Chapter 24
Liam
Board members face us from across the conference room table. Four major investors are on a video call. And the four of us are sitting on one side of the table.
Adam Arnold leans forward, his reading glasses perched on his nose. “The article Ms. Archer published is... unconventional.”
“It’s honest.” Addison’s voice is steady. “Which is more than most companies can claim.”
“Honesty doesn’t necessarily translate to investor confidence,” Jackie Mei says from the screen. She’s been with us since my father’s time. “We’re concerned about how this looks to the outside world.”
“How this looks?” I hold her gaze through the camera. “Our returns are up. Our investors are making money. Our ethics are solid. What else matters?”
“The personal nature of the relationship raises questions about—”
“About what?” Nolan cuts in, steel underneath his even tone. “We gave Ms. Archer her company back months ago. She’s maintained complete editorial independence. Her work speaks for itself.”
“The ethics of your relationship—”
“Have been addressed,” Axel says. “In detail. In her article. Which you all read.”
Silence.
Addison shifts forward slightly. “I understand this makes some of you uncomfortable. But discomfort doesn’t equal unethical behavior. I’ve investigated corruption my entire career. I know what it looks like. This isn’t it.”
Adam removes his glasses. “Walk us through the Harrison Luxe connection one more time.”
She does. Methodically. Citing specific dates, actions, results.
By the time she finishes, two of the investors on screen are nodding.
“Any other questions?”
Jackie speaks up again. “Just one.” Her eyes find mine. “Are you prepared for the continued media attention this will generate?”
“Yes,” I answer.
“And if it affects Palmer Capital’s reputation?” she asks.
I don’t bother telling her that was two questions.
“Our reputation is built on results.” My chin lifts. “Not our personal lives.”
She considers this. Nods. “Fair enough.”
The meeting continues for another thirty minutes. More questions. Some pointed. Some genuinely curious.
But the tension eases.
When we finally walk out, Addison exhales slowly.
Nolan breaks the silence. “That went better than expected.”
“Lower your expectations enough and anything’s possible,” Axel mutters.
We all laugh at that.
I catch Addison’s hand. “You were perfect in there.”
“We were perfect.” She squeezes back.
Together. That’s how we do everything now.