"Before we begin," I say, my voice carrying the authority of a man who built this company from near-bankruptcy to a billion-dollar enterprise, "let's be very clear about what this meeting is and isn't about."
The room goes quiet. Good.
"This is not about whether Atty. Avery Cole and I are in a relationship. We've disclosed that to HR, followed every protocol, and maintained complete professionalism at work." I set the folder on the table, let them see how thick it is. "This meeting is about whether you trust my judgment as CEO."
I open the folder and begin presenting systematically. Avery's performance reviews from before we started dating—all excellent, all highlighting her sharp legal mind and tireless work ethic. Her case record showing a 94% success rate, better than any attorney we've had in years. Her contract negotiations that saved the company millions on the Miller acquisition alone.
"This is from David Miller himself," I say, pulling out a printed email. "Quote: 'Your legal counsel's insights saved us both significant liability exposure. Atty. Cole is the most thorough lawyer I've worked with in twenty years of acquisitions.' End quote."
I look around the table, meeting each person's eyes. "This is from Harrison, her direct supervisor: 'Atty. Cole demonstrates exceptional analytical skills and legal acumen. She consistently exceeds expectations and has become an invaluable asset to our team.' Written two months ago, before anyone knew about our relationship."
Richard shifts in his seat. I ignore him and continue.
"Atty. Cole is the best legal counsel this company has ever had," I say, my voice hard with conviction. "She earned her position through merit, and she continues to prove her value every single day. If you're questioning her qualifications becauseof our relationship, then you're not paying attention to her work. You're buying into gossip."
Richard clears his throat, a sound that grates on my nerves. "Dylan, no one is questioning Ms. Cole's capabilities. But you have to understand how this looks to clients, to potential investors—"
"That’sAtty. Coleto you," I interrupt, "How it looks is that we have an exceptional legal counsel who happens to be in a relationship with the CEO. Both of which are true. What concerns me is that instead of celebrating her merit, you're undermining it. And that's not just unfair to her. It's bad business."
"But the optics—" Richard starts.
"The optics," I cut in again, my patience wearing thin, "are that we hire and promote based on merit. Or are they? Because if you're suggesting we should transfer or demote a top performer because of who she's dating, then we're telling every employee in this company that their personal lives matter more than their work. Is that the message you want to send?"
Silence. I can see some board members nodding slightly. Others look uncomfortable. Richard looks angry, but he doesn't have a counterargument.
Thomas Vance leans forward, and the room goes quiet. My father has a presence that commands respect even now, years after stepping back from day-to-day operations. When he speaks, everyone listens.
"I built this company many years ago," Thomas says quietly, his voice carrying weight without volume. "And one of the first things I learned is that you don't question someone's qualifications because of who they love. You question their work. And Atty. Cole's work is impeccable."
He looks around the table, meeting each board member's eyes in turn. The silence stretches, heavy with meaning.
"My son has spent three years rebuilding this company after I nearly lost it. He turned a failing business into a billion-dollar enterprise. He's made difficult decisions, taken calculated risks, and earned your trust," Thomas pauses, letting that sink in. "So when he tells you that Atty. Cole earned her position on merit, you either believe him or you're questioning his leadership entirely. And if that's the case—"
His voice goes hard, and I see several board members flinch.
"Then maybe we need to reconsider who sits on this board."
The room is dead silent. I feel gratitude and pride surge through me in equal measure. My father has always had my back, but this is different. This is Thomas putting the board in their place, making it clear that attacking Avery means attacking my judgment as CEO. Making it clear that there will be consequences for anyone who crosses that line.
Richard shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Thomas, we're not questioning Dylan's leadership—"
"Aren't you?" Thomas asks, his eyebrows raised. "Because from where I'm sitting, that's exactly what you're doing. My son chose an exceptional lawyer to join his team. She's proven her value repeatedly. The fact that they fell in love doesn't change her qualifications. It just means Dylan found someone who matches his ambition and integrity. I'd think you'd celebrate that, not penalize it."
I watch Richard struggle for a response and come up empty. Score one for the Vance men.
Rose Taylor speaks up carefully, her voice diplomatic. "What about office morale? The gossip that's been circulating—"
"Will die down," I say firmly, "once everyone sees there’s no special treatment just because she’s my girlfriend. Whether she’s with me or not, Avery continues to excel at her job regardless of our relationship. And if she’s still due for a promotion to Senior Legal Counsel, that will be because of who she is."
I pause, then add the point I've been building toward. "I'm not asking for special treatment. I'm asking you to judge her work, not her personal life. And if you can't do that, then the problem isn't with Avery or me. It's with you."
The words hang in the air. Some board members nod. Others look thoughtful. Richard looks like he wants to argue, but knows he's lost this round.
Harrison raises her hand, and I nod for her to speak. "For what it's worth," she says, "I've worked with Atty. Cole daily for months. Her professionalism has been impeccable. Her work product is consistently excellent. And I've seen no evidence whatsoever that her relationship with Dylan affects her judgment or performance. If anything, she holds herself to an even higher standard now."
"Thank you, Harrison," I say, meaning it.
"I move that we vote," Thomas says. "All in favor of supporting Dylan's leadership and accepting his judgment regarding Atty. Cole's position and qualifications?"
