Page 15 of Guarded King

I’m hit with a sharp sting of attraction, but I force the sensation down and refocus on the meeting.

“I’m not just talking about acquiring assets.” I lean forward to capture the room’s full attention. “This is about embracing innovation within our ranks. Acquiring EcoTech isn’t just a transaction; it’s a statement to the market and to our stakeholders. They’ll all know that the King Group is committed to leading the charge toward a sustainable future.”

I pause, letting the weight of my words settle. “This move will keep us at the forefront, allowing us to set the pace rather than play catch-up. It aligns perfectly with our strategic goals and significantly strengthens our competitive edge.”

Margo, always one to cut to the chase, leans in. “So what’s our play to land them?”

“EcoTech’s looking for more than financial and operational security. They’re interested in our commitment and integrity.” I scan the faces around the table, lingering on Chloe for a moment too long before moving on. “We need to demonstrate that our values regarding sustainability and ethical business practicesalign with theirs. They’ll be wary, given the King Group’s past leadership scandals, so we need to convince them that the company has entered a new era.”

Tension grips my neck like it always does when I’m forced to discuss the mess Dad made. Everyone in this room, except maybe Chloe, knows what he did. They know the kind of man he is—and what kind of CEO he was. Many probably consider my father and me to be interchangeable. Out of his sons, I’m the one who looks most like him, and now I’ve taken on his role. Do they wonder if I also share his vices?

A rock forms in my stomach, and I clear my throat. “We need to prove to EcoTech that our commitment to integrity isn’t just lip service.” I pause, ensuring my team understands the gravity. “Any hint of insincerity could not only derail this acquisition but damage the King Group’s reputation.”

Again. Though I don’t need to say it.

David, the director of corporate communications, who’s sitting next to Chloe, leans forward. “We should ramp up our visibility on the green initiatives we’ve already started. Seek out more public endorsements from environmental groups to solidify our reputation.”

I nod. “Agreed. Coordinate with my assistant to schedule a planning session. I want a detailed strategy on my desk by the end of the week.”

Chloe’s gaze finds mine, the corners of her mouth tipping down. Is it because I didn’t call her by name? My failure to introduce her as my new assistant was deliberate, given the doubts I’m still harboring. By her expression, she’s noticed, and interpreted my omission correctly.

Her frown doesn’t last long. Between one breath and the next, she lifts her chin, and eyes the color of the Caribbean flash.

“I’ll make sure to arrange that, Mr. King.”

She gives me a tight, professional smile, but there’s a subtle defiance in her tone and in the way she doesn’t look away.

A hot, unfamiliar spark flares to life behind my sternum.

It eases, thank fuck, when she breaks the connection and graces David with a softer, more genuine smile. “I’ll be in touch to organize a time after the meeting.”

David’s brows rise, then his lips curve up. “I’ll look forward to it, uh…” He tilts his head, brown eyes fixed on her expectantly.

“Oh,” she says. “Chlo?—”

“It’s Miss Callahan.”

Her gaze snaps back to meet mine, but I keep my expression impassive. David might be a good employee, but he’s a well-known flirt. The last thing we need is him distracting my assistant on her first day.

Even if there’s a chance it’s also her last.

Chloe gives me a terse little nod, and I bite back a smirk. She thinks she’s good at maintaining a poker face, but her eyes and mouth are far too expressive to hide what’s going on in her head.

Right now, she’s annoyed with me. And for some reason, I like it.

Shoving down the rare surge of amusement, I bring my mind back to the matter at hand. It doesn’t take long for my mood to sober. Not considering the importance of what we’re discussing.

I tap my knuckles on the table to bring the room’s attention back to me.

“It’s crucial,” I say, giving David, who’s still looking at Chloe, the full weight of my stare until he turns away from her, “that everyone here understands the sensitivity of this deal. The eyes of the industry—and EcoTech’s owner and board—are on us. We can’t afford any slip-ups, and we definitely don’t want our competitors getting their hands on the company first.”

There’s a murmur of agreement around the table, accompanied by nodding heads.

Satisfied I’ve made my point, I lean back. “I’ll open the meeting to discussion now. Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page so we can get the ball rolling.”

For the next twenty minutes, I field questions. In response to one about the current market context, I reference a point Chloe noted in the file, unable to stop my eyes from sliding toward her as I do.

She bites her bottom lip again, as if trying to hide her tiny grin of satisfaction. Before I can help myself, my focus shifts to the tempting curve of her mouth and the perfect dip of her cupid’s bow. With a harsh exhale, I look away. The inspection was so quick I can almost convince myself that the jolt I felt wasn’t lust. I go right back to answering questions as if that split-second lapse in control never happened.

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