<b>Book </b><b>3 </b>Power y <b>Strategy </b>
+25 Points
Emma stared at the pregnancy vitamins on her nightstand, willing her stomach to settle enough to take them. The morning sickness was getting worse, not better.
“Try eating crackers first,” Katie suggested, appearing in the doorway with Charlotte on her hip. “It helps some women.”
“Nothing helps,” Emma groaned, but she reached for the saltines anyway.
Downstairs, she could hear Alek on a conference call with the NHL board, his voice tense as he discussed expansion details. They’d been tiptoeing around each other for three days since the pregnancy revtion, both trying to be supportive while privately panicking.
“Mama sick?” Charlotte asked, reaching out to pat Emma’s cheek.
“A little bit, baby. But I’ll be okay.”
Emma managed to keep the crackers down long enough to take her vitamins, then followed Katie downstairs. Alek was pacing in his office, phone pressed to his ear.
“I understand the timeline,” he was saying, “but moving my entire family in two weeks isn’t realistic.”
Emma paused in the doorway. This was the first time she’d heard him push back on the Toronto deadline.
“Yes, I’m aware of the contract stiptions,” Alek continued, his tone growing sharper. “But I’m also aware that good leadership requires more than just following orders.”
Katie raised her eyebrows at Emma, clearly impressed by Alek’s backbone.
When Alek finally hung up, he looked exhausted.
“How did it go?” Emma asked.
“They’re not budging on the timeline. Two weeks, or they’ll consider it a breach of contract.”
Emma’s heart sank. “What does that mean?”
“It means I could lose the job entirely.” Alek sat heavily in his desk chair. “Unless I can prove that relocating immediately would cause undue hardship to my family.”
“Well, it would,” Emma said immediately. “I’m pregnant with our third child, we have two toddlers, and my business is based here.”
< Book 3 Power y Strategy
+25 Points
“That’s what I told them.” Alek looked up at her hopefully. “Would you be willing to speak to the board? Exin why the move needs to happen more gradually?”
Emma hesitated. Getting involved in Alek’s career decisions felt like crossing a line they’d carefully maintained. They’d always kept their professional lives separate.
“What would I say exactly?” she asked.
“The truth. That you’re building something important here, that the children need stability, that a sudden move would be disruptive for the whole family.”
Emma nodded slowly. “Okay. If you think it would help.”
Relief flooded Alek’s face. “Thank you. The call is tomorrow at two.”
But that evening, Emma’s assistant called with news that changed everything.
“Netflix wants to meet,” Lisa said excitedly. “They’re interested in documenting the women’s league for a series. This could be huge, Emma.”
Emma’s pulse quickened. A Netflix deal would legitimize women’s hockey in ways they’d never imagined.
“When do they want to meet?”
“Tomorrow at two.”
Emma’s heart sank. The same time as Alek’s board call.
“Can we reschedule?” she asked.
“They’re flying back to Los Angeles tomorrow night. It’s now or never.”
Emma closed her eyes, feeling torn in two directions. Alek needed her support with the board. But this Netflix opportunity could change everything for women’s hockey.
“I’ll call you back,” she told Lisa.
She found Alek in the nursery, reading bedtime stories to Charlotte and Frankie. Both children were curled against him, Charlotte’s thumb in her mouth, Frankie clutching his stuffed bear.
“And the little elephant found his way home,” Alek finished, closing the book.
<i>“</i>Again!” Charlotte demanded.
“Tomorrow night, sweetheart. Time for sleep.”
After they tucked the children in, Emma followed Alek to their bedroom.
< Book 3 Power y Strategy
“I have a problem,” she said.
Alek looked up from hisptop. “What kind of problem?”
Emma exined about the Netflix meeting, watching Alek’s expression shift from understanding to disappointment.
“So you can’t be on the board call,” he said tly.
“I could try to do both, but-<b>” </b>
“But the Netflix meeting is more important.”
“That’s not what I said.”
+25 Points
Alek closed hisptop with more force than necessary. “You didn’t have to say it. I can read between the lines.”
“Alek, this could be huge for women’s hockey.”
“And the board call could save my career. But I guess that’s less important.”
Emma felt her temper re. “That’s not fair.”
“Isn’t it?” Alek stood up, beginning his familiar stress–pacing pattern. “I ask for your help with one thing, and you immediately find a reason why you can’t do it.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Then what is it like, Emma? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re prioritizing your career over mine. Again.”
The usation stung. “When have I ever-”
“The leagueunch party. You missed my first major speech as Commissioner because of a sponsor dinner.”
“That was important-”
“So was my speech! But you decided your thing was more important.”
Emma stared at him, hurt blooming in her chest. “I’ve supported your career from day one.”
“Have you? Or have you just not actively sabotaged it?”
The words hung in the air between them, cruel and cutting.
“I can’t believe you just said that,” Emma whispered.
< Book 3 Power y Strategy
Alek’s anger deted immediately. “Emma, I didn’t mean-
+25 Points
“Yes, you did.” Emma’s voice was steady despite the tears threatening. “You meant it, or you wouldn’t have said it.”
She turned toward the bathroom, but Alek caught her arm gently.
“Wait. Please. I’m stressed about the board, and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair.”
Emma looked at his face, seeing genuine regret there. But the hurt was still fresh.
“I’ve never sabotaged your career,” she said quietly.
“I know. I’m sorry I said that.”
“And I do support you. Maybe not perfectly, but I try.”
“I know that too.” Alek pulled her closer. “I’m scared, Emma. This job means everything to me, and I feel like it’s slipping away.”
Emma leaned into his embrace, feeling some of her anger fade. “The board will understand about the timeline. You’re valuable to them.”
“Am I? Becausetely it feels like they’re looking for reasons to get rid of me.”
“Why would they do that?”
Alek was quiet for a long moment. “There are rumors that some of the older owners don’t like having a former yer as Commissioner. They think I’m too close to the yers‘ perspective.”
This was news to Emma. “Since when?”
“Since always. But it’s getting worse.” Alek’s arms tightened around her. “If I can’t convince them that Toronto is workable, they might use it as an excuse to push me out entirely.”
Emma felt the weight of his fear, and suddenly her own Netflix meeting seemed less important.
“I’ll call Lisa,” she said. “See if we can move the Netflix meeting to the morning.”
“You don’t have to-”
“Yes, I do. We’re partners, remember?”
Alek’s smile was grateful and relieved. “Thank you.”
But when Emma called Lisa, the response was disappointing.
< Book 3 Power y Strategy
“They have meetings all morning,” Lisa exined. “It’s two o’clock or nothing.”
Emma looked at Alek, who was pretending to read but clearly listening to every word.
“Let me think about it,” Emma told Lisa. “I’ll call you back in an hour.”
After hanging up, Emma sat on the bed next to Alek.
“They can’t reschedule,” she said.
Alek nodded, not looking up from his book. “I figured.”
“So I have to choose.”
“Seems that way.”
+25 Points
Emma studied his profile, trying to read his emotions. “What would you do? If you were me?”
Alek finally looked at her. “I’d choose whatever felt right for our family long–term.”
“That doesn’t help.”
“Sure it does.” Alek set his book aside. “Emma, I want you to support me. But I also want you to build something amazing with women’s hockey. Those things don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”
“They are tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, yes. But not forever.”
Emma leaned against his shoulder, thinking. Netflix could open doors she’d never imagined. But Alek needed her tomorrow, and their marriage was already strained.
“What if I did both?” she said suddenly.
“How?”
“What if I joined your board call from the Netflix offices? I could support you remotely, then do the Netflix meeting right after.”
Alek considered this. “That could work. If you’re sure you can manage both.”
Emma wasn’t sure of anythingtely. But she was sure that finding ways to support each other was the only path forward.
“I can manage both,” she said, hoping it was true.
“Okay then.” Alek kissed her forehead. “We’ll make it work.”
< Book 3 Power y Strategy
+25 Points.
But as they settled into bed, Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that trying to do everything was a recipe for doing nothing well.
Some days, being a Mitchell felt like more burden than blessing.
Tomorrow would test whether she was strong enough to carry it all.
<b>H </b>
26
Get Bonus (Ad) >
Vote
:
< Book 3 Aggressive Cross–checking
Book 3 Aggressive <b>Cross</b>–checking
+25 Points
Emma threw up twice before noon, which didn’t bode well for her n to handle both meetings. She sat in the Netflix offices, trying to look professional while fighting waves of
nausea.
“Mrs. Mitchell–Volkov?” A young assistant appeared. “They’re ready for you in Conference Room A.”
Emma checked her phone. 1:45 PM. Perfect timing to dial into Alek’s board call first.
But when she connected to the NHL conference line, the conversation was already heated.
“Commissioner Volkov,” a gruff voice was saying, “your personal situation is bing a distraction from league business.”
Emma’s stomach clenched, and not from morning sickness.
“With respect,” Alek’s voice was tight, “my family situation hasn’t affected my performance—”
“Hasn’t it?” another voice interrupted. “The Toronto relocation was supposed to be finalized weeks ago. Instead, we’re dealing with media spection and sponsor concerns.”
Emma pressed the phone closer to her ear, trying to follow the conversation while Netflix executives waited in the next room.
“Mrs. Mitchell–Volkov?” The assistant peeked in again. “We really need to start.”
Emma held up one finger, mouthing “one minute.”
On the phone, the NHL board was getting more aggressive.
“Commissioner, we need to know right now. Are you relocating to Toronto by month’s end, or do we need to discuss other arrangements?”
Emma’s heart raced. This was worse than Alek had indicated. They weren’t just pushing for Toronto–they were threatening his job.
“I’ve exined that my wife’s pregnancy-” Alek began.
“Your wife’s pregnancy is not the league’s concern,” came the cold response. “Your contract obligations are.”
Emma felt anger surge through her. How dare they dismiss her pregnancy like it was irrelevant?
< Book 3 Aggressive Cross–checking
“Actually,” she found herself saying into the phone, “I’m here.”
The conference line went quiet.
+25 Points
“This is Emma Mitchell–Volkov,” she continued, her voice steadier than she felt. “And I’d like to address your concerns about my husband’s contract.”
“Mrs. Mitchell–Volkov.” The board chairman’s voice was carefully neutral. “We weren’t expecting you to join us.”
“Clearly.” Emma stood up, pacing the small office. “I understand you’re pressuring my husband to relocate immediately, despite our family circumstances.”
“We’re discussing standard contract requirements-<b>” </b>
“No, you’re bullying him because you think his family obligations make him weak.” Emma’s temper was fully unleashed now. “Well, let me be clear about something. Aleksander Volkov is the best Commissioner this league has ever had. And if you can’t recognize that talent because you’re threatened by a man who puts his family first, then maybe you don’t deserve
him.”
The silence on the line was deafening.
“Mrs. Mitchell–Volkov-” someone began.
“I’m not finished.” Emma’s voice carried the authority she’d inherited from Franklin. “My husband has revolutionized this league in eighteen months. Revenues are up thirty percent. Fan engagement is at an all–time high. Television ratings have doubled. But you’re willing to throw all of that away because he won’t abandon his pregnant wife and two toddlers to suit your arbitrary timeline?”
She paused, letting her words sink in.
“Here’s what’s going to happen. We will relocate to Toronto, because my husband honors hismitments. But it will happen on a reasonable timeline that considers our family’s needs. If that’s not eptable to you, then you’ll be losing the best thing that ever happened to this league.”
Emma hung up before anyone could respond.
Her hands were shaking. Had she just saved Alek’s career or destroyed it?
“Mrs. Mitchell–Volkov?” The Netflix assistant was back, looking nervous. “We really do need to start now.”
Emma took a deep breath, trying to shift gearspletely. “Of course. Let’s go.”
216
< Book 3 Aggressive Cross–checking
+25 Points
The Netflix meeting was a blur. Emma tried to focus on the executives‘ questions about women’s hockey, but her mind kept reying the board call. Had she overstepped? Would they take out their anger on Alek?
“The authenticity angle is crucial,” one executive was saying. “We want to show the real struggles and triumphs of building something from nothing.”
Emma nodded, though she wasn’t entirely sure what she was agreeing to. <fn107f> Content originallyes from ?ovelFind</fn107f>
“And the familyponent,” another added. “Our research shows audiences love stories about bncing career and motherhood. Your story is perfect for that.”
Perfect. If only they knew how imperfect everything felt right now.
“We’d want to document the next year,” the lead executive exined. “The challenges of expansion, the personal sacrifices, the victories and defeats. Full ess.”
“Full ess?” Emma repeated.
“Camera crews at games, in your home, following your daily life. The more real it is, the morepelling it bes.”
Emma’s mind immediately went to Alek’s career crisis, her pregnancy struggles, their marriage tensions. Did she really want cameras documenting all of that?
“I’ll need to discuss it with my husband,” she said carefully.
“Of course. But we need an answer by Friday. This opportunity won’t wait.”
Emma left the Netflix offices feeling overwhelmed. Two major decisions, both with impossible timelines.
Her phone buzzed constantly during the cab ride home. Missed calls from Alek, from Lisa, from numbers she didn’t recognize.
Finally, she answered when Alek called for the fifth time.
“Emma.” His voice was tight. “Where are you?”
“On my way home. How did the rest of the board call go?”
“We need to talk. In person.”
That didn’t sound good.
Emma found Alek in his office,ptop closed, staring out the window. Katie was in the living room with the children, but Emma could hear the tension in her friend’s voice as she tried to
<Book 3 Aggressive Cross–checking
keep Charlotte and Frankie entertained.
“The board call,” Emma began.
“Was a disaster.” Alek turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “Thanks <i>to </i>you.”
Emma’s heart sank. “I was trying to help-”
“By attacking the people who control my career?”
“They were being unreasonable-
$25 Points
“They were doing their jobs!” Alek’s voice rose, then he caught himself and lowered it. “Emma, you basically called them ipetent and threatened to quit on my behalf.”
“I was defending you!”
“I didn’t ask you to defend me. I asked you to exin our family situation, not dere war on the board.”
Emma stared at him, hurt and confused. “So what happened after I hung up?”
Alek ran his hands through his hair. “They gave me an ultimatum. Toronto in two weeks, or they’ll invoke the behavior use in my contract.”
“Behavior use?”
“Conduct detrimental to the league. Apparently, having a wife who insults board members counts.”
Emma felt like she’d been pped. “They can’t do that.”
“They can and they will. Unless…” Alek’s voice trailed off.
“Unless what?”
“Unless you apologize. Publicly. And I relocate to Toronto immediately.”
Emma sat down heavily. “So this is my fault.”
“Emma-”
“No, you’re right. I tried to help and made everything worse.” She looked up at him. “What do you want me to do?”
Alek’s expression softened slightly. “I don’t know. Part of me is furious that you spoke without thinking. But part of me is grateful that someone finally called them out on their
bullying.”
Book 3 Aggressive Cross–checking
“But mostly furious?”
+25 Points
“Mostly scared.” Alek sat across from her. “Emma, I could lose everything. And with another babying…”
Emma felt tears threatening. “I’m sorry. I really was trying to help.”
“I know.” Alek reached for her hands. “But your way of helping might have cost me my job.”
They sat in silence for a moment, both processing the magnitude of the situation.
“What about Netflix?” Alek asked finally.
Emma had almost forgotten. “They want to document our lives for a year. Full ess.”
“And?”
“I told them I’d discuss it with you.”
Alekughed, but there was no humor in it. “Perfect timing. They can document my career imploding in real time.”
“Alek-”
“Actually, you know what? Maybe you should do it. At least one of us should have a career left after this.”
The bitterness in his voice made Emma wince. “It doesn’t have to be like this.”
“Doesn’t it? Because it feels like every time I need your support, you find a way to make things about your career instead.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Fair?” Alek stood up, pacing again. “What’s fair about any of this? I’m about to lose my dream job because my wife can’t control her temper.”
Emma felt something snap inside her. “Don’t you dare me me for their sexist attitudes.” “I’m not ming you for their attitudes. I’m ming you for making them worse!” “So I should have just sat there while they disrespected you?”
“Yes! Because now instead of just questioning mymitment, they’re questioning my judgment!”
Emma stared at him, realizing how deep the divide between them had be. “So what happens now?”
<Book 3 Aggressive Cross–checking
<b>+25 </b>Points
Alek stopped pacing. “Now I figure out how to save my career while you figure out whether you want to be married to someone whose dreams you just destroyed.”
The words hung in the air like a challenge.
Emma stood up slowly. “Is that what you think? That I destroyed your dreams?<b>” </b>
“I think you acted without considering the consequences. And now we both have to live with them.”
Emma nodded, feeling numb. “I see.”
She turned toward the door, but Alek’s voice stopped her.
“Emma, wait.”
She looked back at him, hope flickering.
“The Netflix thing,” he said quietly. “You should probably do it. Since you’re so good at making decisions for both of us.”
The hope diedpletely.
Emma left the office without another word, her marriage feeling as fragile as everything else in her suddenlyplicated life.