Page 140 of Sin

“Owen will kill me.”

“Probably not literally.”

“You don’t know Owen.”

Richard ignores that. “Second, Laurel needs independent counsel if this becomes formal. Not company counsel. Not your counsel. Hers.”

I nod once.

“Third, you remove yourself from all employment decisions involving her. Compensation, role, travel, discipline, anything tied to Sex Activity Pro, anything tied to the launch.”

“That’s easy.”

“No, it isn’t. You’re emotionally involved.”

“I can be objective.”

Richard stares at me. I hate attorneys.

“Fine,” I say. “I can try to be objective.”

“Trying is not a policy.”

I drag a hand through my hair.

“Fourth,” he says, “you need to decide whether you are stepping down temporarily, appointing an interim reporting structure, or asking the board to approve a conflict management plan.”

“That sounds like corporate exile.”

“It’s consequences, my friend.”

The word hits. Consequences. There they are. Not theoretical. Not someday.

Now.

“What about Jenna?” I ask.

“I’ll reach out to her attorney once she has one. Do you want to file first?”

I close my eyes.

“I don’t want to hurt her more than I already have.”

“Then be clean.” Richard leans forward. “No games. No hiding assets. No punishing her for being angry. No letting guilt make you stupid. If the marriage is over, end it respectfully.”

I nod. That much, at least, I can do.

My phone starts vibrating on the table.

I glance at it.

Tate.

Then it stops. Immediately starts again.

Blaze.

Then Wilder.