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Lise Chens varde drough the phone santed some unpancy Emma per artes at the office coffee untouched Monday morning quer setting see the the ther wh
“What’s happene
The Boston Head From page of the sorts section
Emma opened her lacnos, quiony navigating to the newspapers waste The Heardine made her stomach
drop BLADES OWNERS SECRET RELATIONSHIP PREDATED PEYNOLDS DVORCE
Below was a gramy phons of her and use entering his apartment oulding metams dearly wobler three
is before her divorce was finalized During their professional distance periot
“Call Alek Emma toid Lisa Emergency meeting in ifteen minutes My office”
She scanned the article quickly professionalism temporarily overcome by personal shoot. The piece cred
sources close to team management caming Emma and Aler’s relationship had been ongoing for months before they publicly acknowledged -possibly even overlapping with her manage to Jack
Most damning was the reporter’s timeline meticulously constructed from venous sightings and leskad buliding security logs, suggesting frequent late–night meetings at Heks spamment during the separation
Emma fet physicaly ill while technically nothing inconspnate had accemed during her manage the octics were dismoun. Ther careful cooling off period umil after the divorce–waiting through snowstorms
and tension and professional boundaries–now locked like a calculated cover story
Her door opened without a innock. Ask enterad tablet in hand, expression thunderous
“You’ve seen it the said unneces
“Yes” His voice was controlled but tight Legal is already reviewing for actionable defamation”
seconds later, followed by Emmas assistant carrying an armful of newspapers. Its everywhere
Lisa reported grimly “All local outlets picked it up ESPN is requesting comment”
i
Emmasat straighter, forming herself into crisis management mode “Options?”
“Denial with evidence Lisa suggested Building security videos showing professional timing of meetings. Witness statements from secunty personnel confirming you always left at appropriate hours.”
“Except the snowstorm night Emma said quietly
The night of their first kiss–trapped in Alek’s office the beginning of feelings they couldn’t deny but managed to contain until after her divorce. The night Jack had discovered them
“You did nothing wrong” Alek insisted. “We waited until appropriate boundaries were established”
“But it looks bad” Emma acknowledged. Especially since we’ve been careful to maintain the narrative that our relationship developed after the divorce”
Lisa tapped her tablet thoughtfully “Source investigation is critical. This level of detail suggests someone
R
0 <
Interference
with inside access.”
“Building security logs are restricted,” Alek noted. “Someone with significant influence accessed them”
“Or paid someone who had access, Emma added, mind racing. “Jack?”
“Possible,” Lisa conceded. “But why now? You’ve been officially together for months. The trade is complete
There’s no obvious benefit.”
“Revenge doesn’t require logical benefit,” Alek pointed out.
Emma rubbed her temples, a headache forming. “The Board will have questions.”
“Already calling,” her assistant confirmed from the doorway, holding up Emma’s office phone. “Chairman Wilson wants an immediate explanation,”
The next hours passed in a blur of damage control. Emma spoke with Board members individually, explaining the situation with as much transparency as possible. Yes, she and Alek had developed feelings before her divorce was final. No, nothing inappropriate occurred during her marriage. Yes, they had maintained professional distance until legal boundaries were clear.
Most seemed cautiously supportive but concerned about public perception. Two were openly skeptical, suggesting an ethics review might be necessary to maintain organizational integrity.
By noon, the story had evolved from local scandal to national sports talk fodder. Twitter erupted with opinions, most falling predictably along gender lines–women generally supporting Emma’s right to move on after Jack’s infidelity, men questioning her professional judgment.
Emma was reviewing draft statements with Lisa when Franklin called.
“You sound exhausted,” he noted without preamble.
“Long morning,” Emma admitted. “How bad is this, Grandpa?”
“I’ve survived worse business crises before breakfast,” Franklin said dismissively. “This is a tempest in a
teapot.”
“The Board doesn’t see it that way. Wilson is suggesting an ethics review.”
“Wilson is an old fool who’s threatened by competent women. Franklin’s voice hardened. “I’ll handle the Board. You focus on the public message.”
“What if the narrative sticks?” Emma voiced her deepest fear. “Everything I’ve built here could be undermined.” “Only if you let it.” Franklin’s tone softened slightly. “Remember who you are, Emmy. You’re not just my granddaughter or Jack’s ex–wife or Alek’s girlfriend. You’re Emma Mitchell, and you’ve earned your place through intelligence and hard work.”
His confidence steadied her. “Thanks, Grandpa.”
“Now,” Franklin continued briskly, “where’s Aleksander in all this? Hiding under his desk?
“Investigating the source with security.” Emma smiled despite everything. “He’s been incredible, actually Completely focused on protecting the organization, not just himself”
“Good man. Keep him.”
After hanging up, Emma found herself facing a new challenge–an email from the Players‘ Association
2/3
requesting clarification about “potential conflicts of interest in management decisions. The trade controversy, seemingly resolved, had reignited with new ammuniti
At three o’clock, Alek texted Office security has a lead. Can you meet in monitoring room?
Emma headed downstairs to the arena’s security center, where monitors displayed feeds from dozens of cameras throughout the facility. Alek stood with Curtis Jenkins, head of security, reviewing footage
“What did you find?” Emma asked.
Jenkins pointed to a screen showing the executive corridor. “Two nights ago, after hours. Watch”
The timestamp showed 11:47 PM. A figure moved cautiously down the hallway, using a key card to enter the administrative offices. The camera angle captured a clear profile.
“Board member Adams, Emma said, surprised. “What was he doing here so late?”
“Accessing building logs,” Jenkins explained, forwarding to another clip. “He spent twenty minutes in the security database, focusing specifically on access records for Mr. Volkov’s residence.”
“But why?” Emma frowned, “Richard has always been supportive of my leadership.”
“Not always,” Alek said grimly. “He opposed your initial appointment until your grandfather persuaded him. And he voted against the Reynolds trade, arguing we should give Jack more rehabilitation time.” Emma processed this betrayal. “He leaked the information to the press.
“We have him entering and leaving the Herald offices yesterday afternoon.” Jenkins displayed another clip. “Pretty conclusive.”
“I want this handled delicately,” Emma decided. “No accusations until we speak with him directly.”
“He betrayed your trust, Alek argued. “Deliberately undermined your authority.”
“Which is why we need to understand his motivations before taking action.” Emma checked her watch. “The Board meeting is in thirty minutes. I’ll address this there.”
