Chapter 13: The Boardroom Tension
1273 Words
The soft chime of the elevator signaled its arrival on the executive floor, and Harper inhaled deeply, steadying herself before stepping out into the sleek, modern hallway of Blackwood Enterprises. After the weekend away and the unexpected closeness she and Nathan had shared, returning to the professional sphere felt strangely unsettling.
She had spent the night at Nathan’s penthouse—not in his bed, but on the couch, where she had fallen asleep after their intimate moment. When she woke up, he had already left for an early meeting, leaving behind a simple note and coffee on the kitchen counter.
See you at the office. – N.
It was a small gesture, but it stayed with her all morning.
Now, as she made her way toward the conference room, she straightened her blazer, willing herself into the role she had agreed to play. Fake fiancée. Corporate assets. Nothing more.
But the memory of Nathan’s hand lingering on her cheek, his whispered words, and the almost-kiss had her nerves tangled into a mess.
As she pushed open the doors of the boardroom, a dozen sharp gazes turned toward her. Executives, department heads, and senior partners—all seated in their designated spots, their expressions unreadable. At the head of the long, mahogany table sat Nathan, exuding his usual confidence in a navy suit, his hands folded in front of him.
“Ms. Reed.” His greeting was smooth, professional. Nothing in his voice hinted at the shift that had occurred between them.
Harper nodded, taking her seat beside him. “Good morning, everyone.”
She barely had time to settle before the meeting began.
---
The morning’s agenda revolved around quarterly reports, upcoming expansion strategies, and the looming threat of a rival corporation encroaching on Blackwood Enterprises’ market share. It was a tense meeting, made even more so by the presence of Charles Donovan, the senior partner with a long-standing reputation for questioning Nathan’s leadership.
“I understand that Blackwood Enterprises is looking to expand its international presence, but the board has some concerns,” Donovan said, adjusting his expensive cufflinks as he spoke. “Specifically, how you plan to reassure investors that your… recent personal affairs won’t impact the company’s stability.”
Harper stiffened. The implied jab at their engagement was not lost on her, and judging by the sudden tightening of Nathan’s jaw, he had caught it too.
“My personal affairs have no bearing on the company’s success,” Nathan said evenly, his voice carrying the authority of a man who was used to being challenged but never defeated.
Donovan smiled, but it was the kind of smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Perhaps, but the investors don’t just look at numbers, Nathan. They look at image, reputation, and trust. And from what I’ve gathered, your engagement has been the topic of quite a few… speculative conversations.”
A murmur rippled through the room.
Harper swallowed, keeping her face neutral even as her heart pounded. She had expected public scrutiny, but now it was creeping into the company’s inner circle.
Nathan’s fingers tapped lightly against the table—a subtle sign of irritation. “If our investors have concerns, I’d be happy to address them personally. However, I would remind the board that my leadership has delivered consistent growth, secured new partnerships, and maintained stability during an unpredictable economy.”
Donovan leaned back, his smirk widening. “Oh, I’m not questioning your leadership, Nathan. Just your judgment.”
Nathan’s gaze darkened, but before he could respond, Harper spoke up.
“With all due respect, Mr. Donovan,” she said smoothly, forcing herself to meet his gaze, “speculative conversations are just that—speculation. Nathan and I have been nothing but transparent about our engagement, and as someone who has been closely involved in the company’s affairs, I can assure you that his personal life has not interfered with business matters in any way.”
The room fell silent.
Donovan studied her for a long moment before letting out a low chuckle. “Spoken like a true fiancée.”
The way he said it made it sound more like an accusation than a compliment.
Nathan’s fingers curled into a fist, but Harper placed a gentle hand over his under the table—a silent reminder to stay composed. She could feel the tension radiating from him, but to the outside world, they looked like nothing more than a supportive couple.
“Unless you have any actual concerns regarding company performance,” Harper continued, keeping her tone cool, “I suggest we move on to more pressing matters.”
Nathan’s lips twitched, just slightly, as if impressed.
Donovan’s smirk faltered, but he nodded. “Very well.”
The rest of the meeting moved forward, but the tension lingered.
---
After the meeting, Harper stayed behind as the executives filed out one by one. Nathan remained seated, his expression unreadable as he slowly turned his attention to her.
“You didn’t have to do that,” he said finally.
Harper crossed her arms. “I know.”
Nathan exhaled, leaning back in his chair. “Donovan has been looking for a reason to undermine me for years. He thinks he can poke holes in my leadership by attacking my personal life.”
“He’s not wrong about one thing,” Harper admitted reluctantly. “People are talking. And the more people speculate, the harder it will be to keep up this lie.”
Nathan rubbed his temples. “I know.”
A silence stretched between them, heavier than before.
Harper hesitated before speaking again. “Nathan, I need to ask you something.”
He looked up, his gaze sharp. “Go on.”
She exhaled slowly. “Do you ever regret this? Us?”
Nathan was quiet for a long moment before he finally responded. “No. But I regret that it’s getting harder to separate what’s real and what’s not.”
Her breath caught.
He stood, rounding the table until he was standing directly in front of her. “Harper… last night, when I said I didn’t have to pretend with you—I meant it.”
Her pulse quickened, her defenses threatening to crumble. “Nathan, this wasn’t supposed to be real.”
“But it is,” he said simply. “At least for me.”
She swallowed, trying to push down the emotions threatening to rise. “We’re in too deep.”
“Maybe,” Nathan admitted. “But if we have to keep playing this game, I’d rather do it with you than anyone else.”
The vulnerability in his voice shattered whatever walls she had left.
Before she could stop herself, she reached up, brushing her fingers lightly over his tie. “Nathan…”
His hand came up, covering hers. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”
She didn’t say a word.
The tension between them was suffocating, the air charged with something undeniable. But before either of them could make a move, a sharp knock on the boardroom door shattered the moment.
They pulled apart instantly as Nathan’s assistant, Olivia, stepped inside. “Mr. Blackwood, your father is here to see you.”
Nathan’s expression hardened. “Of course he is.”
Harper took a step back, exhaling shakily. “I should go.”
Nathan turned to her, hesitation flashing in his eyes. “We’re not done talking about this.”
Harper forced a small smile. “I know.”
She turned and walked out, her heart pounding in her chest.
The boardroom tension wasn’t just about business anymore.
It was about them.
- Writer
