Victoria sat at the mahogany desk in the library, the phone in her hand feeling heavy as a weapon. William stood by the fireplace, watching her.
“If you do this, there is no going back,” William warned softly. “Once you challenge her, she will burn the bridge.”
“She’s already lit the match, William,” Victoria replied. “If I resign, I admit that a pregnant woman is incapable of leadership. I validate every misogynistic whisper in that boardroom. I won’t do it.”
She dialed Julianna Vane’s personal number. It rang once.
“Victoria,” Julianna’s voice purred. “I assume you’re calling to coordinate the press release for your resignation?”
“I’m calling to tell you that I’m keeping the office,” Victoria said, her voice steady. “And the chair. And the baby.”
There was a pause on the line. “You’re making a mistake. By Monday morning, I will turn your biology into a liability.”
“Go ahead,” Victoria challenged. “But remember, Julianna: Alistair Croft taught me how to survive a monster. You’re just a bully.”
She hung up.
“It’s done,” Victoria exhaled, looking at William. “Now we wait for the bomb.”