Page 49 of The Christmas Trap

“The Christmas decorations in the boardroom didn’t hurt either. In fact, it facilitated a more pleasant environment and helped with the thinking process,” another board member chimes in. “Especially the candy canes.” He eyes them with open longing.

“Please, help yourself.” She nods at the bowl in front of him.

“Don’t mind if I do.” He plucks one out, unwraps it, and crunches down.

The person beside him shrugs and grabs one too. Then another director reaches. And another.

Within seconds, the room sounds like a candy cane factory. Crinkling wrappers. Sharp little crunches. Not exactly the soundtrack you expect in a board meeting.

A few of those around the table smile at her. Real smiles.Warm ones.Not the usual expressions board members wear during one of these meetings either.

Who would’ve guessed her insistence on holiday decorations and putting out treats would soften even the iciest temperaments?

It also shows that she recognizes how the holidays tap into the inner child within everyone. Which impresses me.

As if by magic, the tension in the room dissolves, replaced by something that feels suspiciously like contentment.

Color me shocked. A flicker of awe squeezes my chest.

Hayes notices too. “I assume that wasn’t your idea, Davenport?”

“The credit goes to Ms. Monroe.” I nod in Lark’s direction without looking at her. “She convinced me that imparting the festive touch to the office can only help with productivity overall.”

“Soft persuasion. This woman is your secret weapon.” Hayes sends me a shrewd glance.

“She is a core part of my team. She’s made my working life a lot easier.”Now, if only I could find a way to have her feature more prominently in my personal life, too.I don’t say that aloud though.

“Ms. Monroe will take on more of a leadership role in the coming days and weeks,” I declare to the table.

“Hmm.” Hayes nods slowly. “What are your plans?”

“Plans?” I arch an eyebrow.

“Does this mean she’s to feature more significantly in your succession planning?”

Board members normally don't discuss succession planning so openly. Especially when it’s a topic fraught with internal politics and lobbying. But then, asking Lark to lead the board meeting in my place was unusual too.

He’s right though. After that noteworthy and very successful performance with leading the board meeting, Ihavedecided to make her CEO. But that’s not something I’m ready to share with anyone yet. Not until I’ve had a chance to discuss it with her. I also need to inform my grandfather of my decision and make sure he backs her.

Excitement fills me. Lark is the perfect candidate to take over my role. I couldn’t have planned this better.

Things are progressing at a pace I hadn’t quite expected them to. But I’m not complaining. Not when work has not given me the kind of buzz it used to. Not when delivering on profit goals had begun to feel hollow.

Once I make Lark CEO, I can devote time to pursuing the stuff that seems meaningful.

But would it feel as purposeful without Lark by my side? I know the answer to that.

Outwardly, I keep my tone casual. “And if I were?”

Hayes surveys me with a glint in his eyes. “Then, I think you have a viable candidate there.”

He rises to his feet, shakes my hand, then Lark’s, before heading out the door.

The others, too, begin to depart. Some of them stop to catch up. By the time I’m free of them, I find Kingly is deep in conversation with Lark.

"You did good, kid." He pats her shoulder.

How patronizing. I narrow my gaze on Kingly, but he doesn’t seem to notice. Lark looks vaguely uncomfortable and shifts about a half-step away.