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"With respect, Roman," Jenkins interjects, "the appearance of impropriety?—"
"Is precisely what Maxwell Grant hopes to create," I finish for him. "This press release is a calculated move to destabilize Elysian during Lumière's relaunch and to undermine Ms. Monroe's professional standing. I'm disappointed that this board would assist him in that effort."
A murmur runs around the table at my directness. I continue before anyone can interrupt.
"I've provided each of you with documentation of Ms. Monroe's qualifications, her leadership of the Lumière rebranding, and the market response to her creative direction. By every metric, she has exceeded expectations in her role. Herpersonal relationship with me began after her hiring and has no bearing on her professional contributions to this company."
Whitaker leans forward. "While I appreciate the documentation, Roman, the concern remains. Did you disclose this relationship to the board when it began?"
"No," I admit, seeing no point in evasion. "Because initially, there was nothing to disclose. When our relationship evolved into something significant, I should have informed the board. That was an oversight on my part."
"An oversight," Powell repeats skeptically. "And now we learn about it from industry rumors and veiled accusations from our competitors."
"You're learning about it directly from me, today," I counter. "Grant's press release pushed the timeline, but this conversation was inevitable."
"And what exactly is the nature of this relationship?" another board member asks. "Is it serious or... temporary?"
The question borders on inappropriate, but I recognize the underlying concern. They want to know if this is a passing indiscretion or something that could have long-term implications for the company.
I consider my words carefully. Cassie and I haven't discussed how public to make her pregnancy, and I won't make that decision unilaterally. But I can be clear about my commitment.
"My relationship with Ms. Monroe is the most significant personal relationship of my life. It is neither casual nor temporary."
The straightforwardness of my answer seems to catch them off guard. They expected corporate deflection, carefully worded non-answers. Instead, I've given them unvarnished truth—a rarity in boardrooms.
Whitaker breaks the silence. "What do you propose as a path forward, Roman? The board has governance responsibilities we can't ignore."
"I propose transparency and appropriate management of potential conflicts." I slide a document toward the center of the table. "I've outlined a governance framework that maintains Ms. Monroe's reporting line through the Chief Creative Officer rather than directly to me, establishes an independent review committee for Lumière's budget and strategic decisions, and implements clear recusal protocols for situations where conflicts might arise."
The board members exchange glances, clearly surprised by my preparedness. Powell picks up the document, scanning it with raised eyebrows.
"This is... comprehensive," she admits reluctantly.
"I value this company and its reputation," I say. "I also value my personal life. I believe both can coexist with proper guardrails."
"And if we find this solution insufficient?" Jenkins asks, a clear challenge in his voice.
I meet his gaze steadily. "Then we have a different conversation. But I would remind everyone that Elysian's success has been built on my leadership for the past decade. The market recognizes that, even if temporarily distracted by Grant's theatrics."
The implication is clear: Push too hard, and I might walk. It's not a threat I make lightly, or one I particularly want to follow through on, but it establishes the stakes.
The room falls silent as the board absorbs this. Finally, Whitaker speaks.
"I move that we review Roman's proposed framework and reconvene in one week with any modifications or concerns." He looks around the table. "In the meantime, I suggest weissue a statement affirming our confidence in both Mr. Kade's leadership and Ms. Monroe's professional contributions to Elysian."
The motion passes with only Jenkins and one other member abstaining. As the meeting adjourns, I maintain my composed exterior while relief washes through me. Round one, survived. But this is just the beginning.
Whitaker hangs back as the others file out, waiting until we're alone before speaking.
"That was well handled," he says. "But Grant won't stop here."
"I know."
"Is there anything else I should know? Anything that might blindside us down the road?"
I think of Cassie's appointment today, of the sonogram images waiting for me. Of how our lives will transform in seven months when a child enters the world.
"Not at this time," I say carefully. "But I appreciate the question."