Page 34 of Rekindling Desire

“Moon Medical,” Amber said.

The room filled with whispers.

A smile curled my lips as Damien’s gaze met mine. He was prepared.

“This coalition isn’t new,” Damien began. “This board approved our entrance, understanding the benefits…”

This was the Damien I’d tried to forget, the one who commanded a room and a situation. As if a spotlight were shining upon him, as the handsome star of this presentation, he radiated confidence. His words resonated with all who listened. His tone and tenor were entrancing as if creating a magnetizing pull that drew everyone into his orbit.

It took all my willpower not to turn and watch Amber and Darius during Damien’s well-articulated rebuttal. My satisfaction came in watching the executive board. Gloria Wilmott for one was taking furious notes as other members of the board nodded their approval. Rachel Stokes was listening. Damien had mentioned that she could be a problem. Not only was she one of the newest appointments to the executive board, but she also shared a close friendship with Amber.

“…I yield the floor, Madam Chairwoman.”

The room had returned to silence, the sense of anxiety fading away with Damien’s explanation.

Dani turned to Gloria. “This appears to be old business, not time-sensitive.”

“Mr. Sinclair,” Gloria said, “didn’t mention the new arrangement with the coalition, a campaign with a local fraternity—a not-for-profit—that just coincidentally will benefit his new wife. The campaign with Beta Kappa Phi was not approved by our board. We weren’t consulted.”

“Mr. Sinclair,” Dani prompted.

“As CEO, it is within my rights to make business decisions. This is a business decision, agreed upon by Sinclair as well as the other members of the coalition.”

My skin felt tight as I stood.

“I yield,” Damien said as he turned my direction.

“Mrs. Gabriella Sinclair,” Dani said, “would you like to address the board?”

“Yes, Madam Chairwoman.”

I began, “Mr. Sinclair brought this campaign to Beta Kappa Phi only one week ago. I think we can all agree that with Derek Sinclair’s health issues, Damien had other concerns. That isn’t to imply he didn’t perform his due diligence for Sinclair. I can attest that he did. Yes, I am still employed by Beta Kappa Phi. As campaign manager, I will be working for all members of the coalition.”

Gloria spoke up. “Can we assume that you will be privy to information from each member of the coalition?”

“Yes.”

“Do the members of the coalition know of your marital status? Something Mr. Sinclair was able to fit into his schedule.”

Her question caught me off guard.

I hadn’t even informed my family of my marital status.

“How is that relevant?” I asked.

“You will have information regarding all the companies within the coalition. I assume you and your husband will share a bed—”

“Objection,” Damien said. “What you’re insinuating would benefit Sinclair, not be a detriment if it were to occur. However, it will not. My wife is a professional, and as for our wedded status or sleeping arrangements” —he emphasized the words— “there will be no effect on the coalition in any way other than an added incentive for the campaign to be successful. That would be for all the companies in the coalition.”

I took my seat as Dani banged her gavel. “If this was the smoking gun, Ms. Wilmott…”

“This could reflect poorly on Sinclair if with this new campaign,” Gloria said, “other companies grow uncomfortable with the relationship Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair share—”

Dani interrupted. “That is not our concern.”

“It is if Sinclair is seen in a less-than-stellar light within the pharmacological community. More than that,” Gloria went on, “I’m concerned with Mr. Damien Sinclair’s lack of communication with the board of directors. As CEO he must answer to the chair.”

“At this moment,” Dani said, “that would be me. Damien has communicated with me each step of the way. If the pharma coalition is concerned about their campaign, that is their business, not that of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.”

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