Page 23 of Point of Contention

“We have a long history of success,” he continued, “and I believe I am still the best person to guide us through these turbulent times.”

My stomach twisted uncomfortably. My father knew exactly what he was doing, using my turmoil as a means to solidify his grip on power.

It was the only thing he had against me, the only reason I’d given any of them cause to doubt my ability to lead. Thoughwhyhe’d had this sudden change of heart, I had no idea. He’d been ready to step down, eager to retire.

What changed?

My gaze flicked to Roderick, the calculating glint in his eyes the answer to my question.

The Rombauers were in my father’s ear.

As my father continued to speak, my thoughts raced, searching for a way to salvage this situation. I couldn’t let them win, couldn’t let them take everything away from me. I ran my tongue over my teeth and cracked my neck.

Travis cleared his throat and I cut my eyes to him.

He gave his head a subtle shake in warning.

I took a deep breath. Relaxed my hands.

As the room fell into momentary silence, I stood. “We all appreciate my father’s dedication to Reed Enterprises,” I asserted. “But I believe we all also agree that it is time for a new perspective, a fresh approach. We need innovation, adaptability, and a leader who is unafraid to challenge the status quo.” I looked at them all in turn, finally catching their eyes.

Changing with the times was crucial.

Iwas that change.

“You know what I have done with Reed Publishing… imagine what could transpire with me at the helm of the entire conglomerate.” I paused to allow that statement time to sink in. Theyhadto be able to imagine it,hadto see the future alongside me or I’d never sway them away from my father. “I am ready to steer Reed Enterprises into a prosperous future.”

The room buzzed with arguments and what ifs. Though no one spoke of the media nightmare that was now my life, there was a dark undercurrent of speculation that could be felt in the room, heard in the whispered discussions.

Theturbulent timesmy father referenced.

Winston Rombauer cleared his throat and I tensed.

“Let’s stop beating around the bush, son,” he said. “We can’t overlook recent revelations about your personal life.”

I pressed my lips together tightly.There it is.

“Your involvement in those…unconventionalclubs and activities raises serious concerns about your ability to lead Reed Enterprises with the required focus and dedication.” He paused, looking around the room to garner undivided attention from as many board members as possible. “We are a family run business. This…lifestylechoice of his, well, I think we can all agree that it is not family friendly by any means.” He chuckled and my spine straightened.

I struggled to form a response.

“You must understand,” my father chimed in, “that our shareholders, our clients, and our partners rely on the integrity and trustworthiness of Reed Enterprises. Your… sexual preferences may compromise the company’s reputation and relationships, son. We need stability, not controversy, at the forefront.”

A ripple of unease coursed through the room.

Travis rose to his feet beside me. “We’re all adults here.”

Everyone swiveled their chairs toward him.

He looked around the room leisurely, drawing everyone’s attention before focusing on Remy Blanchard. “Mr. Blanchard,” Travis said, tilting his head. “Do you spank your wife in the bedroom?”

A few gasps followed that question and I looked at my CFO, then back at Remy, whose lips were in a tight line, but the hint of a smile teased at the corners. Travis was smart to focus on Remy. Head of the media division in our Paris headquarters, he was an old friend to both of us and could handle such a shocking question. Though I wasn’t sure where Travis was headed with this topic, my curiosity was piqued and Remy’s clearly was as well.

“Well,” Remy began, “I don’t believe—”

“It’s any of my business? Agreed.” He looked around again, stopping at Blaine Mayfield. “Blaine, how did you and your partner meet? Wasn’t it at that gay bar over on Fourteenth—”

“Okay, okay.” Lucy Whitaker raised her hands. Head of Human Resources, her eyes were wide as she addressed Travis. “I think that’s enough.”