Chapter 8

Dorian's POV

Once I left Anna, I went back to my office with the knowledge that the board would be phoning soon. As usual, the call came in just a couple of minutes later. There was that slight calmness in the chairman’s voice, but it was tinged with disapproval.

“Dorian, what’s this I hear about an announcement? A relationship with an employee?”

I noticed myself counting to five silently before saying anything. As irritating as it is, I am only human and have to factor in the fact that there is a hierarchy that needs to be followed.

I completely focused on the task at hand instead of the condescending tone that had come across. “Yes, as I’ve responded to the query raised by the employees in the office, I had to make it very clear in order for everyone to be on the same page and not create tension within the workplace.”

“While I get what you are trying to say, there are some ethical issues and the risk of conflicting interests. The board will need reassurances.”

“There is no project for which I oversee that has Anna working under its scope,” I said in a more commanding voice. “I suppose it is needless to say that her achievements are enough to justify her and that she does not need to do anything further.”

Once again there was silence before he uttered, “You’ve put us in a rather awkward position, Dorian. Ensure it does not get worse than what it already is. There has to be procedures set forth by the board stating what will need to be done and how this will be handled going forward. We will feel better if there's a written statement outlining how this will be managed.”

“Understood. You’ll have it by the end of the day.”

After the call ended, I was pacing, thinking up ideas on how to control the damage, at the same time sitting and rubbing my head again and again. Controlling the damage was not entirely about the boardroom, it was about making sure Anna did not have to face the wrath of this.

Brenda, please come into my office, I said to her. "Reinstate our company's professional and respectful behavior with an internal memo," I directed. "In other words, make it abundantly clear that the making of such relationships does not breach the guidelines as long as proper disclosure is made."

Brenda grunted, apparently perplexed but did not insist that is okay because otherwise I would have lashed out at her.

Once Brenda left to go draft the memo, I sat back into my chair and sighed, my thoughts looking ahead at what I needed to do next.

Surely there is a line between transparency and achieving unity within the workplace after such a declaration this is another battle on its own.

My phone went off once again, pity it was not the call from the board but rather an email from one of the higher managers rather implicitly questioning Anna’s trustworthiness.

In spite of my better judgment, I bit my tongue in the hope of avoiding a confrontation and dependable chain of command.

These sorts of occurrences made me understand the pressure that Anna would be subject to in the future, and it in turn made me more certain to safeguard her.

Brenda was back with a draft of the memo. “This is the document I have at the moment,” She handed me the printed sheet and continued.”

So, I had a look at it. The tone was as expected, formal and restrained. ‘This works. Make sure to distribute it right away. I want each one of them to receive it in the next hour.’

Now, she shrugged but waited a bit before speaking. “I might as well say this Dorian, if you don’t get offended… the situation might degenerate before it improves.”

“I know,” I said rather curtly but then hastily added, “as you know, I am the man that I am.” When I said this, I noticed that she flinched a little bit. “That is why I need you – be my eyes. But do it without drawing attention to yourself.”

Brenda’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but she quickly controlled herself. “Now I have received the brief. I will monitor the auras and inform you of any further developments.”

“Good. And Brenda,” I added, meeting her gaze and said, “And this isn’t about spying or micromanaging, But about providing Anna, and the rest of them with the ability to do their work in a professional environment.”

She gave a small, understanding nod before stepping out of my office.

Once more, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to relieve the stress that was pressing against me. Deep down I knew that this would not be the last such occurrence.

Letting people think that Anna and I were in a relationship was more than enough to allow people to gossip, but I equally understood that it was important to stop it. And with that in mind, I got my laptop and started drafting a statement.

It included everything: the history of our relationship; the precautions I had made in order to formally declare our relationship; and the policies placed to stay away from any potential conflicts of interest. I took the time to emphasize Anna’s credentials and achievements so that there could be no question over her competency.

At any rate, sending the email to the board made me feel like I had regained some control over the situation. This was no longer about just trying to fix the issue; this was about actually creating hope for the future.

Business and pleasure, as long as they are managed, do not necessarily have to be at odds. And I was willing to stand for that.

When the board was sent the email with a notification that the message was delivered, my focus turned to a more immediate problem, which is Daniel.

I drew my fingers, which had rested on the desk, in a light tapping gesture, as though tapping each index finger against the surface of the desk contemplating. This indeed bore reflection whether it would be litigation or the courts.

Still, I knew subtle pressure wouldn’t be enough. Daniel thrived on perception and influence.

I leaned back in my chair, smirking grimly. The goal wasn’t just to silence Daniel—it was to make him irrelevant.

Satisfied with my plan, I jotted down a list of actions and next steps, ready to discuss them with HR and legal. If Daniel wanted to play games, he’d quickly learn I always played to win.