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