Page 26 of Off-Limits as Puck

“And now I’m here. He’s here. With mandatory therapy sessions. Starting in two hours.”

“Jesus.” She sits back, processing. “Does anyone else know?”

“No. And it needs to stay that way.”

“Obviously. Okay, damage control mode.” She pulls out her phone, typing rapidly. “First, you need documentation. Every interaction, every email, every session note. Create a paper trail that’s so professionally spotless it could be submitted as evidence.”

“I’m not trying to build a case—”

“You’re protecting yourself. Trust me on this.” She looks up from her phone. “Second, never be alone with him outside of scheduled sessions. Always in your office, always with the door closed but unlocked. Record everything if legal.”

“That seems extreme.”

“That seems smart. Hendrix’s got a history of poor impulse control, and you’ve got a history of...” She waves vaguely. “Vegas.”

Fair point.

“Third,” she continues, “cc me on any concerning communications. I can’t protect you from something I don’t see coming.”

“I appreciate this, but I can handle—”

“Chelsea.” She reaches across the table, gripping my hand. “I like you. You’re smart, qualified, and exactly what this disaster of a team needs. But this is a boys’ club wrapped in corporate dollars, and your father won’t be able to protect you if this goes south.Hell, he’d probably lead the charge to distance himself.”

The truth of it stings. My father’s love has always been conditional, based on performance and reputation. A scandal would be unforgivable.

“So what do I do?”

“You do your job. You maintain ironclad boundaries. And you don’t let Reed Hendrix charm, intimidate, or seduce you into forgetting what’s at stake.”

“He won’t—”

“He will. It’s what he does. The man collects conquests like hockey penalties.” She pauses. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Much.

Back in my office, I take Maddy’s advice to heart. I draft the most professionally distant email in the history of workplace communication.

To:N. Hendrix

From:Dr. C. Clark

Subject:Scheduled Performance Sessions

Mr. Hendrix,

This email confirms your mandatory performance enhancement sessions scheduled for the following dates and times:

Thursday, March 15: 10:00 AM

Tuesday, March 20: 2:00 PM

Thursday, March 22: 10:00 AM

Sessions will take place in my office (East Wing, Suite 302). Please arrive promptly. Failure to attend will be reported to management per your reinstatement agreement.

Attached please find intake forms to be completed prior to our first session.

Regards,

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