Page 166 of Say My Name

The call ends six minutes later, and Daniel’s face disappears.

People close their laptops and push back their chairs. One of my analysts asks whether I want the revised retention schedule before tomorrow morning.

“Send it to the restricted project folder by six.” I meet her gaze. “Do not circulate the company name or leadership materials outside the approved team.”

She nods and leaves with the other analyst.

The acquisition administrator remains. So does the attorney from the legal department.

I close the conference-room door, the click of the latch sealing the three of us inside. I draw one steadying breath. “I need to disclose a personal conflict involving the target’s CEO.”

The administrator sets her tablet on the table. “Does the conflict affect your ability to continue on the project?”

“Yes.”

The attorney’s expression stays neutral. “Do you want to state the nature of the conflict here, or would you prefer a private conversation?”

“The CEO and I have a prior personal relationship. I don’t want the details included in routine project correspondence. I’m formally flagging it now so legal can determine the appropriate restrictions and reassignment.”

“Understood.” The attorney makes a note on her pad. “We’ll document only that a disclosed personal conflict exists unless more information becomes necessary for the review.”

“I’ll answer anything legal needs in a privileged conversation.”

The administrator makes a note. “The recording and identity-release materials remain restricted until the diligence package is complete. I’ll remove you from new assignments involving the target while legal reviews the disclosure.”

“Thank you.”

I wait until they leave, then sit alone at the conference table.

This morning, I learned I’m carrying the baby I’ve wanted for years. This afternoon, the man who taught me to distrust my own judgment walked back into my professional life. Between those two things is Dominic, heartbroken because I love him and still chose the future that required less trust.

I press both hands flat against the table, the cool, unyielding wood a shock beneath my palms. “I can’t do this here,” I whisper.

I can handle Daniel professionally. I just proved it. I can manage the early days of pregnancy, make appointments, and learn what I need to know. I can tell Dominic he’s going to be a father.

Considering all three at once leaves me unable to think past the need to get out of this building.

I stand and gather my things.

I leave the conference room determined to tell Dominic everything before I lose my nerve again.

His office door is open.

He’s on the phone, one hand braced against his desk as he listens. His jacket hangs over the back of his chair. Papers from another project are spread across the desk. Weller’s identity is still restricted, and he won’t receive the completed diligence materials or recording until Monday.

He doesn’t know who appeared on my screen. He doesn’t know about the test hidden behind my towels.

I stop outside his door with both truths crowding my thoughts.

Dominic looks up. Concern replaces concentration almost immediately, and he lifts one finger.

Wait.

I nod.

All I have to do is stand here until the call ends, walk inside, and close the door.

My mind scrambles for a script, for an order of operations that will make this less terrifying. I can start with Daniel. The target is Weller Strategic Holdings. Daniel Weller is my ex. I disclosed the conflict to legal, and I can’t remain on the acquisition.