Page 133 of My Big, Fat, Hot Billionaire Enemy

She leans into the touch almost imperceptibly.

“I saw my father talking to you earlier,” I tell her.

When I say his name, her face darkens.

Fucker.

I knew I should have intervened.

No, she has to start fighting her own battles when it comes to business. She’s not going to appreciate it if I’m always intervening. Besides, her security was ready to step in, if needed.

She nods. “He stopped by to offer his… congratulations.” Her voice is light, but her eyes tell a different story.

“And?” I press, keeping my voice low.

“And to offer some friendly advice about not rattling old family skeletons,” she murmurs, glancing around to make sure no one is close enough to overhear. “Something about ‘complex off-book arrangements’Richard wouldn’t want disturbed. Charming fellow.”

Fury, cold and immediate, tightens my chest. The SPEs. He actually threatened her with them, right here, at her own goddamn event, after I explicitly told him to back off.

The absolute fucking nerve. The disrespect.

Not just to me, but toher.

Using her father’s past, her company’s vulnerability, as a weapon against her.

Unacceptable.

“Where is he?” I ask, my voice dangerously soft. My eyes scan the room, locating him near the far bar, holding court with Morgan Weiss and another board member I know is loyal to him. Plotting his next move, no doubt.

“Christopher, don’t,” Lucy pleads quietly, her hand touching my arm. “It’s okay. I handled it. Don’t make a scene.”

“He threatened you, Lucy,” I state flatly. “That requires a response. Stay here.”

Before she can argue further, I disengage, moving deliberately through the crowd towards my father.

So much for all my self talk of not intervening.

But I’m too pissed not to.

People sense the shift in atmosphere, the sudden drop in temperature around me. Conversations pause. Eyes follow.

Let them watch.

Mark turns as I approach, a smug, expectant look on his face. He thinks his little intimidation tactic worked. He thinks he can control my board, my company,me, through fear and manipulation.

He’s about to learn otherwise.

“Enjoying the party, Father?” I ask, my voice empty of all warmth.

Weiss shifts nervously beside him.

“Just observing the… resilience of Hammond & Co.,” Mark replies, that same condescending smile playing on his lips. “And offering my support to the new interim CEO, of course.”

“Your support looked remarkably like a threat,” I counter, stepping closer, lowering my voice so only he and his sycophants can hear. The surrounding chatter quiets further. People are definitely watching now. Good. “Let me make myself perfectly clear. You will stay the fuck away from Lucy Hammond. You will not approach her, speak to her, or interfere with her or her company in any way. Your war is with me. Not her. Do you understand?”

His smile falters, replaced by a flash of fury. “Are you threatening me, Christopher? In public?”

“I’m stating a fact,” I reply coldly. “Cross that line again, involve her in your pathetic games, and the consequences will be severe. For you. For anyone associated with you.” My gaze flicks pointedly towards Weiss, who visibly pales. “Consider this your last and only warning.”