Page 18 of My Big, Fat, Hot Billionaire Enemy

I ignore the comment, and gesture towards the main hallway, which is lined with black-and-white photographs of iconic New York buildings Hammond & Co. helped shape. “Our history is literally built into the skyline.”

Please don’t ask about the last decade’s contribution, please don’t ask…

He falls into step beside me, his presence disconcertingly large in the relatively narrow corridor. He smells incredible, that subtle, expensive cologne—

Focus, Lucy! Legacy, not cologne comparisons.

“Impressive portfolio,” he murmurs, pausing before a photo of the Chrysler Building during its construction. “Your grandfather was involved in the financing structure for Van Alen’s spire, wasn’t he? A notoriously complex deal for the time.”

I blink.

He did his homework. Or he just has anencyclopedic knowledge of New York real estate history. Which is somehow more annoying.

“He was,” I tell him. “He always said it was more about vision than financing. Believing in something bold.”

“Boldness requires capital,” Christopher counters smoothly, moving to the next photo. “And foresight. Something that seems to be… lacking in recent years.”

And there it is.The subtle jab, wrapped in historical commentary.

Don’t react. Don’t let him see it gets to you.

“We’re adapting,” I say, keeping my tone even. “Which is why we’re exploring strategic partnerships with someone like you. Someone with a modern approach, technological expertise…”Someone with a giant pile of cash who won’t fire everyone.“To complement our legacy.”

We pass the main drafting room. Through the glass walls, I can see architects bent over screens and large-format prints. Liam O’Connell, our head architect, a man whose family has worked with the Hammonds for three generations, looks up as we pass. He gives me a small, encouraging nod.

“Your team still does manual drafting?” Christopher asks, tilting his head towards a younger architect sketching on vellum.

“Sometimes,” I admit. “Liam believes it connects you to the design differently. But we’ve integrated CAD and VR modeling extensively. In fact, that’s an area where Blackwell Innovations’ expertise could be invaluable.”

He doesn’t reply immediately, just watches the architects work for a moment. His expression is thoughtful, almost… appreciative?

No, must be indigestion.

He turns back to me. “What’s your current tech stack for project management and client visualization?”

I launch into an explanation of our software, the recent upgrades I pushed through, the pilot program for using VR walkthroughs on our newer projects. He listens intently, occasionally interjecting with a sharp, technical question that shows he actually understands the nuances.

“We’re not dinosaurs, Mr. Blackwell,” I say, trying to keep the defensiveness out of my voice as we continue down the hall towards the executive offices. “We understand the need to evolve. We just need the resources to do it effectively, without compromising the quality and integrity Hammond is known for.”

“Integrity doesn’t pay the bills,” he remarks coolly.

“Which brings us back to the idea of a mutually beneficial arrangement,” I parry, trying to sound breezy. “Your resources, our legacy and market position.”

God, I sound like a corporate brochure.

We arrive at the heavy oak door of my father’s office. The nameplate reads ‘Richard Hammond, Chairman.’

I plaster on a smile. “My father is looking forward to meeting you.”

Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Carol buzzes us in without needing to be asked.

Dad is standing behind his desk, not sitting. A power move, trying to match Christopher’s height. He looks… tired. The lines around his eyes seem deeper, his usual confident posture a little forced.

“Mr. Blackwell,” Dad says, his toneperfectly courteous but distinctly cool. He doesn’t offer his hand. “Thank you for coming.”

“Mr. Hammond,” Christopher replies, his voice equally level. The faint smirk is back. He glances around the office, his eyes lingering for a moment on a photo of a much younger Dad with my grandfather at a groundbreaking ceremony. “Impressive office. Quite the… historical perspective.”