I didn't sleep well that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Calvin's face—that uncharacteristic softness when he said goodnight. Then Daniel's text would flash through my mind, and guilt would twist in my stomach, though I had nothing to feel guilty about. Daniel and I were just friends and business partners. Calvin was... well, I wasn't sure what Calvin was anymore. Except for my sister's husband, I reminded myself firmly.
My alarm blared at 5:30 AM. I had a few hours to finalize the Henderson presentation before the board meeting at ten. I showered quickly, made strong coffee, and settled at my dining room table with my laptop.
The Henderson CEO was indeed a problem—not just for his outdated views on female leadership but for his resistance to the technological advances that could save his company. Calvin was right; I needed to be direct. But there was a fine line between honesty and career suicide.
