Page 9 of Enchanted Hero

“Alexander Stone.”

“Stone?” She held up a hand when Sam tried to interject. “Don’t worry about Alexander Stone. He’s been chatting up the board, but I’m ready to fight. I’ve already confronted him.”

“Everleigh–”

“Alexander Stone may own half the businesses – and people – in America, but this company is about more than making money. I won’t let us become a tiny cog in a massive machine that doesn’t care about its employees or customers. Stone might be powerful and rich and gorgeou–” She stopped, forged ahead, “But he can’t just steal our company. He’s no Big Bad Wolf. If he were here, I’d tell him exactly how I feel.” She nodded curtly, with every ounce of feminine power of her sisters before her.

Number of people who responded: zero.

She expected applause, nods of encouragement, at least a “That’s right!” or two, but all she got were gaping mouths, wide eyes and utter silence.

Until a booming voice spoke directly behind her.

“Are you certain I’m not the Big Bad Wolf?”

Everleigh gasped, pivoting around. For a sliver of time, a memory of a different man flashed, a man who was powerful enough to defy nature. An instant later she remembered where she was, whom she was facing. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

Stone smiled, as gorgeous as she’d never admit. He filled out his black suit to perfection, his dark hair in neat waves, his sapphire eyes sparkling, as he towered over her. “I’m here to fulfill your wish, Miss Lacey.”

“My wish?” she breathed, as sudden need infiltrated her senses, urging her to delve closer to the muscular man. She blinked hard, forced it away.

“Yes.” He edged nearer. “You wanted to tell me exactly how you feel. Now is your chance.”

Heat washed through her, fueled by fury, energized by something far deeper. This man was trying to steal her company, and she couldn’t stop thinking about chiseled features. “You already know what I think of you.”

“That’s right. You think I’m rich, powerful, and…” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “Gorgeous.”

As the crowd twittered, Everleigh tightened. “I meant arrogant.”

“Really? Because arrogant and gorgeous don’t sound anything alike.”

Why, that arrogant, smartass, gorgeo–“In any case, you’re trespassing. If you would kindly leave, I’d appreciate it.”

“Do you really want to discuss trespassing?”

Heat flooded her, even as she notched up her chin. “Did someone invite you?”

“I don’t need someone to invite me.”

She froze. He couldn’t possibly mean…

“As the new majority owner of New Age Treasures, I come and go whenever I want.” He stepped closer, casting heat over her entire body. “Your company – and everything in it – belong to me.”

No. It couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible.

Had Stone already owned her company when she confronted him over the weekend? Had he been playing with her, as she brazenly declared he wouldn’t win?

Had he had already won?

“It’s true,” Sam’s solemn voice confirmed every fear. “Three board members already called. I’m sorry, Everleigh.”

Of course, it was legitimate. Stone wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t. His gaze never left hers, as he murmured, “We have matters to discuss in private.”

She tightened. “I’m sorry?"

“Business matters,” he clarified.

“Of course.” She turned back to the staff who was like a family, yet the words caught in her throat. She could no longer assure them their jobs were safe. “The donuts are in the break room, for whoever wants. When Mr. Stone and I are finished, I’ll call a meeting to discuss everything.”