The board votes to keep him.
Barely. Seven to five. But he stays.
With conditions. Public statement. HR review. Marcus as official oversight on all personnel decisions involving me.
But he stays.
And three hours later, he’s standing outside the coffee shop where Sophia and I have been waiting.
Through the window, I watch him get out of his car. Loosen his tie. Run his hand through his hair.
He looks exhausted. Relieved. Terrified.
“Go,” Sophia says. “I’ll get myself home.”
“You sure?”
“Please. He just torpedoed his entire board for you. Least you can do is hear him out.” She pushes me toward the door. “And Ariana? Be happy. You’ve earned it.”
I walk outside.
Lucian sees me. Stops.
For a moment, we just stand there. Ten feet apart. Everything between us finally out in the open.
