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"Roman! Maxwell!" Charles Whitaker, our longest-serving board member, approaches with outstretched hands. "What a pleasant surprise to see you both getting along."
Grant shifts seamlessly into his public persona. "Just catching up on old times, Charles. Roman and I go way back."
"That we do," I agree, my smile as false as his. "If you'll excuse me, I need to check on some last-minute preparations."
I retreat to my office, needing a moment to compose myself before facing the full board—and Cassie. Grant's appearance is no coincidence, and his interest in her is clearly more than professional talent scouting.
The question is: how much does he actually know about our relationship? And how far is he willing to go to use it against me?
Zara appears in my doorway, her expression carefully neutral. "The board is assembled, sir. And Ms. Monroe has arrived with the presentation materials."
"Thank you, Zara. I'll be right there." I straighten my tie, mentally shifting into CEO mode. "Has Grant approached her yet?"
"Not to my knowledge, sir." Zara hesitates, then adds, "Though he did watch her rather... intently when she entered the lobby."
Of course he did. Grant never misses an opportunity to assess potential leverage.
"Keep an eye on him," I instruct. "If he approaches Ms. Monroe, I want to know immediately."
"Of course, sir." Zara's tone remains professional, but there's a knowing quality to her expression that confirms my earlier suspicion—she's well aware of what's happening between Cassie and me.
I head to the boardroom, game face firmly in place. Whatever Grant's playing at, I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.
The room falls quiet as I enter, all eyes turning to me—including a pair of green ones that I've seen in much less professional circumstances less than two hours ago.
Cassie sits near the far end of the table, portfolio open before her, looking every inch the accomplished Creative Director. Nothing in her demeanor suggests she woke up in my bed this morning. Nothing except the tiny constellation tattoo visible on her upper chest as she gestures toward a concept board—the same chest I'd kissed while pinning her hands above her head last night.
I force my thoughts away from that particularly dangerous path.
"Good morning, everyone," I begin, taking my seat at the head of the table. "Before we get to our regular agenda, I'd like to acknowledge our guest today. Maxwell Grant of Grant Industries has requested to discuss potential collaboration opportunities."
Grant inclines his head, smiling that shark smile. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Roman. I'm particularly looking forward to hearing about Lumière's rebranding strategy. I understand Ms. Monroe has developed quite the innovative approach."
All eyes turn to Cassie, who handles the sudden attention with perfect composure. "We're excited about Lumière's new direction," she says simply. "I'll be presenting the full concept during the creative portion of the agenda."
"Looking forward to it," Grant replies, his gaze lingering on her a beat too long.
I clear my throat. "Let's proceed with new business as noted on the agenda first.”
The meeting progresses according to agenda, with Cassie's presentation scheduled right before lunch. She delivers it flawlessly, explaining her vision for Lumière with a confidence and clarity that impresses even the most skeptical board members.
Grant watches her with undisguised interest, occasionally making notes that I'd give considerable sums to read. When she finishes, he's the first to applaud.
"Remarkable work, Ms. Monroe," he says, his voice carrying across the table. "Truly visionary. You've captured exactly what modern luxury consumers are seeking—authenticity with elegance."
"Thank you, Mr. Grant," Cassie responds politely but professionally.
"I wonder," Grant continues, "if you might be willing to discuss your approach in more detail? Perhaps over lunch?"
And there it is—the move I've been expecting all morning.
"Ms. Monroe has a prior commitment during lunch," I interject before she can respond. "Perhaps another time."
Grant's eyebrows rise slightly. "I wasn't aware you managed Ms. Monroe's calendar personally, Roman." He turns back to Cassie. "Do you require your CEO's permission for lunch meetings, Ms. Monroe?"
It's a deliberate provocation, designed to make me look controlling and Cassie look subordinate. Judging by the subtle shifts around the boardroom table, it's working.
Cassie handles it with far more grace than I could manage. "While I appreciate the invitation, Mr. Grant, I do have a previous commitment today." Her smile is professional but cool. "I'm meeting my sister, who has an internship interview with our program."