Chapter 86

Emma stared at the mahogany conference table in her new office, surrounded by twelve men in expensive suits who were explaining why her ideas wouldn’t work.

“The fan base isn’t ready for that level of change,” said Gerald Morrison, the team’s longtime general manager. “We need to maintain tradition.”

“Tradition is what’s keeping us from winning,” Emma replied, keeping her voice level. “The fans want results, not nostalgia.”

“With respect, Mrs. Volkov, you’ve been in this role for two weeks. Some of us have been with this organization for decades.”

Mrs. Volkov. Emma noticed they never called her “Ms. Mitchell” or “Emma” like they would a male owner. Always the diminutive title that defined her by her relationship to a man.

A man who was currently three thousand miles away, posting photos on Instagram of Stockholm cafes and Nordic sunsets.

“Experience matters,” Emma agreed. “But so does fresh perspective. And the fresh perspective says we need to re