Page 176 of Say My Name

“I read it.”

“I didn’t know his company was the target when I prepared the analysis. The intermediary didn’t identify Weller until Thursday. I disclosed the relationship as soon as the call ended, and the acquisition administrator removed me from further assignments while legal⁠—”

I wait for a breath, a moment to step in without breaking her. “Elena.”

She stops.

“You don’t have to defend yourself. You followed every procedure.”

“The company has already spent weeks on the evaluation.”

“I withdrew our interest.”

“What?”

“The deal is over.”

“You terminated the acquisition?”

“Yes.”

“Dominic, legal can reassign me. The conflict doesn’t affect the work my team already completed, and Weller’s financials⁠—”

“I’m not acquiring Daniel’s company.”

“You can’t walk away from a deal this size because I had a relationship with its CEO.”

“He threatened your career. Acquiring Weller Strategic would give him access to you through the company I run.”

“I can refuse contact with him.”

“You shouldn’t have to reorganize your work around a man who already took too much from you.”

“That isn’t your decision to make.”

He used his power to hurt her. I’ll use mine to keep him away. “The acquisition is,” I say.

She goes quiet.

I lower my voice. “I made this decision before I called you. It stands whether you return to Rowe after leave, resign tomorrow, or tell me you never want a personal relationship with me again. I’m not buying anything from you with it.”

The faint hum of a heater reaches me through the phone.

“Does Cliff know?” she asks.

“Not yet.”

“You can’t explain Daniel without telling him how you know.”

“I’m going to tell him what he needs to know. I won’t share private details that belong to you.”

“You’re telling him about us?”

“Yes.”

She exhales. “He’s going to lose his mind.”

“He has the right.” And I have to stand there and take it for her.