Chapter 25

She relayed the conversation she’d overheard, watching his expression darken from concern to anger.

“Wilson and Peterson,” he growled. “I’ll speak to them tomorrow.”

“No, you won’t.” Emma’s voice was firm. “That would only confirm their belief that I need you to fight my battles.”

“This isn’t about fighting battles. It’s about basic respect.”

“Respect has to be earned, not enforced.” Emma gazed out the windshield. “What if they’re right, Alek? What if I am just trading on my name and our relationship?”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” She turned to face him. “I never completed my MBA. My business experience before the Blades was minimal. I learned hockey operations on the fly.”

“While developing revolutionary pricing models, community engagement strategies, and player development approaches,” Alek countered. “Emma, you’re brilliant at this job. Wilson and Peterson are threatened by competent women, nothing more.”

“Maybe.” Emma wasn’t conv