The boardroom fell silent as Alexander took his position at the head of the table. Every face turned toward him—some curious, others hostile, a few sympathetic. Richard Vasquez sat opposite me, a thin smile playing on his lips.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Alexander began, his voice steady and authoritative. "As you're aware, certain... personal matters have become public in a way that threatens to distract from our company's mission and accomplishments."
He gestured to me without quite meeting my eyes. "Ms. Bennett and I exercised poor judgment following the successful resolution of the Nova project. The photographs circulating show a momentary lapse that both of us deeply regret."
The words stung despite our agreement. Hearing him dismiss our kiss so clinically made it sound tawdry, meaningless.
"To address any concerns about impropriety or preferential treatment, Ms. Bennett has requested a transfer to Strategic Development, which I've approved, effective immediately. She will report directly to Marcus Chen."
Marcus nodded, his expression neutral but supportive.
"Furthermore," Alexander continued, "I want to be absolutely clear that my personal life—whatever it may or may not entail—has never and will never compromise my dedication to this company, its employees, or its shareholders."
Richard Vasquez cleared his throat. "That's a bold statement, Alexander, considering this isn't the first time your... personal interests have intersected with company business."
Alexander's face remained impassive. "If you have a specific concern, Richard, please state it clearly."
"I believe my concern is sitting right there," Vasquez gestured toward me. "Another female employee fast-tracked through the ranks, now being conveniently shuffled to a new department after being caught in a compromising position with the CEO."
My cheeks burned. "Mr. Vasquez," I said, unable to stay silent in the face of such an insinuation, "my professional record speaks for itself. Every promotion I've received has been based on performance metrics that are documented and verified by multiple supervisors—not just Mr. Thornton."
"Commendable defense," Vasquez said with a patronizing smile. "But one has to wonder about timing. Your meteoric rise began shortly after your private meeting with Alexander during your interview—a meeting that ran unusually long, I might add."
I opened my mouth to respond, but Alexander raised a hand.
"That's enough, Richard. Ms. Bennett's qualifications and performance are not up for debate. If you have concerns about my leadership, address them directly rather than making veiled accusations against an employee who has done nothing but excel at her job."
Geoffrey Thornton, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Perhaps we should focus on the actual issue at hand. The public perception crisis and its potential impact on our stock price."
"Precisely," Alexander nodded gratefully to his father. "Walker?"
The head of Legal stood, distributing tablets to everyone at the table. "We've prepared a statement for immediate release. It acknowledges the incident without admitting to any ongoing relationship or impropriety. Ms. Bennett's transfer is presented as a logical career progression following her success with the Nova project."
I glanced down at the tablet, skimming the carefully crafted language that downplayed our kiss as "a momentary celebration that was misinterpreted by observers."
"Additionally," Walker continued, "we've identified the source who leaked the photos to the press. A waiter at the gallery event was paid five thousand dollars for the images."
"Paid by whom?" Alexander asked sharply.
Walker hesitated, glancing at Richard Vasquez. "We're still investigating that detail."
"I'm sure you are," Vasquez said smoothly. "Just as I'm sure it will prove to be an untraceable transaction."
Alexander's gaze hardened. "Walker, I want answers on that payment by end of day."
"Yes, sir."
"Now," Alexander turned back to the board, "unless there are specific objections to the statement, I suggest we release it immediately and move on to actual company business. We have the Beijing audit results to review, and the new product launch timeline for next quarter."
I noticed how Richard Vasquez tensed at the mention of Beijing.
"Before we move on," Vasquez said, his voice taking on a concerned tone that rang false to my ears, "shouldn't we address the other elephant in the room? The information about James Miller that was brought to the board's attention."
A murmur ran through the room. Several board members exchanged glances.
"What would you like to address, Richard?" Alexander's voice was dangerously quiet. "The fact that you've resurrected a tragic accident from three years ago? Or the fact that you're using a dead man to further your agenda?"
"I'm merely suggesting that there might be a pattern of... let's call it questionable judgment. Miller raised concerns about operations you oversaw, and he died before those concerns could be fully investigated. Now you're asking us to trust your judgment regarding Ms. Bennett, when there are clear parallels to your previous relationship with my sister."
"There is no relationship with Ms. Bennett," Alexander said firmly. "And the investigation into the Beijing facility has been exhaustive and transparent, as you well know."
Geoffrey Thornton slapped his hand on the table. "Enough! This meeting is about addressing the current situation, not rehashing old grievances. The statement will be released as drafted. Ms. Bennett will transfer departments. And the board will receive a full briefing on the completed Beijing audit at our regular meeting next week." He fixed Vasquez with a steely glare. "Is that acceptable to you, Richard?"
Vasquez smiled thinly. "Of course, Geoffrey. I only want what's best for the company."
"Good. Then this portion of the meeting is concluded." Geoffrey stood. "Ms. Bennett, I believe you have a new department to join. Marcus will show you to your new office."
I recognized the dismissal for what it was and rose from my seat, grateful for the opportunity to escape the tension. As I gathered my things, Alexander finally met my eyes across the table. His expression was unreadable to most, but I caught a flicker of something—concern, perhaps, or apology.
Marcus appeared at my side. "Ready for your tour of Strategic Development? We're much more fun than HR, I promise."
I managed a small smile. "Lead the way."
As we left the boardroom, I heard Richard Vasquez's voice behind us: "Oh, Alexander, I've been meaning to ask—how is that storage facility in Queens? Still keeping it off the books?"
The door closed before I could hear Alexander's response.
My new office in Strategic Development was a significant upgrade from my space in HR—corner views, modern furniture, even a small seating area for meetings. Marcus had given me a warm welcome, introducing me to the team and outlining current projects with infectious enthusiasm.
"We've been wanting someone with your analytical skills for ages," he explained as he helped me set up my computer. "Your work on the Nova presentation was exactly the kind of thinking we need here."
By late afternoon, I'd already begun reviewing market research for a potential acquisition, grateful for work complex enough to distract me from the morning's events. Most of my new colleagues had been surprisingly normal, treating me with professional curiosity rather than scandal-tinged interest.
A soft knock at my door interrupted my concentration. I looked up to find Alexander standing there, his expression carefully neutral.
"Ms. Bennett. May I come in?"
"Of course, Mr. Thornton."
He closed the door behind him and remained standing, maintaining a professional distance. "I wanted to check how you're settling in."
"Very well, thank you. Marcus has been extremely helpful."
Alexander nodded. "Good. I also wanted to apologize for how things unfolded this morning. The statement was harsher than I would have liked."
"We agreed to present a united front denying any relationship," I reminded him. "It achieved its purpose."
"At your expense."
I shrugged. "Better my reputation takes a small hit than the company suffers."
A hint of a smile touched his lips. "Ever the company woman."
"It's my career too," I pointed out.
"Fair enough." He moved to the window, looking out at the city below. "Vasquez will continue to push, you know. This morning was just the opening salvo."
"What did he mean about the storage facility in Queens?"
Alexander turned back to me, his expression guarded. "A convenient distraction. Nothing more."
I raised an eyebrow. "After everything that's happened, you're still keeping secrets?"
"Some things are better left between as few people as possible, Eliza." His use of my first name, after the formal distance he'd maintained all day, caught me off guard. "Not because I don't trust you, but because knowledge can be dangerous."
"Like it was for James Miller?"
His face tightened. "Exactly like that."
I stood, moving closer to him. "Alexander, if I'm caught in the middle of whatever this is between you and Vasquez, don't I deserve to know why?"
He sighed. "You're right. But not here." He glanced at the walls meaningfully. "The company has ears."
"Then where?"
"The storage facility in Queens," he said quietly. "Tonight. I'll text you the address. Come alone, and make sure you're not followed."
Before I could respond, he was back in CEO mode, voice raised slightly for the benefit of anyone who might be listening. "I'm glad to hear you're settling in well, Ms. Bennett. Strategic Development is lucky to have you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything further."
"Thank you, Mr. Thornton," I matched his tone. "I appreciate your support during this transition."
He nodded and left, leaving me with more questions than answers and a decision to make. Should I meet him in Queens? Was I walking into a trap—or finally about to learn the truth?