“You set me up,” James snarls at Lior, his own mask slipping completely.
“You set yourself up,” I say, speaking for the first time since the meeting began. “The moment you decided to attack this company through lies and manipulation, you made yourself our enemy.”
“This isn’t over,” James threatens, gathering his materials with sharp, angry movements. “You think you’ve won, but this is just the beginning.”
“No,” Lior says calmly, pressing a button on the conference phone. “It’s the end. Security will escort you both out. And, James? Any further attempts to interfere with VSE’s operations will result in restraining orders and harassment charges.”
Security enters as if they’ve been waiting outside. James leaves with his dignity in tatters, his legal team hurrying after him. Thornton follows under escort, his twenty-year career ending in disgrace and betrayal.
The remaining board members sit in stunned silence until Pratchett speaks. “Well,” she says dryly, “that was certainly educational. Lior, I assume you have recommendations for Thornton’s replacement?”
“I do,” Lior replies. “But first, let’s address what just happened. VSE’s actual financial position is strong, our growth is sustainable, and our future is secure. James’s attack failed because it was based on lies and corporate espionage.”
The meeting takes another twenty minutes to conclude, with board members asking questions about security protocols and expressing their confidence in Lior’s leadership.When the last member finally leaves, it’s just Lior and me in the empty conference room.
“That went better than expected,” I say, loosening my tie for the first time all day.
“Much better.” Lior begins packing up his materials, but his expression grows serious. “But, Pierce, we need to talk about what comes next.”
“James is finished. Thornton’s gone. What else is there?”
“Your brother isn’t a man who accepts defeat gracefully,” Lior says, echoing my own thoughts. “Which means he’s going to play dirty. Look for other ways to hurt you, and hurt this company.”
The unease I’ve been suppressing all day surfaces again. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying James will look for vulnerabilities. Personal ones.” Lior’s eyes meet mine with uncomfortable directness. “Your relationship with Thatcher, for instance.”
My blood runs cold.
“Pierce, anyone who’s spent five minutes watching you two together can make the correct assumptions.” Lior’s voice is gentle but firm. “So far, the truth is contained within the family, but it won’t take a smart person long to figure out you’re not just boss and employee.”
“Fuck.”
Lior sits back down, his expression grave. “You need to transfer Thatcher to another department. Or let him go entirely. Before James finds out and uses it against you.”
The suggestion hits me like a physical blow, but then a solution begins to form. “Actually,” I say slowly, “that might be exactly what we need to do.”
“What do you mean?”
“If he leaves VSE—officially ends the workplace relationship—then there’s no conflict of interest anymore.” The ideagains momentum as I speak. “James can’t use our relationship as ammunition if Thatcher doesn’t work here. And then…”
“Then what?”
“Then I can be with him. Properly. No hiding, no professional complications.” The possibility makes my chest tight with hope. “I can tell him how I feel without worrying about power dynamics or company policies.”
Lior’s expression grows concerned. “Pierce, you’re assuming he’ll want to leave. What if he doesn’t?”
The question stops me cold. “What do you mean?”
“Thatcher loves working here. He’s found his place, made friends, and proven himself professionally. And more importantly, he needs this job. You have family money to fall back on. He doesn’t.” Lior’s voice is gentle but firm. “You can’t just assume he’ll choose love over financial security.”
“But I—” The reality hits me like a sledgehammer. Of course Thatcher won’t want to leave. This job represents everything he’s worked for. Stability, respect, a chance to prove himself. His family has always doubted him, and VSE is where he’s finally succeeded. And he certainly won’t want financial help from me. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you need to be prepared for the possibility that he’ll choose his career over your relationship. And if he does…” Lior pauses. “Then you’ll have to choose between being with him and ending things entirely. Because you can’t keep working together like this.”
The weight of it settles on my shoulders. Either I convince the man I love to give up his job, or I lose him entirely.
“Fuck,” I breathe.
