Page 128 of A Convenient Secret

“Or what?” She glares at him.

“Or we will not have minutes from this meeting, and you won’t be able to sue us for discrimination.” He shrugs.

She narrows her eyes. “Youarediscriminating!”

“We’re putting the company’s interestsfirst,” Cal argues.

“Then we should hire Vivienne Drake,” I chime in, and all heads turn to me. “She would not require a sign-in bonus, and she is available sooner.”

“Roxy, please, don’t take it the wrong way; I’m just raising a point to consider.” Xander holds his arm toward Roxy like he wants to physically stop her from speaking. “And if she gets pregnant in a month or two, we will go through this again? Risk the stability?”

“For the youngest member of this team, you’re about as progressive on this issue as an ashtray in a maternity ward,” I grumble.

Seriously, I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.

“Or as in a boardroom where a woman is only taking notes,” Roxy deadpans, but at least she sits back down.

“Oh, come on, so now you demand we hire the woman and make her a partner.” Caleb snorts.

“Roxy, what these idiots are soeloquentlytrying to consider is that we can’t afford to hire someone if they won’t give it their all for the next three years.” Corm leans forward, looking at Roxy with a kind of softness I have rarely seen in his eyes.

Roxy crosses one leg over the other and mirrors his pose, before she sticks her pen into the high bun on her head. “What you’re saying is that you can’t risk hiring a woman because what if she gets pregnant. Then hirethe man. Hopefully he won’t get hit by a truck tomorrow, or overdoses before he starts. Or—”

“Okay, you made your point.” Corm stops her with his hand raised.

“We have the fundraiser to attend; why don’t we sleep on it and vote tomorrow?” Cal stands up, buttoning his jacket.

“I suggest Roxy votes with us,” Xander says, and we all turn to him, Roxy perhaps the most surprised.

“Only partners have voting privileges.” I stand up. I get Roxy’s point, but rules are to be obeyed.

“Maybe we can include her to make sure the female perspective is included.” Xander pushes off the sofa.

“You’re an idiot. Her point was that gender shouldn’t be any part of this consideration.” I walk to the door.

“Are we driving together?” Corm asks.

“I’m picking up Celeste at home, so we’ll meet there.” Cal heads for the door.

“I have a stop to make, and would like your help,” I tell my brother.

“Okay, downstairs in five?” Corm turns to check his phone.

“Sure, I’ll go by myself,” Xander whines.

I get to my office, and unfortunately he follows. “I made anass of myself.”

“A rare moment of self-reflection?” I snort and lean against my desk.

“But I’m right; there is a threat.”

“I don’t think a woman having a child is a threat. Unless you’re an emperor ready to usurp someone’s throne. In that case, having an heir matters.”

“Are you suggesting my view is medieval?” He chuckles.

“Outdated at the least. Enough chitchat; get out of my office.” I round my desk to get my valet, ready to get out of here.

“What, do you have a jerk-off session scheduled?”