Wild Open Hearts (Bluewater Billionaires) - Kathryn Nolan Page 0,102
that could change the beauty industry and its horrible animal testing practices.” I swallowed. “The other was to make enough money I could give it all away. The first one I’ve done—or I did, until I made a huge mistake and decided to partner with a company that didn’t match my values. And for that I’ve apologized, but allow me to repeat myself—I am truly sorry. Please know Wild Heart has been following through on all of the promises we made to ensure this never happens again. It was absolutely my fault, and it was absolutely a decision based entirely on greed and not justice.”
I looked down at my notes, seeking comfort, then remembered I was winging it.
“The second part isn’t true,” I continued. “I’m speaking now to everyone on this beach who is extraordinarily wealthy, like me. Who is extraordinarily successful, like me. Isn’t it interesting how the more you make, the more terrified you become of losing it? I’m sitting on more money than I could realistically spend in a lifetime and yet I hoard it for myself.”
I paused—the audience was shifting in the sand. I could hear throats being cleared.
“I take my role as a young, female entrepreneur seriously. It’s a level of success that has been denied to women in our society. I am proud to be here, proud of my best friends, who have also worked incredibly hard to be here while maintaining their ethics and integrity. That’s no easy feat,” I said, catching Alissa’s eye. “I am proud to have founded a company that I poured my blood, sweat and tears into. But money can be directed towards good or evil, nonprofits, or in my case, more yoga pants than a woman could ever wear.”
A smattering of laughter—but it was very, very true.
“We all get to direct our money in the way that matters the most to us. That could be our families, our children, our pets. Our homes, our art. Books, travel, adventure. To pay our bills so we don’t lose our home. To pay for gas so we can visit a loved one in the hospital every day. Because I have so very much of it, I believe it should be given away. That is my choice. The one I’m rededicating myself to, having lost my way.”
My voice wavered a bit at the end. I paused. Took a breath.
“I want to live in a world where humans and animals and the natural world have value. I never want that taken away.” I looked right at Beck. “From anyone. Tonight I’d like to formally announce the Wild Heart Foundation, which will act as the funding arm of the Wild Heart company. Philanthropy will be at the heart of our company moving forward. Giving back. Paving the way for even more corporations to give even more of their profits to community organizations that are changing things for the better.” I swallowed, thought about that girl in the picture, sandy hair and a happy heart. “Philanthropy will be at the heart of my life, moving forward. Because it’s time. And I believe all of us can agree that we have the power to chart our businesses on a better course. That is what I believe real business is about. And that is how I believe the women in this audience can stand out, do better, be better. A rising tide lifts all boats, as they say. Let’s lift them all.”
I looked at Alissa, who nodded in approval. “Thank you,” I said into the microphone. The audience clapped—really clapped—but I felt shaky, light, dizzy, weird. Side effects of being honest, I guessed. The audience was still clapping. I smiled. Waved a little. Made my way off the stage to find Beck.
But I was crushed—Jasmine, gripping my elbow and pulling me towards a trio of cameras.
“I need to find Beck first,” I said to her.
“Interviews first, Beck second,” she said. A mic was shoved into my face and ten years of public relations training kicked in. As the event continued around us, I gave a handful of interviews about the foundation—all while scanning the crowd. Where was my boyfriend?
And by the time I finally extricated myself from Jasmine and camera crews, I spotted his broad back. Walking down Ocean Drive.
Away from me.
56
Beck
I knew two things as I watched Luna declare her values and her dreams for the world up on that stage.