Page 77 of My Big, Fat, Hot Billionaire Enemy

“All manageable,” I cut her off. “Mitigated by installing Lucy Hammond as operational lead, reporting directly to us. She understands the legacyandthe need for modernization. She has the trust of the employees and the necessary drive. She’s the key to making this integration work.”

More silence. They’re considering Lucy and my unusual confidence in her. My insistence on her central role. I suppose the subtext isn’t lost on them.

Fuck.

The discussion continues. Financial modeling, risk mitigation, integration timelines. They poke holes. They raise valid concerns. I address them, one by one, sticking to the strategic rationale.

By the end of the meeting, I have theircautious buy in. Project Nightingale will move forward my way. And Lucy’s way.

As the team files out, Dominic lingers.

“So,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder, that shit-eating grin back in full force. “Evolution, huh? Driven by… market dynamics? Or by a certain blonde with more backbone than her father?”

“Fuck off, Rossi,” I grumble, gathering my notes.

“Hey, I’m just observing!” he protests, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But it’s a good look on you, Chris. Seriously. Building something? Partnering instead of destroying? Maybe there’s hope for your cynical soul yet.” He winks. “Just don’t tell Mark I said that. Or that Lucy Hammond seems to be the catalyst.” He heads for the door. “Drinks later? You look like you need one.”

“Maybe,” I mutter noncommittally.

I do need one.

Or ten.

Navigating this internal shift, defending it to my team, knowing the inevitable war it represents with my father… it’s exhausting.

And the fact that Lucy Hammond is inexplicably tangled up in the middle of it all makes it exponentially more complicated.

Later that day,I find myself walking into the Hammond & Co. boardroom. Not as an invader this time. But as a potential investor, invited to observe their board meeting as they formally discuss the Project Nightingale proposal. My revised version, incorporating Lucy’s insistence on her fatherretaining the CEO title, contingent on her liaison role.

It feels… strange. Joining this table, surrounded by Hammond loyalists and the ghost of Richard Hammond’s past glories. It feels like infiltrating enemy territory under a flag of truce. Which isn’t all that far from the truth, to be honest.

Lucy is at the head of the table, opposite her father. She looks composed, professional, though I notice the slight tension around her eyes. Our gazes meet briefly as I enter. A flicker of acknowledgment. The memory of tangled limbs and shared vulnerability. Then, back to business. Walls firmly in place.

At least on the surface.

I take my seat and glance at Morgan Weiss. Seated halfway down the table, he radiates smug confidence. The snake. He nods politely in my direction when I catch his gaze, but his eyes hold a calculating glint.

He knows I know he’s leaking information to my father. Or he knows I suspect, anyway. And he doesn’t seem particularly worried.

Arrogant bastard.

Likely thinks my father’s influence protects him. Or that his leverage over Richard is insurmountable.

Richard Hammond calls the meeting to order, his voice carrying its usual formal weight, though perhaps a bit thinner today.

“Before we proceed with the main agenda item,” Richard begins, looking around the table, his gaze pausing briefly on me, “I feel it necessary to address the incident at the Hammond Tower site. As most of you know, we experienced a partial scaffolding collapse resulting in injuries to seven crew members.” A somber mood settles over the room. “Thankfully, latest reports indicate all injured personnel are stable, and we expect full recoveries. Our thoughts are certainly with them and their families.”

He takes a breath. “The site has been secured, and multiple investigations are underway, both internally and by city agencies, to determine the cause. Operations at the site are suspended indefinitely pending those findings.” He straightens slightly, then looks directly at me. “I also want to formally acknowledge the significant assistance rendered yesterday by Mr. Christopher Blackwell and his team. Your immediate deployment of resources, particularly the structural assessment capabilities and logistical support, was instrumental in managing the crisis efficiently and ensuring the site was secured without further incident. On behalf of Hammond & Co. and our employees, I’d like to thank you, Mr. Blackwell.”

Several board members murmur agreement, nodding in my direction. It’s a public acknowledgment, unexpected from Richard Hammond, especially given our history. It shifts the dynamic slightly, adding a layer of grudging respect, perhaps, to the existing suspicion.

“My team was glad to assist during a critical situation,” I reply neutrally, deflecting the gratitude. “Ensuring the stability of a potential partner’s key assets is prudent risk management.” Framing it purely in business terms. Keep the walls up.

Richard nods curtly, accepting my framing. “Indeed. Now,” he clears his throat, “regarding the primary item up for discussion: the revised partnership proposal from Blackwell Innovations, designated Project Nightingale. Lucy, if you would present the overview…”

Lucy presents the core tenets of Project Nightingale,focusing on the potential for revitalization, the preservation of the Hammond legacy alongside modernization. She’s good. Clear, confident and passionate. Even facing a room full of skepticism and the man actively trying to sabotage her.

Weiss waits for his moment. Then he strikes. Not with open hostility. That’s not his style. But with subtle undermining. Innocent-sounding questions laced with doubt.