Page 171 of Say My Name

No one watching this recording would question her composure.

I see the pen move beneath her palm, the pause she takes every time Daniel says her name, and I hear how much colder she becomes when he tries to turn a financial question into something personal.

On Thursday, I thought her tension belonged to us.

She arrived eighteen minutes late. Maya gave her water. Elena walked toward my office, raised her hand when our eyes met through the glass, and turned the movement into a wave.

Later, she stopped outside my open door while I was on the phone. I asked her to wait, and she left anyway.

A few hours later, she requested two weeks of personal leave. I approved it, telling myself that asking questions would only push her further away.

I never knew Daniel Weller was on the other side of that conference-room door.

The recording ends.

Our general counsel opens the conflict disclosure. “Ms. Vale notified legal and the acquisition administrator immediately after the meeting. She disclosed a prior personal relationship with the target’s CEO and requested removal from future work involving Weller Strategic. The details remain privileged pending review.”

“When did we receive the target’s full diligence materials?” I ask.

“Late Friday.”

“And this recording?”

“It was added to your Monday briefing package.”

After Elena had already left Chicago.

I look through Daniel’s profile. He owns a controlling interest in Weller Strategic and intends to remain for an eighteen-month transition. The proposed structure would place him in regular contact with our executive team. Including Elena.

She built the preliminary model before the intermediary released the target’s identity. By the time she knew Daniel was involved, weeks of work had already been completed and the acquisition had gained internal support.

She would understand exactly what a personal conflict could cost the company. She would also try to carry that burden herself.

“What’s the current recommendation?” I ask.

“Advance to formal diligence,” the head of acquisitions says. “Subject to Ms. Vale’s reassignment and legal’s conflict review.”

The numbers support that recommendation. Weller Strategic has recurring revenue, manageable debt, and a client base that fits our expansion strategy.

The company is valuable. I don’t give a fuck.

I close the folder. “End the briefing.”

No one moves at first.

“We still have thirty-five minutes scheduled,” someone says.

“I can’t look at that man’s face a second longer. We’re finished.”

Laptops close. Papers disappear into folders. The room empties without anyone asking whether we’ll reconvene.

Evan stays in his seat beside me.

He waits until the door closes. “I cleared your afternoon.”

“Thank you.”

His eyes move to Daniel’s photograph. “He’s the ex.”