Page 48 of The Christmas Trap

Each barb makes my pulse skitter, but I refuse to let it get to me. I meet every question thrown my way with clear, cogent answers. A strange thrill runs through me. A pulse of kinetic energy that keeps me focused and my thoughts fluid. I feel calm, collected, eerily composed. Like I’m where I’m supposed to be. In this chair. Facing off against those around the table. Showing them how good I am at this. I can do this. I am good at this.

“And that’s my plan to grow profits by ten percent for next year.” I glance around the table.

“Impressive.” The only other woman in the room smiles.

That would be Ursula Dalton, the treasurer to the board. She’s around fifty, not a hair out of place, flawless makeup, and a designer suit that makes me aware of my High Street purchased jacket and skirt. “I’m sure you’ll understand when I wonder if you had help preparing those projections."

Silence descends on the table. All eyes are turned toward me. Brody leans forward in his seat but doesn’t jump to my defense. Thank God. If he’d done that, it would've shown I can’t steer the meeting without his help. It would've negated all the impact I’ve made so far. It also shows he has confidence in me.

I take my time gathering my thoughts.

I can’t be rude. But I also can’t take this insult without responding to it. “I can assure you, the financials in this statement were put together by me.” I let the silence stretch, then tilt my head, cool and deliberate. “If you have any questions related to the numbers, I’d be more than happy to clarify.”

15

Brody

“These revenue projections for Q4 look optimistic. What assumptions are you making about portfolio performance and market expansion?”

I tense. That’s a tricky question. Ursula is whip-smart and her knowledge of the business is legendary. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

“Thank you for the question.” Lark dips her chin. “The projections assume a twelve percent increase in portfolio returns, driven by strong performance in our technology and renewable energy holdings, along with gains from the launch of our new venture fund. We have also factored in a conservative two percent headwind from interest rate fluctuations and broader market uncertainty. Even if some exits underperform, we will meet our growth target. I have built in downside sensitivity, so this is not wishful thinking. It is realistic and achievable.”

Ursula looks at my EA with respect in her eyes. “I don’t have any further queries.”

I couldn’t have answered it better myself. I want to pound the table and acknowledge her brilliant response. I want to jump up to my feet, round the table, take her into my arms and kiss her deeply. Goddamn, this woman is not only gorgeous, but she’s also bloody astute, and a fast thinker, and so intelligent. She’s my dream woman.

I find myself smiling and shut it down right away.

Fuck, I can’t afford to think like this. I can’t afford to give in to my attraction to her. I can’t.

Julian Reed, the Corporate Secretary, looks up from the stack of reports in front of him. “Can you walk us through how the investment budget is being allocated across sectors? And why the reduced exposure to traditional assets this year?”

Lark nods. “Of course. Sixty-two percent of our allocation is in growth sectors: thirty percent in technology and renewable energy, eighteen percent in private equity and venture capital, and fourteen percent in strategic partnerships and co-investments. Traditional assets make up twelve percent, down from last year, because returns there have flattened while newer markets continue to outperform. We are not reducing traditional exposure out of sentiment; we are doing it because the numbers justify the shift.”

Julian looks at her with something like admiration. I allow my lips to curl. I don’t feel the need to hide my satisfaction anymore.

I had no doubt my woman could hold her own in this meeting. But to have her fulfill my expectations in such sterling fashion is so bloody satisfying. My chest swells. I am so fucking proud of her. I knew she could lead the board meeting in my place. And she’s done so admirably.

News flash: She’s not your woman. She’s your employee.

She continues with her presentation.

When another member interrupts her with yet another question, I watch in admiration as she answers his query with a smile. By the time she’s done speaking, another board member is completely mesmerized by her.

When there’s yet another question from the table, it’s Kingly whointerrupts. "Ms. Monroe has the floor. I suggest we save our questions for the end."

Lark acknowledges his support with a warm smile. She can do with all the allies she makes in this room. However, I have a burning need to discourage any other kind of relationship with her. I resolve to do so later. He needs to understand that she’s off-limits After all, she’s engaged.

She’s also off-limits to me. After that almost-kiss under the mistletoe, I need to remind myself of that again.

She gets through the rest of the presentation without further interruptions. There are a few questions, which she’s able to field easily.

All her preparation, and the long nights when I saw her working in her office, have paid off.

“By jove, well done.” Edgar nods at her. “That was one of the most comprehensive briefs I’ve read in a board meeting.”

Lark’s face lights up. “Thank you.”