Page 129 of Discretion

Sloan squared her shoulders.Oh boy. She was pissed now.I tried not to laugh because that board member had clearly underestimated Sloan.

“I may not have been in the office, but I kept a close eye on things. The numbers for the past quarter will show youthat the company is doing better than ever. But even more than that, I can see how Jasper and the company have thrived, even in my absence. Not to mention the fact that he took on this new role without a second SVP and while Graham was developing the new Fleur-de-lis line.”

There were murmurs of agreement. But I knew this was far from over.

“I think it would be best if we speak to each of you alone,” Leith said, addressing Jasper and me. “Jasper, could you please leave us?”

Jasper looked to me, seeking confirmation that I was okay. Only after I nodded did he head for the door. He lingered at the threshold, and I could only imagine how strange it was for him to walk out of a meeting that impacted him and his company.

“Halle,” Leith said once the door was closed. “First of all, I want to make sure you’re comfortable. I know this isn’t an easy topic to discuss, and as much as we respect your privacy, there are certain questions I am required to ask.”

I nodded. While I appreciated the sentiment, I was filled with unease. I wasn’t sure there was any way to make this conversationlesscomfortable. Pierce had spoken with me over the weekend, coaching me on what might be asked and how I might answer. But it still hadn’t prepared me for the reality of talking about my love life in a room full of people I worked for or answered to. Not to mention the fact that Jasper’s family was present.Oh god.

“I think it would be best to start by asking the family to choose one representative to remain.”

I shook my head. “It’s fine.”

“We don’t want you to feel intimidated by their presence.”

“I’m not.” Besides, they already knew pretty much everything. That conversation had been uncomfortable but necessary. Much like I anticipated this would be.

“Then, if everyone is in agreement—” Leith glanced around the room, confirming everyone’s position “—I will proceed.”

Since no one dissented, it was time to begin.

“Halle, Jasper is your superior at work. It is understandable that you might feel a power imbalance. Did he ever pressure you to do something you weren’t comfortable with?”

“No.” I stated it firmly, clearly. “If anything, I am the one who instigated our relationship.”

They pressed me on that, and god, was it embarrassing to admit what had happened in front of everyone. Especially my boss, Jasper’s sister, and his entire family. But Leith kept pressing, digging into the timeline, the circumstances. How we’d gotten together. How we’d ended things.Whywe’d ended things.

And then what had happened since. The timeline of events since I’d relocated. If I’d relocated with the intent of resuming my relationship with Jasper. On and on it went. It was exhausting, but I tried to remain calm and cool throughout.

“Have you ever sought to use your influence over him to advance your career?” Leith asked.

“No,” I said again. “I know it may not seem like it, considering the reason for this meeting, but professionalism matters to me. This job and this company matter to me. And I would never intentionally do anything to compromise that.”

There were some muffled whispers, and I tried to ignore them. Ignore the doubters. The haters. I knew the truth of what had happened, and I tried to keep my head held high. I had nothing to be ashamed of.

“Do you feel that your relationship with Jasper played a role in your temporary promotion?”

Sloan opened her mouth, as if to object, but thenstopped when Graham placed a hand on her arm. I appreciated that she wanted to defend me, even if it was unnecessary.

“I’d like to think that my temporary promotion was a recognition of the value I bring to this company and everyone’s faith in me to perform the role. I’ve been with the company for five years,” I continued. “And in that time, I’ve successfully driven strategic initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and enhanced executive effectiveness. During my time as SVP, I’ve been able to leverage those skills to provide even more value to the brand. So, no, I don’t think my relationship with Jasper played a role in my temporary promotion. And I believe my success as a temporary SVP shows that.”

“Why did you not come forward sooner to declare your relationship?”

“Because I was scared.”

“Of Jasper?”

I nearly laughed aloud at the suggestion. “Of how it would be perceived. How it would impact the company.”

“Not to mention how it might impact your job.”

“That too.” There was no point denying it. “I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. And I don’t think I should be punished for falling in love.”

“Can you think of a time that your professional integrity was compromised by your personal relationship with Jasper?”