Page 107 of My Big, Fat, Hot Billionaire Enemy
This is it. He’s making his move.
Time to fight back.
“An interim CEO is indeed necessary,” I agree, surprising him. His eyebrows shoot up. “And Iappreciate the board’s need for stability during Dad’s recovery. Which is why I’m putting myself forward for that role.”
A murmur goes around the table. Morgan looks momentarily stunned.
“I know the challenges ahead,” I continue quickly, pressing my advantage. “Including the ‘legacy risks’ Morgan alluded to. I’ve been working closely with Dad, and now with Christopher Blackwell’s team, to addressallaspects of our financial situation proactively.”
Okay, Christopher’s team isn’t involved just yet, but they will be. Close enough.
“I have a clear plan, the backing of our primary investor, and the dedication to see this company through. I will serve as interim CEO,” I meet Morgan’s furious gaze, “focusing on stabilization and executing the integration of Project Nightingale. And,” I add, remembering my condition, “I will, of course, step aside when Dad is fully recovered and ready to resume his duties.”
I hold my breath. Did I sound convincing? Did I sound like I knew what I was doing?
Or did I sound like I was reading from a script titled ‘How to Fake It Till You Make It While Internally Hyperventilating’?
There’s a long silence. Then Mr. Abernathy, one of the older, more traditional board members, clears his throat. “Lucy has demonstrated considerable initiative lately. And Blackwell’s endorsement carries weight.”
Others murmur agreement. Morgan tries to argue, citing my ‘lack of experience,’ but the tide has turned. Christopher’s backing, framed correctly, was the aceup my sleeve.
The vote is called. It’s close, but I win.
Interim CEO.
Me, Lucy Hammond.
Holy crap.
I thank the board, trying to project calm authority while inside I’m a nervous wreck. The meeting wraps up quickly after that, thankfully.
Morgan glares daggers at me as he leaves.
Challenge accepted, Weiss.
Walking out of the boardroom, I feel shaky but exhilarated. I did it. Actually did it.
Now I just have to, you know, actually DO it. Run the company. Fix the potentially illegal mess Dad made. Keep Morgan from slitting my throat in the hallway.
Easy peasy.
I head straight back to the hospital, courtesy of Victor, who was waiting outside for me.
When I arrive, I already know Christopher is here, because his security detail loiters outside the private waiting room.
Christopher looks up from his tablet as I enter.
“How did it go?” he asks immediately, his eyes searching mine.
“Interim CEO Hammond, reporting for duty,” I say, managing a slightly wobbly grin.
A slow, genuine smile spreads across his face. The kind that reaches his eyes, crinkling the corners. It hits me harder than any boardroom victory.
He stands up, closing the distance between us. “I knew you could do it.”
“Only because you practically shoved me into the arena,” I admit. “And I made it clear it’s temporary. Until Dad’s back.”
“One battle at a time,” he murmurs, pulling meinto a hug. It’s not overtly passionate, but it’s solid. Safe.
