Page 133 of Sinclair Duet

“I’m concerned that we jumped the gun on this. If there’s already discontentment amongst the coalition members, Damien Sinclair is guilty of breach of contract. He promised us the coalition, yet he hasn’t delivered.”

Two weeks ago, I would have easily dismissed this attack on Damien. Now, I was in full attack mode. “Damien has delivered. We met with the CEOs of the coalition. Julia Sherman is thechairwoman. We have her full support. Let me talk to Damien. He is many things, but he wouldn’t purposely mislead us. In the little time I’ve put into the campaign, I can see the possibilities for Beta Kappa Phi and for the pharma coalition. If the coalition doesn’t want me, I suggest Niles.”

“Mr. Walsh didn’t say you were the problem. It’s your proximity to Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.” She paused. “Why would the coalition doubt your ability?”

I inhaled. “It isn’t my ability. It’s my relationship with Damien.”

“You two have a working history. He was your boss.”

For an intelligent, competent woman, Millie was clueless.

Clearing my throat, I spoke, “As of this last weekend, he’s my husband.”

“Ella, we need to talk.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Millie, it’s very complicated. Not only did I work for Damien, but the reason I never mentioned my connection was that we had a personal relationship.”

“Why didn’t you tell me when I suggested this campaign?”

I covered my eyes with one hand and lay back against the chair, my temples beginning to throb. I practically begged her to assign someone else. Nevertheless, I pushed forward, not backward. “The past is insignificant. We’re married. I want to continue my work with Beta Kappa Phi. I don’t believe marriage is a ground for firing.”

“No one is talking about firing you. There is an obvious conflict of interest.”

“There isn’t,” I protested. “I want what’s best for Beta Kappa Phi and what’s best for Sinclair Pharmaceuticals. The coalition is comprised of non-competing companies that were aligned for the purpose of supporting one another. My work with the campaign will benefit all the companies, yes, including Sinclair.”

Millie’s voice filled with exasperation. “I need to call legal.”

“Don’t kill the campaign, Millie. Let Niles spearhead it. I’ll take a lesser position.”

“The compensation?—”

“I don’t care.”

“Come to my office tomorrow. I’ll be here at 8:00 a.m.”

Telling her no was on the tip of my tongue. Then again, Millie Barns was still technically my boss. “What can I bring to assure you that this campaign is worth our effort?”

“At this moment, I don’t know. Be here tomorrow.”

“I will.”

The line went dead.

“Shit,” I sighed, tipping my head back against the desk chair.

I typed out a text message to Damien.

“Dwain Welsh contacted Millie yesterday.”

Next,I opened a text message from Niles.

“Leaving soon.I’ll call on my way home. How was your weekend? All work and…any play?”

I shook my head.He had no idea.

My phone dinged. The message was from Damien.

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