Chapter 57: Chapter 57
"Neither is asking me to play nice with people who dismiss me because I have tits."
We stared at each other, the tension crackling.
Finally, Christian sighed. "You’re right. I’m sorry. James is an asshole, and you shouldn’t have to coddle him."
"Thank you."
He pulled me close. "But maybe try not to antagonize him quite so much? For my blood pressure’s sake?"
I laughed despite myself. "No promises."
I spent the next few days researching alternative partners for the security software project.
I found a smaller company—Apex Security Solutions—that had a perfect track record of on-time delivery. Their team was experienced, their projections realistic, and their references glowing.
I presented Apex to the board.
"They’re significantly smaller than Morrison," James pointed out.
"Smaller means more focused. They’ll prioritize our project instead of juggling dozens of commitments."
Robert nodded slowly. "The financials are more conservative but more realistic."
"Conservative don’t win markets," James argued.
"No, but reliable delivery does." I pulled up Apex’s portfolio. "Every single client has renewed their contract. That’s unheard of in this industry."
The board voted to move forward with Apex.
James abstained.
After the meeting, he cornered me in the hallway. "You’re making me look incompetent."
"I’m doing my job."
"You’re undermining me at every turn." His face was red. "I’ve been with this company for fifteen years. I don’t need some Alpha’s pet coming in and—"
"Careful." Christian’s voice cut through the hallway like a blade.
James went pale. "Alpha, I didn’t mean—"
"You called my mate a pet." Christian’s eyes were amber. "Apologize. Now."
"I’m sorry." James wouldn’t meet my eyes. "That was inappropriate."
"Damn right it was." Christian stepped closer. "Sophie has saved this company millions. She’s earned her position. You will treat her with respect, or you will leave Knight Industries. Understood?"
James nodded and practically ran away.
I should’ve felt victorious. But instead, I just felt tired.
"I don’t need you to fight my battles," I told Christian.
"I know. But he crossed a line."
"He’s been crossing lines since I got here."
"Then maybe it’s time he learned there are consequences."
I leaned against the wall. "This is exhausting."
Christian pulled me into his arms. "I know. But you’re doing incredible work. Don’t let James make you doubt that."
The Apex deal moved forward smoothly. Their team was professional, their timelines realistic, and their deliverables on point.
Three months in, we’d made more progress than we would’ve made in a year with Morrison.
James still gave me an attitude, but the rest of the board started actively seeking my input on deals.
Robert asked me to review a real estate acquisition. I found zoning issues that would’ve cost millions to resolve.
Diana wanted my take on a potential security contract. I sensed the client was financially unstable and would default on payments.
Even the human executives who’d dismissed me initially started taking my recommendations seriously.
But my biggest challenge came from an unexpected source.
Connor showed up at my office one afternoon looking uncomfortable.
"We need to talk about the Blackwood situation," he said.
I’d almost forgotten about terminating the Blackwood contract. It had been the right call strategically, but politically...
"What’s happening?"
"Marcus Blackwood is spreading rumors. Saying Knight Industries is unstable. That you’re making decisions based on personal vendettas."
"That’s bullshit."
"I know. But some clients are listening." Connor sat down heavily. "We’ve lost two potential contracts because of his rumors."
Damn it.
"How bad is it?"
"Bad enough that the board is questioning whether terminating the Blackwood contract was worth it."
I closed my eyes. This was my fault. I’d made a strategic decision without considering the political fallout.
"I’ll fix it," I said.
"How?"
"I don’t know yet. But I will."
That night, I couldn’t sleep.
Christian was passed out beside me, exhausted from a long day of Alpha duties. But my mind was racing.
The Blackwood rumors were damaging Knight Industries’ reputation. My reputation.
I needed to do something dramatic to shift the narrative.
I spent hours researching, planning, and strategizing.
By dawn, I had a plan.
It was risky. Potentially backfiring. But it might work.
I scheduled meetings with every client who’d backed away from Knight Industries because of the Blackwood rumors.
And I went to them personally.
No Christian. No Robert. Just me.
The first meeting was with a tech CEO named Ava Chen, who’d canceled a consulting contract.
"I appreciate you meeting with me," I started.
"I’m not sure what there is to discuss." Sarah’s expression was polite but cold. "Knight Industries’ instability is concerning."
"What instability?" I pulled out financial reports. "Our quarterly earnings are up. Our client retention rate is ninety-two percent. Our project delivery record is flawless."
"Marcus Blackwood said—"
