Page 120 of My Big, Fat, Hot Billionaire Enemy
RSVP’dyes?
Toourparty?
“Are we sure about this?” I ask Carol, tapping the name. My voice sounds weirdly high.
Carol peers at the list. “Oh, yes, dear. Came in this morning.”
“I didn’t even know he was invited...” I comment.
“Every member of the Blackwell Innovations board has received an invite,” Carol explains. “As per your instructions.”
“Oh,” I say.
Damn it. Figures.
Well, there’s no going back on it now.
With luck, he won’t show up.
Yeah right.
“Okay,” I say slowly. “Good to know.”Good to know the Jaws theme music will be playing in my head all night.“Thanks, Carol, Liam. Let’s finalize this later.”
Back in the relative safety of Dad’s (my) office, I immediately call Christopher. He needs to know his viper of a father plans on gracing us with his presence.
He picks up on the second ring. “Blackwell.” His voice is clipped. Colder than usual. An icy chill crawlsup my spine.
Uh oh. Ice King mode engaged.
What happened?
“Hey,” I say tentatively. “Everything okay? You sound… tense.”
“Dealing with some internal matters,” he replies dismissively. No elaboration. Just that flat, controlled tone that usually means he’s either furious or plotting world domination. Or both. “What do you need, Lucy?”
Ouch. Okay.
“Just calling because we got the RSVPs back for the anniversary party. And… your father confirmed he’s attending.”
Silence on the other end. A heavy, loaded silence.
“I’m not surprised,” he says finally, his voice tight with something that sounds suspiciously like suppressed rage. “The old bastard never could resist sticking the knife in and twisting it.”
“What do you mean? What happened?” I ask, alarmed now.
He sighs, a harsh, weary sound. “He called an emergency board meeting. Tried to get them to rescind the revised Hammond partnership terms. Used our relationship, photos of us, as evidence my judgment was compromised.”
My stomach plummets. “Oh my god, Christopher. Did they…?”
“The motion failed. Barely,” he bites out. “But the point was made. He drew his line. Told me if I continue with you, with this partnership, our relationship is severed. Completely.”
Guilt washes over me, cold and sickening.
This is my fault.
Our relationship.
Project Nightingale.
