Page 124 of Sinclair Duet

“It has come to my husband’s attention that his brother, Damien, has and continues to compromise the integrity of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.” Before anyone could comment, she added, “He’s working with our competitors.”

Gabriella

Competitors.

Van had been right in his warning. Darius and Amber were working with Dwain Welsh from Moon Medical, gaining access to the pharma coalition, and twisting its objective.

“Mr. Damien Sinclair,” Gloria asked, “what say ye to these charges?”

I’d forgotten the antiquated speech during these meetings. If it wasn’t so serious for Damien, I’d give more thought to finding myself in a low-rate B-movie with horrible script writing.

Damien spoke to the room. “The accusations are ludicrous. I have not jeopardized Sinclair Pharmaceuticals in any way. Can Mrs. Sinclair” —he was looking at Amber— “be more specific. We have many competitors in our business.”

“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.

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