Page 88 of Protected By My Best Friend's Brother

I turn to find Garrett standing in my doorway—former board member, recent Brighton Analytics defector, and apparently surprise ally. He’d shown up this morning, asking to observe the board meeting, much to everyone’s shock. His tailored suit is the same impeccable quality as always, but something about his bearing has changed—a softening around the edges, perhaps.

“What made you come back?” I ask, lowering the speaker’s volume. “After everything with Brighton.”

He moves to watch Emma through the wall, his expression thoughtful. Where once he would have observed with critical assessment, now there’s something that looks almost like admiration. “You know, I spent six months at Brighton Analytics, surrounded by cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds. Their systems are incredible. Flawless. And completely soulless.”

“And that made you switch sides?” I can’t keep the skepticism from my voice. This is the same man who resigned rather than support Emma’s unconventional approach just months ago.

“No.” He smiles slightly, surprising me with its genuineness. “What made me switch sides was watching their CEO’s face when he saw your Johnson implementation results. He couldn’t understand how a system built around acknowledging human quirks could outperform their AI. That’s when I realized what you two have built here isn’t just innovative—it’s revolutionary.”

Through the speaker, Emma’s voice carries that infectious enthusiasm I love. “By integrating user experience with sustainability metrics, we’re not just creating efficient systems—we’re building solutions people want to use. Our beta testing shows a 65% increase in employee engagement with environmental initiatives when we personalize the interface to reflect their workflow patterns.”

I watch her through the glass, the way she uses her hands to emphasize key points, how she pauses to make sure the board is following her more technical explanations. She’s mastered the balance between technical expertise and accessible presentation that took me years to develop.

“She’s turned your entire approach upside down,” Garrett observes. “In the best possible way.”

I can’t help smiling as Emma fields questions with the perfect blend of technical expertise and genuine warmth that makes her so effective. The velvet box in my desk drawer seems to pulse with possibility. I’ve been carrying my mother’s ring for weeks now, waiting for the perfect moment.

“Walker.” Garrett’s voice turns serious. “I owe you an apology. Several, actually. I was so focused on traditional metrics that I missed what makes this company special.”

The admission catches me off guard. Garrett has never been one to acknowledge being wrong about anything, let alone offer apologies. “What changed your mind?”

“Watching Brighton try to replicate your success.” He straightens his tie, a nervous gesture I’ve never seen from him before. “They have the technology, the resources, and the global reach. But they can’t replicate what you and Emma have built here. This... understanding that the best innovations come from supporting people, not replacing them.”

In the conference room, Emma is showing a slide that compares traditional automation approaches with our hybrid human-centered model. The contrast is striking—cold efficiency versus sustainable growth that honors tradition and innovation.

“Brighton’s approach is all about eliminating variables,” Garrett continues. “Your approach—Emma’s approach—is about embracing them. Turning what others see as inefficiencies into strengths.” He shakes his head slightly. “I didn’t understand that before.”

The board meeting winds down, and Sophie bursts into my office through the side door, barely acknowledging Garrett as she closes it behind her. Her eyes are bright with the manic energy that usually means she’s plotting something.

“Seriously?” She smacks my arm, completely ignoring professional protocols as usual. “Moving in together? That’s the best you could do when you’ve been making heart eyes at her for weeks and have Mom’s ring—”

I clamp a hand over her mouth, shooting a warning look at Garrett. To my surprise, he smiles, not a trace of his former disapproval visible.

“Don’t worry, Walker. Your secret’s safe.” His expression turns unexpectedly understanding. “Though your sister’s right—some things are worth being brave for.”

Before I can respond, Emma bounces into the office, practically glowing with success. Her cheeks are flushed with triumph, her eyes bright with possibilities. She’s changed since turning down Goldman Sachs and has grown more confident in her vision and her place at Walker Enterprises.

“They approved it! All of it! We can start implementing the new division structure next week!” She’s almost vibrating, then notices Garrett and composes herself slightly. “Mr. Garrett. I didn’t realize you were visiting today.”

“Congratulations, Ms. Hastings.” Garrett clears his throat. “Actually, I was hoping to discuss a potential position in your new division. Assuming you’re willing to consider it.”

Emma’s eyes widen, genuine shock replacing her professional composure. “You want to work for me?”

The irony isn’t lost on us—the board member who once dismissed her unconventional approaches is now asking to join her team. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come and how Emma’s vision has transformed not just our company but the industry’s understanding of what sustainable technology can be.

“I want to be part of something real.” He straightens his tie again, the gesture familiar but lacking its usual rigidity. “Your approach to sustainable technology is what the industry needs. Unconventional as it may be.”

I watch Emma process this, her analytical mind reassessing everything she thought she knew about Garrett. She studies him for a moment, then nods slightly.

“I’ll think about it,” she says, smiling. “Though you should know my management style involves a lot of unconventional methods.”

“I would expect nothing less.” There’s a hint of genuine respect in his voice that I’ve never heard before.

As Garrett excuses himself, Sophie starts gathering her things, but not before whispering, “Tonight. Lake. No more waiting.”

She’s right, of course. She usually is, but I’ll never tell her that. I’ve been carrying this ring around for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment that never seems to arrive. Watching Emma today—confident, brilliant, changing the world one sustainability matrix at a time—I know I can’t wait any longer.

“Lunch?” Emma asks, already gathering her presentation materials with practiced efficiency. “I want to start mapping out the division structure. I’m thinking color-coded team assignments based on specialization areas, with integrated cross-functional workflow protocols.” Her eyes gleam with the pleasure of organizing something new.

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