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The vulnerability beneath this admission catches me off guard. For all his corporate power and public persona, Ethan values the private parts of his life—including, apparently, our relationship—as something separate from his CEO identity.
“I understand,” I say more gently. “But if we’re doing this interview...”
“Then I’ll speak with her today,” he finishes. “She needs to be briefed before we go public.”
“Good.” I nod. “Now I really need to shower. Alone. Or I’ll be late for my first interview.”
“Go,” he says with a smile. “Be brilliant. I’ll make more coffee.”
Ninety minutes later, showered and dressed, I’ve completed my first phone interview with an environmental journal. Ethan has retreated to my small home office for his own calls, giving me space to focus on articulating my findings without his distracting presence.
When I emerge from the bedroom after changing for my on-camera interview with CNBC, he’s in my kitchen, frowning at his phone.
“Problem?” I ask, adjusting my blazer.
He glances up, his expression clearing as he takes in my appearance. “Just board antics. Nothing unexpected.” His gaze turns appreciative. “You look fantastic. Very sexy environmental scientist.”
“That’s not the goal,” I reply, though I like his reaction. The green blazer over a simple white blouse is professional without being stuffy, conveying both authority and authenticity. “How did your call with Alex go?”
“Enlightening,” he says with a rueful smile. “Apparently, she’s known about us since the second week after the cruise and has been waiting for me to ‘stop being an emotionally constipated CEO’ and tell her.”
I laugh at the direct quote, liking Alex more. “And her reaction to doing the interview together?”
“She thinks it’s excellent idea from a corporate perspective—” He hesitates. “She’s more concerned about the personal side of it, for you.”
“For me?” This surprises me. “Not for you or Cole Tech?”
“Her exact words were, ‘Harper’s credibility will face more scrutiny than your corporate reputation.’” He looks troubled by this. “She has a point. Cole Tech is expected to engage in strategic PR; you’re expected to be objective.”
“She’s not wrong,” I acknowledge, checking the time. My car will arrive in ten minutes. “If our relationship becomes public through this interview, my reputation will survive.”
His expression softens into something that makes my heart race. “You are too brave, Harper Bennett.”
“What is the worst that can happen?”
“Do not ask that.” He steps closer. “It’s a zoo out there.”
“A zoo really?” I ask. “I am a grown woman, I don’t want us to hide this away.”
My phone buzzes—my car has arrived. Ethan walks me to the door.
“Knock ‘em dead, Dr. Bennett,” he says as I gather my notes and bag. “I’ll be watching from here.”
“No ‘helpful’ text commentary during the segment,” I warn him. “I need to focus.”
“I would never,” he protests with mock offense. “I would... I have.”
“Admire silently,” I say, but can’t help smiling as I leave.
The CNBC interview goes smoothly—my years of presentations and environmental conferences have prepared me for media appearances. I articulate the key findings, emphasizing both the areas where Cole Tech exceeds industry standards and those requiring major improvement.
“Your assessment is unusually an environmental critique of a major corporation, this one time you are not on the attack,” the interviewer notes. “Some might say suspiciously so, given the antagonistic relationship between advocates and Cole Tech. How do you respond to that?”
“Science isn’t about antagonism, it’s about facts.” I reply. “My findings document exactly what I observed and measured during my time evaluating Cole Tech’s operations. Their waste management systems need major upgrades, which I’ve detailed.Their marine habitat protection initiatives exceed regulatory requirements and show a genuine commitment, which I’ve also documented. Pretending either doesn’t exist would be advocacy, not science.”
The interviewer nods, then unexpectedly pivots.
“Sources show you and Ethan Cole had some... tense interactions during your time on board on of his hips. Has your professional opinion of him changed through this process?”