Page 157 of The Substitute Fiancée

@TechCriticParis: “Nice love story, but when you run a company in crisis, you make choices. Apparently, Delaunay chose his personal life. His employees and shareholders deserved better.”

But there are other voices, too.

@WomenInTech: “Finally, a CEO who proves you can be human AND professional.”

@MatchMappingEmployee (anonymous account): “I work at MatchMapping. Delaunay is the best boss I’ve ever had. He treats us like humans. What he did yesterday? Makes me want to fight even harder for this company.”

Sam has sat up beside me, reading over my shoulder.

“Oh my God… Alexander, I’m so sorry. This is because of me—”

“No.”

I set my phone down and look straight at her.

“This is not because of you. It was my choice. And I take full responsibility for it.”

“But—”

“Sam, listen to me.”

I cup her face in my hands and lock my eyes onto hers.

“I knew this could happen. And you know what? I don’t regret it. If I had to do it again, I would.”

“Alexander…”

“Because it was worth it,” I continue. “You’re worth it. Being there for you yesterday, seeing you before your exam, supporting you… there is nothing more important than that.”

Her eyes fill with tears.

“But if it ruins your career—”

“Then I’ll build something else.”

She throws herself into my arms, trembling. I hold her tightly, breathing in her scent, feeling her heart beat against my chest.

My phone vibrates again. David.

“I need to answer,” I murmur into her hair.

She nods, pulling back slightly.

I pick up.

“David.”

“You saw it?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“The board wants an emergency meeting this morning, in two hours.”

“I’ll be there.”

“Ms. Bertau is furious. She’s talking about a vote of no confidence.”

She didn’t waste any time. A no-confidence vote from the board could cost me my position as CEO.