Chapter 15
Brody
I tense. That’s a tricky question. Ursula is whip-smart and her knowledge of the business is legendary. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
“Thank you for the question.” Lark dips her chin.
“The projections assume a twelve percent increase in portfolio returns, driven by strong performance in our technology and renewable energy holdings, along with gains from the launch of our new venture fund. We have also factored in a conservative two percent headwind from interest rate fluctuations and broader market uncertainty. Even if some exits underperform, we will meet our growth target. I have built in downside sensitivity, so this is not wishful thinking. It is realistic and achievable.”
Ursula looks at my EA with respect in her eyes. “I don’t have any further queries.”
I couldn’t have answered it better myself.
I want to pound the table and acknowledge her brilliant response.
I want to jump up to my feet, round the table, take her into my arms and kiss her deeply.
Goddamn, this woman is not only gorgeous, but she’s also bloody astute, and a fast thinker, and so intelligent. She’s my dream woman.
I find myself smiling and shut it down right away.
Fuck, I can’t afford to think like this. I can’t afford to give in to my attraction to her. I can’t.
Julian Reed, the Corporate Secretary, looks up from the stack of reports in front of him. “Can you walk us through how the investment budget is being allocated across sectors? And why the reduced exposure to traditional assets this year?”
Lark nods. “Of course. Sixty-two percent of our allocation is in growth sectors: thirty percent in technology and renewable energy, eighteen percent in private equity and venture capital, and fourteen percent in strategic partnerships and co-investments. Traditional assets make up twelve percent, down from last year, because returns there have flattened while newer markets continue to outperform. We are not reducing traditional exposure out of sentiment; we are doing it because the numbers justify the shift.”
Julian looks at her with something like admiration. I allow my lips to curl. I don’t feel the need to hide my satisfaction anymore.
I had no doubt my woman could hold her own in this meeting. But to have her fulfill my expectations in such sterling fashion is so bloody satisfying. My chest swells. I am so fucking proud of her. I knew she could lead the board meeting in my place. And she’s done so admirably.
News flash: She’s not your woman. She’s your employee.
She continues with her presentation.
When another member interrupts her with yet another question, I watch in admiration as she answers his query with a smile. By the time she’s done speaking, another board member is completely mesmerized by her.
When there’s yet another question from the table, it’s Kingly who interrupts. "Ms. Monroe has the floor. I suggest we save our questions for the end."
Lark acknowledges his support with a warm smile. She can do with all the allies she makes in this room. However, I have a burning need to discourage any other kind of relationship with her. I resolve to do so later. He needs to understand that she’s off-limits After all, she’s engaged.
She’s also off-limits to me. After that almost-kiss under the mistletoe, I need to remind myself of that again.
She gets through the rest of the presentation without further interruptions. There are a few questions, which she’s able to field easily.
All her preparation, and the long nights when I saw her working in her office, have paid off.
“By jove, well done.” Edgar nods at her. “That was one of the most comprehensive briefs I’ve read in a board meeting.”
Lark’s face lights up. “Thank you.”
“The Christmas decorations in the boardroom didn’t hurt either. In fact, it facilitated a more pleasant environment and helped with the thinking process,” another board member chimes in. “Especially the candy canes.” He eyes them with open longing.
“Please, help yourself.” She nods at the bowl in front of him.
“Don’t mind if I do.” He plucks one out, unwraps it, and crunches down.
The person beside him shrugs and grabs one too. Then another director reaches. And another.
Within seconds, the room sounds like a candy cane factory. Crinkling wrappers. Sharp little crunches. Not exactly the soundtrack you expect in a board meeting.
A few of those around the table smile at her. Real smiles. Warm ones. Not the usual expressions board members wear during one of these meetings either.
Who would’ve guessed her insistence on holiday decorations and putting out treats would soften even the iciest temperaments?
It also shows that she recognizes how the holidays tap into the inner child within everyone. Which impresses me.
As if by magic, the tension in the room dissolves, replaced by something that feels suspiciously like contentment.
Color me shocked. A flicker of awe squeezes my chest.
Hayes notices too. “I assume that wasn’t your idea, Davenport?”
“The credit goes to Ms. Monroe.” I nod in Lark’s direction without looking at her. “She convinced me that imparting the festive touch to the office can only help with productivity overall.”
“Soft persuasion. This woman is your secret weapon.” Hayes sends me a shrewd glance.
“She is a core part of my team. She’s made my working life a lot easier.” Now, if only I could find a way to have her feature more prominently in my personal life, too. I don’t say that aloud though.
“Ms. Monroe will take on more of a leadership role in the coming days and weeks,” I declare to the table.
“Hmm.” Hayes nods slowly. “What are your plans?”
“Plans?” I arch an eyebrow.
“Does this mean she’s to feature more significantly in your succession planning?”
Board members normally don't discuss succession planning so openly. Especially when it’s a topic fraught with internal politics and lobbying. But then, asking Lark to lead the board meeting in my place was unusual too.
He’s right though. After that noteworthy and very successful performance with leading the board meeting, I have decided to make her CEO.
But that’s not something I’m ready to share with anyone yet.
Not until I’ve had a chance to discuss it with her.
I also need to inform my grandfather of my decision and make sure he backs her.
Excitement fills me. Lark is the perfect candidate to take over my role. I couldn’t have planned this better.
Things are progressing at a pace I hadn’t quite expected them to. But I’m not complaining. Not when work has not given me the kind of buzz it used to. Not when delivering on profit goals had begun to feel hollow.
Once I make Lark CEO, I can devote time to pursuing the stuff that seems meaningful.
But would it feel as purposeful without Lark by my side? I know the answer to that.
Outwardly, I keep my tone casual. “And if I were?”
Hayes surveys me with a glint in his eyes. “Then, I think you have a viable candidate there.”
He rises to his feet, shakes my hand, then Lark’s, before heading out the door.
The others, too, begin to depart. Some of them stop to catch up. By the time I’m free of them, I find Kingly is deep in conversation with Lark.
"You did good, kid." He pats her shoulder.
How patronizing. I narrow my gaze on Kingly, but he doesn’t seem to notice. Lark looks vaguely uncomfortable and shifts about a half-step away.
"Thank you. I appreciate your support."
"Any time. Brains and beauty. That’s a lethal combination." He flashes her a smile.
A burning sensation fills my chest. Is he flirting with her? I close the distance to them.
Kingly’s features turn serious. "I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a—"
"Ms. Monroe"—I step between them, forcing them to move apart—“I have an urgent issue I need to discuss with you.”
Lark scowls at me. “I was talking to Kingly.”
“Who was on his way out.” I glare at Kingly, indicating to him without words that he’d better fuck off.
Kingly must get the message for he clears his throat. "I, ah, guess I need to be getting along." He heads out.
The door shuts behind him.
In the silence that follows, I scan her features. She raises one eyebrow, as if to say: What was that all about? Something I'm not going to study too closely.
I have the distinct impression she's trying to keep a straight face, but her eyes glint with excitement.
Her lips twitch, then she gives in to a big smile.
I can’t stop myself from grinning back. “You killed it.” I’m not sure who moves first, but suddenly, she’s in my arms. “That was bloody exceptional. You were mesmerizing.”
“Oh my God, did you see their faces?” She leans back in the circle of my arms.
“They were bowled over by your intelligence. Your charm. Your beauty. They couldn’t get enough of you.
I couldn’t get enough off you.” I tuck a strand of hair that’s come loose from the sleek coil she’d twisted it up into.
"I gave you the chance to prove you belong at this table. And you seized it. You did me proud, Lark.”
She flushes at my praise. Her pupils dilate. And when her lips part, I lower my gaze to her mouth. Damn, those luscious lips of hers are a siren call. As is that jasmine scent of hers; with a hint of coconut, it makes my mouth water.
I want to kiss her so fucking much. It’s a physical ache that turns my muscles to rock and lights fire in my veins.
"Thank you.” The husky note in her voice only ramps up my desire.
The air between us spikes with desire.
A part of me, that possessive, animalistic part that wanted her the moment I saw her insists I throw her down on the conference room table and ravish her.
As if she senses my unspoken question, she raises her chin. My heart begins to race. The blood pounds at my temples. I want her so fucking much. And holding myself back because she belongs to someone else is pure torture. Surely, I could kiss her? Just one teeny tiny kiss?