Chapter 95

One year later, Emma stood at the window of their shared office in the Maple Leafs headquarters, watching Alek field questions from a group of reporters in the conference room below. He looked confident and comfortable, every inch the co-owner he’d become.

“The partnership model has exceeded our expectations,” he was saying. “Having two different perspectives in leadership has strengthened every aspect of our operation.”

Emma smiled, remembering how terrified the board had been when she’d first proposed bringing Alek in as minority partner. Now, twelve months later, the Leafs were having their best season in years, both on the ice and financially.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Charlotte’s teacher: “Charlotte’s presentation was excellent. She clearly inherited the family talent for leadership.”

Emma pulled up the video the teacher had attached. Five-year-old Charlotte stood in front of her kindergarten class, confidently explaining her project about women