Chapter 8: Marcus Defects

The conference room at Reyes & Reyes felt smaller than usual. Elena sat at the head of the scarred oak table, laptop open, presentation deck frozen on the Horizon campaign mood board. Across from her, Marcus Chen- founder of the rising streetwear-meets-luxury fashion startup that had been her agency's flagship client for eighteen months, fidgeted with his phone. His usual easy confidence was gone. Replaced by a nervous energy that made the air feel charged.

Lila stood by the window, arms crossed, pretending to look at the street below. But Elena knew she was listening to every word.

Marcus cleared his throat. "Elena, I respect what you've built here. Really. But..."

"But?" Elena kept her voice even. Professional. Even though her stomach was in freefall.

"The rumors." He tapped his phone screen, turning it toward her. The same anonymous LinkedIn post that had been circulating for days. Now it had 4,800 likes. Comments ranged from "fire her" to "Vanguard deserves better." One even speculated about "Vegas scandal ties."

"Investors are asking questions," Marcus continued. "My lead backer pulled half his commitment this morning. Said he can't risk association with 'instability.'"

Elena leaned forward. "Marcus, we've delivered every deliverable on time. Engagement on your last drop was up 47%. The Horizon work we're doing with Vanguard is going to elevate your brand globally. This is noise. It will pass."

He looked genuinely conflicted. "I want to believe that. But the boardroom optics... you signing an exclusive with Vanguard the same week these stories break? People are connecting dots that aren't even there."

Elena swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth. "The stories are manufactured. Sterling Creative is behind them. They're trying to sabotage the deal so they can swoop in."

Marcus rubbed his jaw. "I heard that theory too. But perception is reality in this industry. And right now, perception is that Reyes & Reyes is radioactive."

Lila stepped forward. "So you're pulling the contract?"

"Not pulling. Pausing." Marcus slid a printed letter across the table. "Ninety-day notice. We'll reevaluate after the Horizon launch. If things stabilize..."

Elena didn't touch the letter. "Ninety days is a death sentence for cash flow. You know that."

"I know." His voice cracked slightly. "I'm sorry, Elena. Truly. But I have to protect my company."

He stood. Extended his hand.

Elena shook it firm, no tremor. "I understand. Good luck with the next drop."

Marcus left without another word. The door clicked shut behind him like a guillotine.

Lila exhaled. "Bastard."

"He's scared." Elena stared at the letter. "Everyone's scared."

Her phone buzzed. Damian.

Damian: Board meeting postponed until tomorrow. Theo's pushing hard. Where are you?

Elena: Office. Marcus just defected. Ninety-day pause.

Three dots appeared. Then:

Damian: I'm coming over.

Elena typed quickly.

Elena: No. Stay away. If they see you here it'll fuel the conflict-of-interest rumors.

Damian: Then come to Vanguard. Strategy session. Now. Bring Lila if you want backup.

Elena glanced at Lila. "He wants us at Vanguard. Strategy session."

Lila snorted. "Translation: he wants you in a room where he can touch you under the table again."

Elena felt heat crawl up her neck. "We need the work. Horizon is our lifeline now."

They arrived at Vanguard thirty minutes later. The executive floor was quieter than usual, tense, like the building itself knew a storm was coming.

Damian waited in the same boardroom where she'd first pitched. Sleeves rolled, tie loosened, looking like he hadn't slept either.

He closed the door behind them. Locked it.

Lila raised an eyebrow. "Subtle."

Damian ignored her. His eyes were on Elena. "Marcus?"

"Gone. For now." Elena set her bag down. "We have maybe six weeks of runway left if no other clients step up."

Damian moved closer. "Then we make Horizon impossible to ignore. We accelerate the timeline. Go live in forty-five days instead of ninety. Full blitz, digital, OOH, influencer seeding. Your creative leads."

Elena nodded slowly. "We can do that. But it means all-nighters. Resources pulled from everywhere."

"I'm authorizing overtime. Extra budget. Whatever you need." His voice lowered. "And I'm working side by side with you."

Lila cleared her throat. "I'll... go grab coffee. Black, right?"

She slipped out, closing the door softly.

Alone.

Damian stepped into Elena's space. Not crowding. Not yet.

"You look exhausted," he said quietly.

"I am." She met his gaze. "But I can't stop."

His hand lifted slowly and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. The touch lingered on her cheek.

"You don't have to do this alone."

Elena's breath caught. "Damian..."

He leaned down. Forehead resting against hers. "Last night, when I kissed you... I couldn't think of anything else. Even with the threats. Even with the photo."

Her hands found his chest. Felt the steady thump of his heart under the shirt.

"I keep remembering Vegas," she whispered. "Not just the sex. The way you looked at me like I was the only thing in the world."

His thumb traced her jaw. "I wish I could remember more. Just fragments. A laugh. Dark hair on white sheets. A bracelet left behind."

Elena's heart stuttered. He was so close to the truth.

But he didn't push. Instead he kissed her, slow this time. Deep. Like he was memorizing her taste.

She melted into it. Hands sliding up to his neck. His arms banded around her waist, lifting her onto the conference table. Papers scattered. Neither cared.

His mouth moved to her throat. "Tell me to stop."

"Don't."

His hand slid under her skirt slowly, deliberate, fingers tracing the edge of her lace panties. She was already wet. Aching.

"Damian…"

A sharp knock.

They froze.

Theo's voice through the door. "Brother? Open up. We need to talk about the board agenda."

Damian cursed under his breath. Set Elena down gently. Adjusted her skirt with careful hands.

Elena smoothed her hair. Face flushed.

Damian opened the door.

Theo stood there, smirking. Behind him, a young woman Elena didn't recognize, sharp suit, tablet in hand. New junior account manager?

"Am I interrupting?" Theo asked, eyes flicking between them.

Damian stepped aside. "What do you want?"

Theo entered, the woman trailing. "Meet Sarah. She's joining the Horizon team from Sterling. Transferred this morning."

Elena's blood went cold. Sterling. Mole.

Sarah smiled, polite, perfect. "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Reyes. I've heard so much."

Theo clapped Damian on the shoulder. "Board wants fresh eyes. Conflict-of-interest concerns and all."

Damian's eyes narrowed. "You planted her."

"Board approved. Unanimous." Theo turned to Elena. "Hope you don't mind sharing creative control."

Sarah's gaze dropped to Elena's wrist. To the bracelets. Her smile sharpened fractionally.

Elena felt the trap closing.

Damian's hand found the small of her back, steady, claiming.

But the room suddenly felt too small.

And the new player had just walked in wearing Sterling colors.