All Chapters of Inappropriate Conduct : Chapter 31 - Chapter 37

Chapter 32: Appearances POV: Julian Julian Black had never been told to “tone it down” in his entire career. He’d been told he was too aggressive, too ambitious, too relentless—but those were compliments disguised as criticism. He wore them like armor, because they meant he was winning. But now? Now the same board that had once begged him to save their sinking campaigns was telling him to control appearances. Like his love for Jamie was a stain that needed bleaching out. The message came in a “casual” sit-down with two senior partners and HR. They didn’t meet in the boardroom this time. Too formal, too visible. Instead, they booked a small corner office, blinds half-shut, voices pitched low as if his life were a secret to be managed. “Julian,” one of the partners began carefully, “you’ve been invaluable to this company. No one doubts your talent, your leadership, or your record. But—” “There’s always a but,” Julian said flatly. The man winced. “Optics are critical right now

Chapter 34: Sabotage POV: Julian Julian Black wasn’t used to losing. He wasn’t used to waiting either. Promotions came to him like clockwork—earned through late nights, impossible pitches, and a reputation so polished people mistook it for perfection. But this week, the silence had stretched too long. The board had promised an announcement about the open Senior Creative Partner seat. Julian had been the obvious choice. Everyone knew it. So when the email finally came, his chest tightened—not with nerves, but certainty. Until he opened it. The board has decided to delay the promotion decision pending review of recent internal concerns. Pending review. The words hit like a fist to the gut. Julian sat frozen at his desk, the glow of the screen painting him in blue. His pulse pounded in his ears. This wasn’t about performance. His numbers were untouchable. His campaigns had carried half their revenue this quarter. No. This was about Jamie. His jaw clenched so hard it ached.

Chapter 36: Ghosts of Scandal POV: Julian Julian didn’t go home that night. He sat in his office long after the cleaners had left, long after the building emptied, staring at the city lights through glass that suddenly felt too thin. Jamie’s campaign had been brilliant. Everyone was talking about it. Proud whispers. Admiration. Respect. And Julian hadn’t been there to see it. Not because he didn’t want to. But because he couldn’t risk tainting it. Couldn’t let anyone think Jamie’s success was his hand guiding the wheel. He told himself it was the right choice. Professional. Necessary. So why did it feel like punishment? He poured himself a drink from the decanter he kept for late nights. The whiskey burned down his throat, but the ghosts it conjured burned hotter. Because this wasn’t the first time he’d sat alone like this, staring at a skyline and wondering if everything he’d built was about to collapse. The last time had been years ago. A different city. A different com