Page 139 of Sin

And still put my hands on her.

“I won’t let this hurt her,” I say.

Richard’s expression softens by a fraction.

“Sin, you may not get to decide that.”

My hand curls around the arm of the chair.

“She has a job offer from Sex Activity Pro,” I say.

His brows lift. “That’s convenient.”

“It’s earned.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t.”

“She’s brilliant.”

“I know. That’s not the question.”

“What is?”

“If she leaves now, will it look like she was pushed out because of the affair?”

My stomach turns.

“Or,” he continues, “will it look like she took confidential launch information to a direct competitor after having an undisclosed relationship with the CEO?”

The room goes very still.

“No,” I say.

“That is exactly how someone will frame it if this gets ugly.”

“She wouldn’t do that.”

“I’m not accusing her. I’m telling you what opposing counsel, the board, shareholders, or the press may suggest if they decide it serves them.”

I stand because sitting is impossible and Richard lets me pace.

“Laurel doesn’t deserve any of this.”

“No. She doesn’t.”

I stop near the window. My reflection looks back at me. Suit. Tired eyes. Bare left hand. Man who should have known better and did it anyway.

“What do I do?” I ask.

“First, you disclose the relationship to the board and stockholders before anyone else does it for you.”

My stomach hardens. “Today?”

“Today.”

“Even Owen?”

“Owen will need to know as Chief Compliance Officer.”