He called Victoria the second Emma was in bed. They just threatened my daughter. What? He read her the message. Victoria’s response was immediate and furious. That’s it. I’m done playing defense. Tomorrow morning, I’m holding a press conference. I’m getting ahead of this. Controlling the narrative before they do.
Victoria, that’s they brought your daughter into this. They crossed a line. I’m not waiting for them to publish their hit piece. I’m telling our story first. Our story that we met, that we’re seeing each other, that you came to me with legitimate concerns about workplace misconduct, that the investigation is based on evidence, not favoritism, that we have nothing to hide.
Noah’s head spun. You’re going to publicly confirm we’re together? Yes, because if we hide, they win. They get to control how this looks. But if we’re honest, transparent, let the facts speak for themselves, we take away their power. The board is going to lose their minds. Let them. I’m the CEO. I run this company.
And I’m not going to let Richard Castellano and his cronies destroy good people because they’re afraid of accountability. What if this costs you everything? What if the board forces you out? Victoria laughed sharp and bitter. Then I’ll leave and I’ll take you with me. We’ll figure it out. But I’m not letting them threaten your daughter.
That’s non-negotiable. Friday morning, Victoria held the press conference at 9:00 a.m. Noah watched it on the company internet along with what seemed like everyone else in the building. She stood at a podium, professional and composed, and laid it all out. Confirmed she and Noah were in a relationship.
Explained that he had brought concerns about workplace misconduct to her attention. Detailed the investigation, the evidence, the systematic pattern of theft, acknowledged the optics were complicated, but insisted the investigation was warranted and would continue regardless of any personal relationships.
I understand there will be questions about conflict of interest, Victoria said, but I want to be clear. The evidence in this case is overwhelming. It exists independent of any relationship I have with anyone. My job is to protect the integrity of this company and the people who work here. That’s what I’m doing. If anyone has concerns about my fitness to lead, the board meets monthly.
They’re welcome to voice those concerns, but I will not apologize for holding people accountable or for being honest about my personal life. The press erupted with questions. Victoria fielded them calmly, never wavering, never apologizing. When someone asked if she was worried about her reputation, she smiled. My reputation is built on results.
Hail Industries has tripled in value under my leadership. We’ve expanded into six new markets. We employ 15,000 people. That’s my reputation. who I have dinner with doesn’t change those facts. The conference ended after 20 minutes. Noah sat at his desk, heart pounding, phone exploding with texts. Marcus, your girlfriend is a badass.
David, holy she just owned that. Even people who’d been hostile earlier were grudgingly impressed. Victoria had taken the scandal they’d been preparing to weaponize and diffused it by refusing to treat it like a scandal. His desk phone rang. HR. Mr. Carter. Miss Hail would like to see you in her office. Now Noah’s stomach flipped.
He’d never been to the executive floor. Didn’t even know where Victoria’s office was exactly. He took the elevator to the top floor, gave his name to the assistant, and was ushered into an office that was somehow both massive and understated. Victoria was standing at the window, looking out at the city. She turned when he entered.
Close the door. He did. They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. That was insane, Noah said finally. That was necessary. You just told the entire world we’re together. I did. Your board is going to crucify you. Probably. She crossed to him, took his hands. I don’t care. They threatened Emma.
That’s where I draw the line. Victoria, you can’t sacrifice your career for I’m not sacrificing anything. I’m choosing. There’s a difference. She squeezed his hands. Noah, I spent my entire life letting other people’s expectations dictate my choices, what I should do, how I should act, who I should be. And it made me successful.
It also made me miserable. I’m done with that. I’m choosing this, choosing you, choosing us, whatever that costs. What if it costs everything? Then we start over together. Noah pulled her close, kissed her, felt something settle in his chest. Fear mixed with hope. Terror mixed with certainty. “I love you,” he said, surprising himself.
Victoria pulled back, eyes wide. “What?” “I love you. I know it’s fast and it’s crazy and we barely know each other, but I do. I love you.” She laughed and it sounded like relief. “I love you, too,” which is probably the most reckless thing I’ve ever admitted. More reckless than that press conference. Much more.
They stood there holding each other until Victoria’s assistant buzzed in. Ms. Hail, the board chairman is on line one. He sounds upset. Victoria sighed. Of course he does. She looked at Noah. I have to take this. But we’re having dinner tonight. You, me, and Emma. No more hiding. No more pretending. Just us. You sure? Completely.
