chapter 21

As they rode the elevator back to the executive level, Alek maintained professional distance—not touching her, careful of security cameras that might create more compromising footage. “This changes our approach,” he said quietly. “Board involvement makes this an internal governance issue, not just a PR problem.” “I know.” Emma kept her voice equally low. “We need to get ahead of it.” “By ‘we,’ you mean you.” Alek’s expression was resolute. “Emma, I’ve been thinking. Perhaps I should step back temporarily.” Emma stared at him. “What are you talking about?” “Offer my resignation. Create distance between management decisions and our relationship.” “Absolutely not.” Emma’s voice was sharp. “That’s exactly what Adams wants—to divide leadership and force concessions.” “It would protect you professionally.” “While sending the message that we did something wrong,” Emma countered. “We didn’t.” The elevator doors opened, preventing further discussion. They walked silently to the boardroom, where members had already begun gathering for the emergency session. Adams sat reviewing papers, seemingly unconcerned. Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order with characteristic pomposity. “We face an unprecedented situation requiring immediate attention. Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Volkov, the floor is yours.” Emma stepped forward, decision made. “Before we address the press allegations, there’s another matter requiring Board attention.” She nodded to Jenkins, who distributed security footage screenshots to each member. “Two nights ago, Board member Adams accessed confidential security records without authorization and subsequently shared them with the Boston Herald.” Gasps and murmurs erupted around the table. Adams’ face flushed deep red. “This constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty and violation of confidentiality agreements all Board members sign,” Emma continued steadily. “I request an immediate vote on Adams’ removal from the Board, as outlined in our bylaws.” Adams stood, sputtering. “This is outrageous! I was conducting legitimate oversight of management conflicts of interest!” “Board oversight is conducted through proper channels,” Emma replied calmly. “Not midnight database raids and newspaper leaks.” “You’re diverting attention from the real issue,” Adams insisted. “Your inappropriate relationship with Volkov and its influence on team decisions!” “The timing of my personal relationship has been misrepresented,” Emma said. “But even if it hadn’t, it doesn’t justify corporate espionage.” Wilson looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Perhaps we should table Ms. Mitchell’s motion until we’ve addressed the primary concern—” “The primary concern, Charles,” Franklin Mitchell’s voice rang out as he entered the boardroom unexpectedly, “is that a Board member violated his legal obligations to this organization.” Emma had never been so grateful for her grandfather’s flair for dramatic timing. “Franklin,” Wilson acknowledged, clearly thrown. “We weren’t expecting you.” “Clearly.” Franklin took his customary seat at the head of the table. “Otherwise you might have remembered that Board governance is my particular area of expertise.” Over the next hour, Franklin masterfully redirected the meeting from Emma’s personal life to Adams’ professional misconduct. With surgical precision, he built the case for immediate removal, citing bylaw violations, fiduciary breaches, and potential legal liability. When the vote came, Adams was removed 7-2, with only Wilson and another member dissenting. As security escorted the disgraced Board member out, he pointed at Emma and Alek. “This isn’t over! The players deserve leadership without conflicts of interest!” After he was gone, Franklin addressed the remaining members. “Now, shall we discuss the actual media situation like adults?” The resulting strategy was straightforward: acknowledge the relationship began emotionally before the divorce was final but maintain that professional boundaries were respected until appropriate legal separation. Emphasize the collective nature of all management decisions, particularly the Reynolds trade. Offer complete transparency about decision processes going forward. “This organization’s strength comes from collaborative leadership,” Franklin concluded. “My granddaughter and Mr. Volkov have demonstrated exemplary professionalism during personally challenging circumstances. I suggest we support them rather than undermine them.” As the meeting adjourned, Emma felt a complex mix of emotions—relief at Adams’ removal, gratitude for her grandfather’s intervention, concern about ongoing repercussions. But most of all, a steely determination not to let this undermine everything she’d worked to build. In the hallway afterward, Alek caught up with her. “Are you alright?” “I’m angry,” she admitted quietly. “And disappointed in Adams. But mostly determined not to let this define us—professionally or personally.” “Your grandfather was magnificent.” “He’s had decades of practice handling boardroom crises.” Emma smiled faintly. “But yes, his timing was impeccable.” Alek glanced around the empty corridor, then said softly, “About what I suggested earlier—” “It’s not happening,” Emma cut him off. “No resignations. No professional separations. We face this together or not at all.” “You’re sure? The scrutiny will intensify before it diminishes.” “I’ve spent my entire career hiding parts of myself—my name, my wealth, my ambitions.” Emma’s voice was firm. “I won’t hide us too. We did nothing wrong, Alek.” His expression softened. “I’m more concerned about how this affects you than myself.” “I know.” Emma resisted the urge to touch him in the workplace corridor. “That’s one of the many reasons I love you.” Lisa approached with tablet in hand, interrupting the moment. “Draft statement ready for review, and the press is assembled for your four o’clock.” “We’ll be right there,” Emma assured her. As Lisa walked ahead, Emma turned back to Alek. “Remember last month when you said we shouldn’t hide because it would make it seem like we had something to hide?” “I remember.” “You were right.” Emma straightened her shoulders. “Let’s go tell our story—the real one.” They walked together toward the press room, not touching but united. Whatever interference they faced—from disgruntled Board members, hostile media, or Jack’s lingering shadow—they would navigate it together, with the same strength that had brought them through every previous challenge. Some things were worth fighting for. What they had built together—professionally and personally—definitely qualified.