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Harper looks at the numbers on the screen while feeling the warmth of Victoria’s body pressed against hers. Six months. Six months that feel like six years. The office door bursts open, shattering the intimacy.
“Dear bosses and mentors!”
Julian walks in, holding a copy of Velvet & Silk between two fingers, as if it were radioactive waste, causing Harper to let out an amused sigh.
“You’re going to love this,” Julian announces.
Behind him appears Solange, beaming and looking like she has the gossip of the century, followed by Liam Vance. Victoria’s brother started out helping with the opening event for “a couple of weeks” and has ended up running the public relations department.
Julian holds up the magazine with a hint of amusement.
“The last quarter’s circulation report is out.”
Victoria sets her coffee cup down on the table. Harper crosses her arms, listening intently. With a practiced flourish, Julian tosses the copy of Velvet & Silk straight into the trash can.
“Eleanor lost Chanel and Dior in the same week. She’s finished. Technical knockout.”
“Julian…” Harper tries to stop him, though the corners of her mouth betray her lack of seriousness.
“What? I’ve been super restrained. I could have used some really hurtful adjectives.”
Solange leans against the doorframe and speaks up.
“He’s not exaggerating one bit. Sales keep falling issue after issue. Major advertisers are fleeing in panic, and three brands called this morning asking for our rates.”
Liam lets out a whistle.
“A full-blown bloodbath. Eleanor must be hyperventilating in her office.”
Victoria picks up her iPad and checks the data. A spark of satisfaction flashes in her eyes, but it’s not arrogant.
“Exactly what we told you would happen has happened,” Victoria says. “Leadership is demonstrated through numbers and respect for the team’s talent, and she chose to cling to the past.”
Julian puts his hand to his heart, moved.
“That line was so damn elegant I want to embroider it on a pillow. Or get it tattooed on my forearm. I’m torn between the two.”
Harper laughs, shaking her head.
“Don’t even think about it. We’ve got enough to deal with as it is with your ego.”
Solange leans a little closer to them, lowering her voice.
“There’s more. My contact on the board told me they’re negotiating a quick exit with Eleanor—an early retirement with a golden parachute. Basically, a back-door exit before they fire her.”
The announcement is met with a sudden silence in the room. Harper processes the news. For months, she’d thought about how she’d feel seeing that woman brought down. Yet she feels no joy.
“Are they going to fire her?” Harper asks.
“They’re offering her a golden parachute to make it look like a personal decision,” Solange clarifies. “If she doesn’t sign it, the board will dismiss her at the next meeting.”
Julian glances sideways at the trash can.
“Hey, I actually feel a little sorry for her.”
Victoria remains silent, her gaze lost in the window. Harper knows her partner well and understands what this news stirs up inside her. She moves closer slowly and slides her hand into Victoria’s, intertwining their fingers. A gesture imperceptible to others, but full of meaning.
“Are you okay, love?” Harper whispers to her.
