Page 35 of Nanny for the Bossy Billionaire

All that aside, we’ve been having a great time together. I don’t feel deprived in any way. I love the closeness that Naomi and I have developed. Some of my favorite times with her have been after we’ve wrung all sorts of pleasure out of each other and fall asleep in each other’s arms.

It’s almost like she is the puzzle piece that has clicked into place. It’s because of the clarity she’s brought into my life recently that I’ve finally found an angle against Eve.

It’s the middle of the work day. I have considered closing early to go home to Ethan and Naomi, but I’ve talked myself out of it several times because I really can’t allow myself get behind. Catching up would mean even more time away from them.

I’m trying to focus on work when the intercom on my desk rings.

I answer it. “Yes?”

“Sir, Mr. Davenport is here. He would like to see you,” Julia says.

What does he want?

“Please, send him in.” I return the receiver to its holder and sit back in my chair.

Moments later, a knock sounds from my door. Then, it swings open dramatically and Mitchell Devonport walks in. Mitchell is one of my board members. He looks like the male version of Eve, but they swear they aren’t related. I guess evil all starts to look the same after a while.

He’s practically her right-hand man, but is more diplomatic and tries to play both sides. He fancies himself more intelligent than everyone else. Which is why I believed it when I heard he is planning a Senate run. Typical politician.

“Reid, I am so glad you could squeeze me in.”

“Well, it’s not like you gave me a choice.”

He disregards my comment and sits in one of the chairs across my desk. “I wanted to talk to you about this whole fiasco between you and Eve.”

“Yeah? What’s up?”

“It has come to my attention that you are making some dangerous moves behind the scenes.”

My eyebrows draw together. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”

“Reid, please don’t insult my intelligence.”

“I swear, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He takes a deep breath. “Well, I heard that not only are you trying to remove Eve as the chairwoman of the board, but you’re trying to kick her off the board entirely. I have contacts everywhere and I have it on good authority that you’ve been reaching out to shareholders to get Eve out.”

I offer him a weak laugh. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Yes, it is…but for argument’s sake, let’s say I am doing what you say I am doing. Would you blame me? The woman told me that she would kick me out of the company I founded and have run for over two decades. Did she think I would just lie down and take it?”

His annoying politician grin, which I’m sure he’s been practicing, makes an appearance on his face. “All this has gotten a little out of hand. This isn’t such a huge issue.”

“I agree, but Eve is the one who escalated things.”

“Listen, can’t you just compromise?”

“What exactly would a compromise look like?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know, but if you were willing to meet Eve halfway, I think we could all come to an agreement that works for everyone.”

“I’m sure I don’t have to explain to you how Eve operates. Even if I were inclined to compromise, she never will be. She wants things to be her way or the highway. No deviations.”

“Well, what she’s proposing isn’t exactly unreasonable.”

“Listen, I am the CEO of this company. I have never steered us wrong, and I’m not about to start now. I understand your concerns about diversifying, and I tend to agree. This, however, is not the way to do it. We’re going in the wrong direction. Instead of trying to move in on microwave and toaster sales we should be doing groundbreaking work like space exploration, for example. The possibilities are endless. I mean, isn’t the board supposed to trust the CEO? If I am fired it should be because I’ve done something wrong, not because I refuse to take orders from the board.”

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