The boardroom felt like a battleground as I stared across the table at Dominic Beaumont. His attempt to leverage our contract to benefit my nephew was transparent, but what interested me more was the motive behind it.
"Mr. Beaumont," I said, keeping my voice measured, "I understand you want Caleb to lead this project. But demanding his immediate promotion to director is excessive."
Dominic leaned forward. "Your nephew has potential, Sterling. I've heard impressive things."
I nearly smiled at that obvious lie. Anyone who knew Caleb's work knew better.
"Let's be clear," I said. "You need this deal as much as we do. Your father's been pressuring you to close it for months. So this sudden concern for my nephew's career trajectory seems... disingenuous."
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. He hadn't expected me to know about his father's pressure tactics.
"How about a compromise?" I offered. "Caleb manages this project. If he succeeds, he earns the promotion on merit."
