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Emma grimaced at the shaky footage of Jack Sunging toward her Tentacle
Actually it might be Liss scrolled through comments “The narrativa is treaty forming–assed layer attacks female boss. You’re getting sympathy, not scandal
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The reception gradually returned to normal, though Emma noticed people watching her with new ourooty She circulated professionally, discussing business with sponsors and reassuring staff, all while maintaining careful distance from Alek Office romance rumors would only complicate an already chaotic day.
Hours later, as the event wound down, Emma retreated to what was now officially her office–a spacious corner suite previously used for visiting executives. Her grandfather had insisted she take it immediately rather than wait for renovations to her permanent space.
She kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the leather sofa, finally allowing herself to feel the exhaustion of
the day
A knock sounded at the door. “Come in,” she called, expecting Lisa with more social media updates
Instead, Coach Donovan entered, still in his game–day suit. The grizzled veteran had been unusually quiet during the earlier drarna.
“Got a minute, boss?” he asked, the title lacking any trace of irony.
“Of course.” Emma gestured to a chair. “What can I do for you?”
Donovan sat, looking uncomfortable but determined. “It’s about Reynolds.”
“I stand by the suspension,” Emma said immediately.
“Good. He earned it.” Donovan leaned forward. “But there’s something else you should know. Before today’s incident, he was showing signs of problems. Mood swings. Erratic behavior at practice. Missing team meetings or showing up late.
Emma frowned, “Substance issues?”
“Nothing confirmed, but the patterns are familiar. I’ve coached long enough to recognize the signs.” Donovan met her eyes directly, “Reynolds needs help, not just punishment.”
Emma considered this. Despite everything, she couldn’t ignore that Jack–the real Jack, beneath the ego and anger–might be struggling.
“What do you suggest?”
Checking in Rabi
“Condition his return on working with the team psychologist. Mandatory sessions.” Donovan shrugged “Maybe it helps, maybe it doesn’t. But we tried”
Emma nodded slowly. “Add it to the suspension terms. And Coach? Thank you for bringing this to me directly”
After Donovan left, Emma sat in thoughtful silence. Her first day as owner had been a baptism by fire–public scrutiny, Jack’s meltdown, and now concerns about his mental health. The complexity of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Alek: Still at the office?*
“Yes,” she replied, “You?”
*Just wrapped up damage control with PR. Dinner?”
Emma hesitated. After today’s drama, being seen together in public seemed unwise. “Better not. Raincheck?
His response came quickly: “Of course. Get some rest. You were extraordinary today.
The simple praise warmed her more than a five–course meal could have. Emma gathered her things, ready to retreat to her apartment and process the day’s events. As she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed again–this time with a news alert.
*BREAKING: Star center Jack Reynolds enters league substance program following suspension from Boston Blades.*
Emma leaned against the elevator wall, a complex mix of emotions washing over her. Relief that Jack was getting help. Concern for someone she’d once loved. And beneath it all, grim certainty that his spiral was far from over–and somehow, she would be pulled back into his orbit before this chapter closed.
