I’m still trying to breathe.
I know what they’re talking about. I know exactly what case they found. And how bad it looks. But how the hell did they connect the dots so fast?
And why does Rowan look like he’s about to take the table apart with his bare hands?
“I’d like to know,” Rowan says again, his tone quiet now “which of you decided that my guest was fair game.”
Masden exhales, almost like he’s disappointed in Rowan. “You’re deflecting. That doesn’t sound like you.”
“I’m clarifying,” Rowan snaps. “There’s a difference.”
“You’re making this emotional,” Harris murmurs. “That’s what has us concerned.”
“I’m making this personal,” Rowan corrects, leaning forward now, voice venomous. “Because it is personal. You didn’t vet a candidate. You went after a woman who isn’t applying, isn’t networking, and isn’t here for anything other than being at my side. Which means if you have a problem, gentlemen”—his gaze sweeps the table—“you have it with me.”
“Rowan.” Harris lifts a hand like he’s offering peace. “This isn’t meant to be punitive. We simply couldn’t ignore the red flags.”
“Red flags?” I choke. “You make it sound like I forged a federal warrant.”
“No,” Masden says flatly. “You breached confidentiality in a live case.”
I flinch.
Rowan’s eyes go ice white.
“I suggest,” Masden says mildly, “we all take a breath. No one is accusing Ms. Whitmore of anything further. This is merely… a moment of transparency.”
I open my mouth, but Rowan beats me to it.
“You wanted a sanitized image,” he says. “A polished résumé in heels. Instead, you got someone smart, and loyal enough towalk into this lion’s den for me.” He leans back in his chair, eyes narrowing. “And it terrified you.”
Silence.
Then, “That’s a rather generous spin,” Harris says coolly.
“It’s the correct one,” Rowan replies.
Masden straightens his silverware. “Be that as it may, we now have liability concerns. If you move forward with an offer from this company, and your judgment is clouded?—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” Rowan says, deadly calm.
“Why not?” Harris challenges. “It’s a valid point.”
“Because you’re suggesting that I’d compromise this firm’s integrity over a woman.” He tilts his head, smile razor thin. “Which is ironic, given how often you’ve all done exactly that.”
A beat.
Two.
Even Harris blinks at that one.
Masden sits back, his expression unreadable. “You’ve made your position clear, King.”
“No,” Rowan says. “You have. I just finally believed you.”
And with that, he stands.
Pushes his chair in, and then reaches down and takes my hand, despite the thunder rolling in his expression.
