Before Rebecca could respond, the Board called James into an emergency meeting.
“This relationship damages the company,” the chairman said coldly. “Fire her. Offer severance. Distance yourself.”
James stood slowly.
“You’re right about one thing,” he said. “We do have an image problem. But it’s not her.”
He looked around the room. “Rebecca Turner is intelligent, capable, and courageous. If you judge her by her uniform, then I’ve failed as a leader.”
Silence.
“I will not fire her. If protecting her and her daughter costs me this position, my resignation will be on your desk today.”
They knew he was indispensable. One by one, they backed down.
James went straight to the lobby, where Marcus was still hovering.
“My legal team is preparing a restraining order and extortion charges,” James said calmly. “We have footage of your threats. Leave now.”
Marcus blanched and fled.
James turned to Rebecca and held her in front of stunned employees. “It’s over,” he whispered.
“I thought you’d lose everything because of me,” she said through tears.
“Anything that requires losing you isn’t worth keeping.”