Jolene does a fist salute in the air. “Amen to that.”
She sits down and places her tablet in front of me. “Latest reports from HR. And—” she lowers her voice dramatically “—word in the hallways is that the board might be rallying around Nelson. Especially since you’ve been skipping dinners, pushing back on policy, and trying to fire his pet CFO.”
I scan the data on the tablet and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Of course, they are.”
“They think you’re going rogue,” she continues. “Nelson’s spinning it like you’re emotionally compromised because of your ‘marital drama’.”
“Compromised?” Huxley snorts. “This guy has more poise under pressure than half the boardroom.”
Jolene hunches forward onto the desk, folding her arms. “Well, if you plan to make a move, do it soon. August isn’t a long ways away, but it’s long enough to twist a few knives.”
“Right.” I exhale sharply, eyes flicking upward. I have to confess that I’m less interested in saving my job than I am my marriage, and that’s been a welcome surprise about my psyche.
“You’re going to find a way, aren’t you?” Jolene queries with furrowed brows.
“While your father puts together the most devious obstacle course known to mankind,” Huxley exaggerates.
I look at Jolene, smile, hold her gaze. “Jo, you know, you’ll be taken care of. If this blows up?—”
“Don’t.” She holds up a hand. “I’m not going anywhere until you’re fired.”
Huxley perks up. “Wait. If he gets fired, you’re on the market, Jo?”
She sends him a flat, unimpressed stare. “Seriously, Hux, he’s your best friend and you want him fired?”
“Because I need an assistant,” Huxley continues smoothly, as if she hadn’t spoken. “You want to trade in spreadsheets for hotel ballrooms and espresso martinis?”
Jolene narrows her eyes. “You don’t even own a calendar.”
He grins. “I do. I just don’t look at it.”
“If I get booted, I’m holding you to that,” I tell him.
I’m not worried. I know Huxley will take care of Jolene. Hell, he’ll take care of me.
“I’m not leaving,” Jolene says through gritted teeth.
Huxley puts a hand to his heart. “I pay well and never micromanage.”
Jolene gives him a slow blink. “You do know that I’m friends with your ex-assistant, don’t you? You also oncescheduled a meeting at a cigar lounge with no Wi-Fi or screen for the presentation, andeveryonewas smoking.”
He shrugs. “The vibes were impeccable.”
“Ugh!” Jolene flings her hands in the air. “Try not to get fired, Aiden, please? Otherwise, I’ll have to work forhim.”
“It’s embarrassing how much she loves me,” Huxley drawls.
When she leaves, Huxley turns serious. “So what’s your plan? Besides praying Mia lets you back into her life, and the board doesn’t burn yours down?”
“I got one focus right now, Hux. And it’s Mia.”
He arches an eyebrow. “And Winter Financial?”
I shake my head wearily. “I’ve got everything documented. Diana’s misbehavior. The HR complaints against Dad. If the board ignores it, they’re complicit.”
“Have you talked to investors?”
I nod. “Sure.”
