Except it wasn't exactly what it was, was it? At least not entirely.
"It's perfect," he said, keeping his voice neutral. "Direct but not confrontational."
Natalie coughed softly. "We should discuss worst-case scenarios. If questions arise about James's involvement in the Next negotiations, we need to be prepared."
"His credentials speak for themselves," Victoria replied coolly. "Cornell MBA, two years at McKinsey before joining Sharp. There's no question he belongs at that table."
"Of course," Natalie agreed quickly. "But perception—"
"Is irrelevant compared to reality," Victoria finished, her tone brooking no argument. "James earned his position through exceptional performance. Anyone suggesting otherwise will find themselves on the wrong end of a defamation suit."
The meeting continued for another hour, dissecting potential questions, preparing responses, and strategizing follow-up actions. Throughout, James noticed how the team instinctively deferred to Victoria, their eyes always seeking her approval, their suggestions carefully framed to align with her vision.
It wasn't fear that motivated them, he realized. It was absolute trust in her judgment—a trust built on six years of Victoria being right when others were wrong, of seeing opportunities where others saw obstacles.
It was the same trust that had led him to follow her from McKinsey three years ago, abandoning a clear path to partnership for the uncertainty of a company that was then still fighting to establish itself in a crowded market. He'd never regretted that decision, not even now.
As the meeting concluded, Victoria said, "James, stay behind a moment."
When the others had filed out, she turned to him, her professional mask slipping just enough to reveal genuine concern. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," he replied automatically. Then, more honestly: "It's unpleasant, but nothing I can't handle."
Victoria studied him, her blue eyes probing. "I need to know if there's anything—anything at all—that could compromise our position today. Any past interactions that could be misinterpreted, any communications that might surface."
"There's nothing," James assured her, maintaining her gaze. "My conduct...our conduct has always been professional."
Something flickered across Victoria's face—relief, certainly, but also something else. Regret? Was it the kiss she regrets? He remained uncertain as it was gone too quickly to identify.
"Good," she said, gathering her papers. "I'll see you at two o'clock."
Throughout the morning, James buried himself in work, deliberately losing himself in merger details and integration timelines. It was easier than acknowledging the sidelong glances from colleagues or the conspicuous way conversation stopped whenever he entered a room.
At 1:30, James changed into a fresh shirt he kept in his office and made his way to Victoria's suite, where the media setup was already in place. Cameras from three networks were positioned at the back of the room, while reporters from major business publications and tech blogs occupied the chairs arranged in neat rows.
Victoria stood near her desk, reviewing note cards while Nathan hovered nearby, making last-minute adjustments to her microphone. She looked utterly composed, as though addressing media speculation about her personal life was simply another item on her daily agenda.
At precisely 2 PM, Nathan stepped forward to introduce Victoria, keeping his remarks brief and professional. Then Victoria took her position behind a small podium, her posture perfect, her expression serious but not severe.
"Good afternoon. I've always maintained that my personal life is my own," she began her voice measured and stable. "But when baseless accusations threaten to undermine the reputation of valuable team members, clarification becomes necessary. James Mitchell's career advancement at Sharp Innovations has been based solely on his exceptional performance and strategic acumen, documented extensively in our HR records which we've made available to independent verification."
The cameras whirred softly, capturing every nuance of her expression.
"Let me be direct: The insinuations made in these reports are false and misleading. At Sharp Innovations, we maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. My working relationship with Mr. Mitchell, like all my executive team members, is based on mutual respect, shared vision, and commitment to excellence."
She paused, allowing her words to settle.
"The photographs circulating show legitimate business discussions during our recent merger negotiations with Next Technologies. Mr. Mitchell's presence in these negotiations was essential due to his expertise in strategic integration and his background in technology mergers, skills he honed during his tenure at McKinsey & Company before joining Sharp Innovations."
Victoria turned slightly, acknowledging James who stood unobtrusively to one side.
"I understand how these images might appear without proper context. Business relationships, particularly successful ones, often involve long hours, intense discussions, and a level of personal trust that can be misconstrued when viewed through a narrow lens."
She straightened, her expression hardening almost imperceptibly.
"I find it telling that these allegations surface now, at the precise moment when Sharp Innovations has secured a transformative partnership with Next Technologies that will revolutionize our industry. One might question the timing and motivation behind such stories."
A murmur ran through the assembled reporters. Victoria had just subtly suggested corporate sabotage without directly accusing anyone—a masterful deflection that would have reporters chasing a new angle by tomorrow.
"Like anyone else, I have a personal life, and so does Mr. James Mitchell. If we were in a relationship, I'd ask what law or ethical line does that cross? This is the 21st century; it is no one's business. I do not blur the lines between work and personal matters. I know when to switch each off or on, and I've never allowed one to interfere with the other. Let's not confuse perception with fact, or personal choices with professional conduct. That said I will not allow baseless gossip to distract us from the important work we are doing. Our focus remains where it should be: on innovation, on excellence, and on delivering value to our clients and partners."
She paused, her expression softening into something almost wry.
"I understand the photos may seem misleading, but context matters. My professionalism is beyond question. Still, I can't control how things appear when captured. I mean, I do look striking. Honestly, I'm the embodiment of 'too good to be true.' Just take a look."
The comment—delivered with just the right balance of confidence and self-awareness—prompted surprised laughter from the assembled media. It was pure Victoria: acknowledging her striking appearance without apology while simultaneously dismissing its relevance.
As she continued answering questions with poised precision, James watched the reporters' expressions shift from hungry anticipation to grudging respect. Victoria wasn't just deflecting allegations; she was reframing the entire narrative.
By the time the last question was answered and the cameras were being packed away, the atmosphere in the room had transformed. What had begun as a defensive press conference had somehow become a showcase for Victoria's leadership qualities—her poise under pressure, her unwavering focus on the company's mission, her ability to address controversy directly without becoming mired in it.
The reporters filed out, already typing on their phones, the story evolving in real time. James could already predict tomorrow's headlines: not "CEO Denies Inappropriate Relationship" but "Sharp CEO Turns Scandal into Strength" or "Victoria Sharp Refocuses Attention on Groundbreaking Merger."
It was a masterclass in crisis management, and James felt a familiar surge of admiration, tinged with something deeper he refused to name.
An hour later, after the last of the media representatives had departed, James found Victoria alone in her office. She stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the city skyline, a stillness about her that seemed at odds with her usual kinetic energy.