Page 65 of Bound Hearts

Smiling, I pause before saying, "I'm happy we've both found some stability in our lives."

Celeste thrums her perfectly manicured nails on the conference table. She sang my praises, then pivoted quickly to the nitty-gritty of new contracts she thinks only I can handle. I stopped her and shared the news. Instantly, her mood dropped.

Now the air is stiff. I've hit a switch in her. The woman I thought I had a good rapport with vanishes.

“Pregnant.” She swallows. She’s unreadable, but I’m certain she isn’t going to be saying congratulations at any point in this conversation.

To be honest, if I were in her shoes, I might be having a little breakdown. The department already has one lawyer down for the count, and in a few months, I’ll be added to the list.

“I didn’t realize you were in a relationship.”

My brows rise from her bold question. “I didn’t realize management training missed the advice that it isn’t appropriate for a head of department to ask,” I rebut with sass.

It’s never bothered me, but it is no secret in the office that Celeste can be a little uptight.

Her hands plant on the table as if she is bracing herself, and her nostrils flare as she inhales a breath. “Forgive me.” That was a struggle for her. “I’m just…”

“Thrilled?” I deadpan.

Her smile is strained. “Sure.”

And here comes the grand finale. “For full disclosure due to conflict of interest, especially as I’m handling contracts, I need to say that I’m married now, too.”

She looks like a deer in headlights. I’m throwing a lot of news her way.

“To Foster,” I add.

Her neck elongates. “Oh.” She drags her nails along her throat, clearly agitated. “I didn’t realize you two were in a relationship.”

Maybe Elodie was right. When Celeste heard the news, her face fell, and she definitely didn’t appear thrilled, maybe with a small twinge of jealousy. From my experience, it’s normally the prickly ones with strong sexual appetites, and I ruined any chance of her desired meal.

“I assure you that it didn’t play a factor in contracts, and I haven’t had to work with him on any for a long while. But I’m determined to work with strong morals. Haven Crossroads doesn’t have a no-fraternization policy⁠—”

She stops me with her palm in the air and instantly hardens, and her face turns cold. “Sutton, we have to think beyond that. For our department, it’s more complex. I don’t think I need to point out that someone could complain to the state bar for these circumstances.”

I feel like I’m being scolded, and my skin runs hot with embarrassment. Tension prickles along my arms as I brace for more criticism.

A wave of panic pings me. “Yes, but⁠—”

Celeste shakes her head. “It’s taken me three years to build this department to be sharp, high-quality, and ensure we are on top of our game. But this situation puts us all in a tight spot. Compliance won’t be pleased, especially when audited. I’m going to have to go to HR. Ethically, I’m conflicted.”

“I’m well aware, and we’ll speak with HR.”

“I’m sure she’ll be more than willing to accommodate the company’s CFO,” Celeste says with cynicism and gives me a pointed look. “I’m not swayed by preferential treatment, my ethics are too high of a standard.”

Admittedly, I roll my eyes at her jab. “I’m not going to give a day-by-day timeline. But Haven Crossroads brought me on with a proven track record way before I met Foster.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that he works in finance and you in legal. This is a major misstep on the conflict-of-interest scale.”

I’m boiling inside. Perhaps even angry with myself. I can’t argue because all her points are valid. I can only defend myself, but I want this conversation to end.

“I think it’s a good idea we take some time to think this through”

“Well…” Her face sours. “Uh… congratulations. It’s… convenient with work and all. Interesting optics and timelines for the office.” She presses her lips together.

I’m not going to sit here, half swirling in the chair, and attempt to be patient. “Well, what can I say? Foster and I will both use our employee benefits with the company daycare,” I highlight, trying my best to lighten the mood.

“I guess so… and you won’t be able to work on any projects with him alone, either,” she comments emotionlessly and slides her gaze to the side.