re going to come back to work at Starcross Manor and we are going to sort out the payment for your mum’s care home.’
The look on Jenny’s face made it clear she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘Why would you do that for me? After everything I’ve done to you?’ she stuttered.
‘Because I don’t like to see anyone being taken advantage of and you have been a member of my staff for a long time. I know how hard you work. You made a bad call, but it’s obvious to me they targeted you and used you as part of their plan.’
Jenny became tearful. ‘I don’t know what to say, except that I don’t deserve this.’ Her voice quivered and her hands were shaking.
‘The only thing I ask in return is loyalty and honesty. I appreciate things have got on top of you with a sick parent and then you trusted someone you shouldn’t have, but everyone deserves a second chance.’
‘And what are we going to do about Miranda and David?’ asked Libby.
‘Hang them out to dry and expose them for what they are.’
‘Good,’ replied Libby. ‘That’s exactly what they deserve.’
‘Do you think they would have actually gone through with the wedding?’ Flynn pondered.
‘No,’ confirmed Jenny. ‘They were going to carry on and sabotage everything—the flowers, the cake, the dress—and then sell the story that due to the incompetence of the wedding venue they cancelled the wedding and decided to open their own wedding venue to give future brides and grooms the wedding they deserve.’
‘The cheek of them both. I’ll be pursuing legal action against them for slander and money lost,’ Flynn said. ‘We’ll need your help with that, Jenny, if you’re up for it?’
Jenny nodded. ‘It’s the least I can do.’
‘Good. Now, try not to worry about anything.’
‘I worry they’ll come looking for me.’ Jenny looked around the small open-plan flat. ‘It’s a little scary on my own.’
‘Let’s get you out of here then. Pack a bag; you’re coming back to Starcross Manor with us. There will be a spare room in the staff quarters. You can settle back in and start work on Monday.’
‘Are you serious?’ Jenny questioned.
‘Absolutely.’
‘I can’t thank you enough.’ Jenny smiled through her tears. Without hesitation she took down a suitcase from the top of the wardrobe.
‘We’ll wait for you outside,’ said Flynn, standing up.
