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He looks guilty as charged.
I don’t want him following me around. I’m definitely going to tell him. I will not—
“Okay,” I find myself giving in as though my mouth has a mind of its own. I whirl back around and jab a finger at him. “But I’ll do the talking.”
He gives me a grin that makes my heart skip a beat. “Yes, ma’am.”
* * *
I really hatewhen Adam is right. Not only because I hate being wrong in general, but because Adam knows how to lord it over me.
“Don’t say a word,” I whisper to him as we return to the company after our short but fruitful investigation.
Adam makes a zipping motion in front of his lips.
I glare straight ahead and march into the conference room where everyone is waiting.
All the directors are present and staring expectantly at me.
I lift my chin at the PR team. “The patent office’s internal investigation team will be in touch with us soon. They’re going to put out a statement clarifying the situation and absolving Adam and Vision Tech.”
A wave of ‘what’ and ‘how come’ echoes over the office.
I lift a hand for quiet. “The patent office was already investigating one of their own for selling blueprints and blackmailing inventors to make money. They’ll host a press conference. Today.”
“Then we’re saved!” Roberts declares, flashing me a big grin.
“Not quite.” I stop their early celebration. “The damage to Vision Tech is severe. We need ideas for an event that will align the company with positive news articles. Preferably something related to the kinetic batteries.”
“What about a sports day?” Adam suggests. “The kinetic batteries were created to encourage movement. We can invite the local schools or children’s homes to participate.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Roberts spits. “We’re a tech company. Not a community center.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “No, I like it. We can have the participants beta test low-budget prototypes and show reporters how the batteries are supposed to work. We also get to push the message that Vision Tech is here to make the lives of everyone easier. By involving the community, we can make the company look more accessible and warm-hearted rather than cold and distant.”
Roberts chuckles nervously. “You’re right. It’s a great idea! I love it.”
I slap my binder closed. “Take care of that,” I say to the PR director. “Roberts, invite our biggest shareholders to the event too. Let them see how the kinetic batteries work in advance. With their support, it’ll be easier to convince the board to green light in-house manufacturing.”
“Got it.”
I dismiss them and head back to my office.
Adam matches my pace. In the elevator, he checks his watch. “I’m going to make sure you eat lunch and then I’ll head back to Rowan.”
“I notice you’re not running away from him anymore.”
“Yeah, well, if he’s not my kid, I can write it off as babysitting for an old friend. And if he is… at least I won’t regret my first impression.”
I smile up at him. “I’m glad you’re seeing the light. But you don’t have to stay until lunch. I’ll make sure I eat.”
“I don’t believe you,” Adam says.
“You never believe me.”
“Maybe if you didn’t get so caught up in work and took better care of yourself, I’d worry about you less.”
“You don’t have to worry about me at all, Adam.”
