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I pull up our comparative analysis, showing the stark contrast between Brighton’s automated approach and our hybrid model.

“You’re both letting personal feelings cloud your judgment!” Garrett’s voice rises, desperation edging his usually controlled tone. “The board can see what’s happening here—how your... relationship... is compromising strategic decision-making!”

“No.” Lucas’s calm voice cuts through Garrett’s rising tone. “We’re demonstrating exactly what Walker Enterprises stands for—innovation that serves people, not replaces them. Technology that enhances human potential instead of diminishing it.” His eyes meet mine briefly, a flash of warmthin the professional setting. “That’s why Ms. Hastings turned down Brighton’s offer to head their sustainable technology division. She believes in building something meaningful, not just profitable.”

The room goes silent. I didn’t know he was going to mention that. The official offer had only come yesterday, Brighton’s timing suspiciously perfect with our implementation challenges.

“You turned down Brighton?” the chairwoman asks sharply, her typically impassive expression showing genuine surprise.

I lift my chin, meeting her gaze directly. Not with defiance, but with certainty.

“This morning. Double my current salary, corner office overlooking Central Park, complete creative control of their sustainable technology division.” I lay out the facts plainly, letting them land. “Their technology is impressive, but it’s soulless. Walker Enterprises understands that real innovation comes from supporting people’s natural drive to improve their world. That’s worth more than any corner office or huge startup budget.”

Miller gives a low whistle, clearly impressed by the magnitude of what I’ve declined. Even Bradshaw looks at me with new respect.

“Pretty speeches,” Garrett scoffs, though his voice lacks its earlier conviction. “But they won’t matter when we lose our biggest client because of this reckless deviation from proven methodology. The Johnsons could walk at any moment, and Brighton is waiting with open arms.”

“I believe in her.” Lucas’s voice carries such conviction that even Garrett pauses in his tirade. “I believe in this strategy. And if the board won’t support it...” He stands, emanating quiet authority. “Then perhaps it’s time for new perspectives at every level.”

The implication hangs in the air, electric and unmistakable. Lucas Walker, third-generation CEO of Walker Enterprises, is putting his position on the line—his family’s legacy, everything—for this vision of sustainability that balances technology and humanity. For me. My breath catches at the realization.

“That won’t be necessary,” Garrett says icily, his knuckles white where they grip the back of his chair. “Because I’ll resign before I watch this company abandon decades of proven business practices for one analyst’s idealistic nonsense. This isn’t what James Walker built—“

“My father built this company on relationships and innovation,” Lucas cuts in, his voice hard now. “Not on blind adherence to outdated methods. He would have recognized Emma’s strategy for exactly what it is—the future of how we integrate technology with human wisdom. Your resignation will be welcomed if you can’t see that progress requires innovation and understanding.”

The room erupts in murmurs. Board members exchange glances, some calculating, others stunned by the confrontation unfolding before them. I barely notice because Lucas still looks at me with complete trust, like I’m worth every risk, challenge, and moment that led us here.

“All those in favor of Ms. Hastings’ proposal?” the chairwoman asks, cutting through the chaos with practiced authority. Her gaze sweeps the room, evaluating the shifting alliances.

Hands raise slowly. One, two, three... I count silently, heart pounding. We need a majority. Bradshaw raises his hand—a surprise ally. Miller follows. Two more hands go up from board members who have barely spoken during the meeting.

The chairwoman’s hand goes up last, deliberate and decisive. “Motion carries. Ms. Hastings, you have one week to prove your hybrid approach works. Mr. Walker, you have to keep the board updated about the progress of this approach.” She turns toGarrett, who remains standing, his expression thunderous. “Mr. Garrett... I believe you had something to say about resigning?”

He storms out, leaving a shocked silence in his wake. The door slams with a finality that seems to punctuate the end of an era.

“Well,” the chairwoman says dryly, “I suppose we’ll need to add board member recruitment to next week’s agenda. Ms. Hastings?” Her eyes are sharp but not unkind. “Make this week count. You might be reshaping more than just one company’s approach to sustainable technology.”

The meeting breaks up in a flutter of whispers and significant looks. Board members gather their materials, some hurrying out, others lingering to discuss the unexpected drama. I stay rooted to my spot by the whiteboard, the magnitude of what we’ve just committed to settling in. My complex diagram seems to mock me now—so many interconnected parts and ways this could go wrong.

“Hey.” Lucas appears at my side, close enough that I catch the scent of his cologne. “You okay?”

“We just bet everything,” I whisper, staring at the vibrant colors of my diagram. “The company’s future, our approach to sustainable technology, your father’s legacy... and Garrett actually resigned.”

“No,” Lucas says, his smile soft and private. “We just bet everything on being exactly who we are—partners who see possibilities others miss. As for Garrett...” His expression turns thoughtful. “Dad always said the hardest part of leadership is recognizing when someone’s vision no longer aligns with the company’s future. Maybe this was inevitable.”

He gestures to my diagram. “This is brilliant, by the way. The way you mapped the human elements alongside the technical ones—that’s what convinced Bradshaw. I could see it in his face when you mentioned the night shift supervisor’s calibration technique.”

His understanding of the board dynamics and his observation of exactly what turned the tide remind me why we make such an effective team. “Though I have to ask...” His voice drops lower. “Was I right about why you turned down Brighton?”

Before I can answer, his assistant appears in the doorway, tablet in hand and expression urgent. “Mr. Walker? The Johnsons are on line one about the implementation delay and their quarterly environmental compliance reporting. And Mr. Brighton is holding on line two.”

Lucas sighs, the CEO mask sliding back into place. “Tell Brighton I’ll call him back. Put the Johnsons through to my office—I’m on my way.” He squeezes my hand quickly. “We’re not done with this conversation.”

I watch him go, my heart racing with exhilaration and trepidation. Because he’s right—we’re not done. Not by proving that sustainability needs both heart and technology, not by showing that the best innovations come from trusting people’s capacity for good, not with any of it.

“Ms. Hastings.” The chairwoman’s voice startles me. I hadn’t realized she remained behind while the others left.

“Mrs. Montgomery.” I turn to face her, unsure of what to expect. In four years at Walker Enterprises, I’ve rarely spoken with her directly outside of formal presentations.