Page 129 of My Big, Fat, Hot Billionaire Enemy

There’s still a long road ahead of us, of course.

The SPEs. Morgan’s threat. My father’s.

But together...together, it feels like there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

38

Lucy

The Plaza ballroom glitters obnoxiously, dripping with crystal chandeliers and enough white roses to trigger a national pollen shortage. The air hums with hushed gossip and the clink of champagne glasses.

Exactly the kind of suffocating event I usually try to avoid.

Only tonight, I’m the ringmaster.

Fun times.

I did manage to swing by Dad’s apartment before heading over here. He looked frail, propped up in his favorite armchair, but his eyes were clear. He actually seemed… content, believe it or not.

We talked about the company. The safe parts, anyway. He mostly listened, offering quiet encouragement instead of unsolicited advice.

When I floated the idea of maybe postponing the gala, he waved a dismissive hand.

“Nonsense, Lucy. Hammond & Co. needs this.Youneed this. Show them what you’re made of.”

Then he promised, hand on heart, to stay put and not attempt any covert expedition to the gala.

Small mercies.

Now I just need to survive tonight.

I’m standing backstage, just moments before my opening speech. My stomach feels like it’s performing Cirque du Soleil routines. My palms are sweating. My dress, a sapphire blue silk number Ava helped me pick, feels too tight. And the scarf I’m wearing to hide all the hickeys Christopher gave me feels like a noose.

Okay, Lucy. You signed a massive partnership deal earlier. You can give a five-minute speech without fainting.

Probably.

I take the podium. A sea of familiar and vaguely threatening faces stares back.

Investors. Clients. Competitors. Vultures, too, probably.

And somewhere out there… Christopher.

And his father.

Joy.

“Good evening, everyone,” I begin, my voice slightly trembling at first, then steadying.

I launch into the speech I rehearsed a thousand times.

Honoring the past fifty years of building skylines and communities.

Carefully acknowledging the recent “challenges.”

Then pivoting, hard, towards the future.

Innovation.