"Strategy session," Emma said before Nathan could speak. "After today's loss, I wanted to discuss adjustments to the power play."
Harold's eyes narrowed. "At midnight? Alone?"
"I couldn't sleep after that disaster of a game," Nathan added smoothly. "Miss Blackwood found me using the ice and took the opportunity to suggest some tactical changes."
Emma forced her breathing to remain steady. Nathan's quick support surprised her.
"Which you could have done during regular hours," one of the board members pointed out. Gray-haired Walter Chen had been questioning Emma's decisions since her promotion to GM.
"I find players are more receptive without an audience," Emma replied. "Especially when they're adjusting to a new team."
Harold's gaze shifted to Nathan's protective stance, now subtly r
