Reyes Systems’ boardroom sat above the city like a threat.
The table was long, glossy, built for people who enjoyed the sound of decisions landing. The windows framed the skyline as if it belonged to them.
Mrs. Reyes was already seated when Theo and Mira entered.
She didn’t rise.
She smiled. “Theodore. Mira.”
Mira felt the room’s eyes on her—board members, counsel, assistants who pretended not to listen while recording everything in their posture.
Theo’s hand rested lightly at Mira’s back. Not a shove. Not a shield. A statement: she was here because he wanted her here.
Board counsel, a man with silver hair and a voice designed to sound neutral, cleared his throat. “This session concerns executive conduct, reputational risk, and potential conflicts of interest—”
Theo cut in. “State your actual concern.”
A quiet ripple moved through the room.
Counsel adjusted. “The public narrative—particularly allegations of contractual involvement—creates risk. We have obligations to shareholders.”
Theo’s gaze was calm. “So manage the narrative.”
Mrs. Reyes’s smile tightened. “Your arrogance is not a strategy.”
Theo’s eyes turned to her, cold. “It’s experience.”
Mira’s stomach churned, but she lifted her chin. If she flinched, she lost.
Counsel continued, “There is also concern that Ms. Chen’s employment at Vantage—”
Mira spoke, voice clear. “My employment is not your asset to audit.”
Silence.
Mrs. Reyes’s gaze sharpened. “You’re bold in rooms you don’t understand.”
Mira met her eyes. “I understand enough. You want him controlled. You want me removable.”
A board member—a woman in a navy suit with tired eyes—leaned forward slightly. “Theo. Did you create a contractual arrangement with Ms. Chen?”
Theo’s hand tightened at Mira’s back. Mira felt him measure his next words.
“Yes,” Theo said. “A confidentiality and safety agreement after harassment escalated. With counsel. With consent. To protect her.”
Counsel’s tone sharpened. “A ‘girlfriend contract’ is a red flag.”
Theo didn’t blink. “Then stop calling it that. It’s a protective agreement because my name attracts predators.”
Mrs. Reyes’s eyes narrowed. “Is she being compensated?”
Theo’s jaw flexed once. “Yes. For time, disruption, and risk.”
Mira’s chest tightened. The truth tasted like metal.
Mrs. Reyes smiled, small and cruel. “So she is paid.”
Mira’s voice cut through. “I am not purchased.”
Mrs. Reyes’s gaze chilled. “That distinction matters to you.”
“It should matter to all of you,” Mira said, pulse hammering. “If you’re going to sit here and pretend you’re defending ‘ethics’ while quietly trading favors and influence, at least don’t use me as your moral costume.”
The navy-suited board member’s lips twitched—almost approval.
Theo’s gaze flicked to Mira, something fierce and proud in it that made her stomach flip.
Counsel leaned in. “Regardless, the optics threaten stock stability. We’re considering recommending—”
Theo interrupted, calm and lethal. “You’re considering removing me.”
The room went taut.
Mrs. Reyes didn’t deny it. “You are making irrational choices.”
Theo’s mouth flattened. “I am making personal choices you can’t control.”
Counsel’s voice remained careful. “A temporary leave could stabilize markets.”
Theo’s gaze turned icy. “A leave would be interpreted as guilt.”
Mrs. Reyes’s voice softened in a way that meant danger. “Then end the relationship. Publicly. Cleanly.”
Mira went cold.
Theo didn’t look at his mother. He looked at Mira.
“Are you leaving?” he asked her quietly.
The room held its breath.
Mira’s mouth went dry. She could feel the cost pressed against her ribs: career, peace, anonymity. And the other cost: walking away from him and letting his mother win.
Mira’s voice was steady despite the tremor in her hands. “No.”
Theo’s gaze didn’t soften. It hardened into certainty.
He turned back to the board. “Then the relationship stands.”
Counsel exhaled. “Theo—”
Theo lifted a hand. “Here is my offer. You want stability. You want predictable leadership. You want shareholders calm.”
He leaned forward slightly, voice even. “You will not use my personal life as leverage. In return, I will give you quarterly transparency on risk mitigation measures—security, legal, PR—without exposing Mira’s private data.”
Mrs. Reyes’s smile was razor-thin. “And if we refuse?”
Theo’s eyes went colder. “Then you force a power struggle you might not win.”
The navy-suited board member spoke again, calm. “Are you threatening the board?”
Theo’s gaze met hers. “I’m reminding the board that I built the product roadmap and the partnerships. If you want to discuss governance, let’s discuss governance, not my bed.”
A sharp inhale somewhere. Mira’s cheeks warmed—but Theo didn’t look embarrassed. He looked done.
Mrs. Reyes’s tone turned hard. “You’re willing to damage the company for her.”
Theo’s gaze snapped to her. “No. I’m willing to damage your control for myself.”
Silence, heavy as stone.
Counsel cleared his throat. “We will recess to discuss.”
Mrs. Reyes rose at last, smoothing her jacket like she was smoothing the world back into place. “Mira,” she said quietly, “you have no idea what he loses if you stay.”
Mira met her gaze. “And you have no idea what he gains.”
Mrs. Reyes’s eyes narrowed. “We’ll see.”
The board filed out.
In the brief private quiet, Theo turned to Mira. His hand came to her face, thumb brushing her cheekbone—so gentle it almost undid her.
“You didn’t have to,” he murmured.
Mira’s voice was raw. “Yes, I did.”
Theo’s eyes darkened with something that wasn’t anger. Something hungry, intimate, real.
“You’re shaking,” he said.
Mira gave a thin laugh. “I’m furious.”
Theo leaned closer. “Good. Stay furious. Don’t let her turn you into fear.”
Mira swallowed. “I’m not sure I can do this forever.”
Theo’s gaze held hers. “Don’t do forever. Do today.”
Mira’s throat tightened. “And tomorrow?”
Theo’s mouth brushed hers—brief, private, grounding. “Tomorrow, we keep choosing.”
The board returned.
Counsel spoke, measured. “We will not recommend a leave at this time. However, we require—”
Mrs. Reyes cut in smoothly. “We require that Ms. Chen sign a non-disclosure directly with Reyes Systems and submit to a reputational review.”
Mira went cold. “No.”
Theo’s voice was immediate. “No.”
Mrs. Reyes’s gaze sharpened. “Then you force our hand.”
Theo’s expression went still. “Try.”
And Mira realized: this wasn’t a negotiation anymore.
It was a line being drawn.