You will tell him that you have a non-negotiable family emergency, and that your senior team lead will run the launch presentation without you.”

Ethan stared at me, his mouth open slightly.

“Alan will cancel my annual bonus.

He might fire me on the spot.”

“Then you will look for another job,” I said.

“Because if you walk out that front door at seven thirty to go to that meeting, June and I will not be here when you return.”

The refrigerator compressor kicked on with a low vibration in the quiet room.

Ethan did not blink.