Page 47 of My Big, Fat, Fake Billionaire Wedding

Our legal counsel presents the documents establishing Ava’s authority. She listens intently, asking occasional clarifying questions that reveal she’s been studying the briefing materials I provided. When she signs the final document, there’s a subtle shift in the room. Not full acceptance, but acknowledgment.

Then Burt Lee clears his throat. I immediately tense. My development director leans forward, his expression a practiced mask of concern.

“Mrs. King, while we appreciate your enthusiasm, I wonder if you fully understand the complexity of the position you’re assuming?” His tone is polite, but the implications are clear. “Perhaps Mr. King could arrange for some basic financial literacy training to help you navigatethese waters.”

The condescension in his voice makes my jaw tighten. Beside me, Ava goes very still. Her face is bright red.

“Mr. Lee.” Her voice is calm but firm. I realize immediately that the redness is from anger, not anxiety. “I’ve spent the last three days reading every document related to this trust structure. I understand that my role is primarily legal rather than operational. I don’t need to be a financial expert because that’s what all of you are for.”

She pauses, glancing down at her notes. The red flush is slowly seeping away as she calms down. “However, I do have a question about the quarterly asset transfer protocol. The documentation mentions an automatic rebalancing algorithm, but doesn’t specify the oversight mechanism for unusual market fluctuations.”

The room goes silent. That’s actually a perceptive question, and one that addresses a deliberate omission in the materials I gave her. Its inclusion wasn’t necessary for her understanding, and I honestly didn’t think she’d even catch it.

Ella Winters, my lead counsel, raises an eyebrow before answering. “A valid concern, Mrs. King. The oversight mechanism exists in section 4.2 of the supplementary agreements, which allows the trustee—you—to pause automatic transfers if the fluctuation exceeds a pre-established threshold.”

Ava nods, making a note. “Thank you for clarifying.”

Burt’s expression hardens almost imperceptibly. “Perhaps Mrs. King could share her thoughts on the valuation metrics we’re using for the Peninsula Project assets? Since those represent a significant portion of the initial trust funding.”

It’s a trap question. The Peninsula metrics are unnecessarily complex, designed specifically to dissuade Blackwell’s interest. Even Jonas needed several sessions to fully understand them.

Before Ava can respond, I intercept. “The Peninsula valuation methodology was established by our financial team after extensive analysis. Mrs. King’s role doesn’t require her to reimagine our valuation processes.”

“Of course,” Burt says smoothly. “I simply thought since Mrs. King has voting authority on trust asset transactions, she might want to understand what she’s approving.”

“I believe what Mr. Lee is suggesting,” Ava interjects before I can respond, “is that I might vote against the board’s recommendations out of ignorance.” She smiles politely. “Rest assured, while I may not have expertise in real estate valuation, I recognize the boundaries of my knowledge. I won’t be making arbitrary decisions about business matters.”

She looks directly at Burt. “However, I will ask questions when something isn’t clear to me. And I expect honest answers, not simplified explanations that omit crucial details because you assume I won’t understand them.”

Fucking hell. I hadn’t expected that. I’m unable to repress a sudden swelling pride.

“Well said, Mrs. King,” Jonas comments, not bothering to hide his approval. “Perhaps Mr. Lee could prepare a briefing on the Peninsula metrics for your review, since he’s particularly concerned about your understanding of that project.”

Burt forces a smile. “I’d be happy to.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I cut in, my voice sharper than intended. For some reason Ibristle at the thought of having Ava alone in a room with Burt. “I’ll handle Mrs. King’s briefings personally. Now, let’s move on to the next agenda item.”

The remainder of the meeting proceeds efficiently, but I’m distracted by the undercurrents. Ava’s unexpected composure. Burt’s thinly veiled hostility. The speculative glances several board members exchange when they think I’m not looking.

When we adjourn, Jonas approaches as the other executives filter out of the room.

“She handled herself well,” he observes quietly. “Better than expected.”

“Were your expectations particularly low?” I ask with an edge to my voice.

Jonas gives me a measured look. “Given that she was an art student a week ago, yes. My expectations were realistic.”

“She’s smarter than people give her credit for.”

“Evidently.” He hesitates. “Burt was out of line.”

“He was testing boundaries.” I keep my expression neutral as I watch Ava speaking with Ella across the room. “I want his activities monitored more closely. Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Already on it. The security team flagged unusual access patterns to the Peninsula files last week.” Jonas lowers his voice further. “Are you sure she’s the right choice for this, Gideon? The arrangement works legally, but she’s now at the center of a corporate chess match she never signed up for.”

“She signed the contracts. She knew what she was getting into.”

“Did she? Because the way you jumped to her defense suggests you might be taking this more personally than planned.”

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