Page 77 of The CEO Enemy

“So you are engaged?”

“I am not.”

He studies me for a moment, and I can tell he’s not entirely convinced. “Seems like your PA couldn’t hide all the papers and magazines from me. Keep your personal and professional lives separate, Sean. This could jeopardize the reputation of the company.”

I temper my anger and force myself to remain calm and collected. “Tell me this is not what this meeting is about. Is this some ridiculous chess move where you’re trying to make me appear compromised? Any personal relationship I may or may not have with Jess Summers has no bearing on my job and has nothing to do with my proposal to bring her on as an employee. I suggested we bring her on because she’s smart, capable, and willing to do what it takes to ensure that Westerlyn and its staff are running smoothly.”

He waves his hand casually, as if my words hold no significance. “She’s willing to do what it takes? According to this article, you dropped three million dollars on a damn drawing, son. Please, for the love of sanity, tell me you haven’t let her wrap you around her fingers.”

For fuck’s sake.

So much for keeping things under wraps.

I take a deep breath, preparing to address the concern that’s etched on his face. “She has proven multiple times already that she’s willing to compromise and work with us—and that’s a hell of a lot more than we’ve had in the past.”

Before my father can respond, board members start to filter into the room.

My father simply looks at me, his expression unreadable.

Daniela Sanborne is the first to sit, and I can tell by the way she looks between me and my father that she senses the tension. I’m on high alert.

When my father clears his throat, they direct their gazes to him.

“I appreciate you all taking the time together,” he begins. “I’m aware this is last minute, but I feel there’s something important that we need to discuss. As you all are aware, it has been three weeks since we acquired half of Westerlyn Hotels, but there’s still one major hurdle that has not been conquered.”

Before my father can continue, Daniela speaks up, addressing him, “Wait, are you telling me that you gathered us all here—once again—to discuss the sale of a property that’s already been bought by us?”

I turn to look at her, schooling my expression so she doesn’t notice the surprise. As far back as I can remember, she’s always backed my father’s decisions, which makes her question bold and surprising.

“Half-bought,” he corrects her. “And yes, that is still what we’re discussing. The ramp-up phase shouldn’t take longer than fourteen days. It has been long enough, and we need to act. Obviously, Miss Summers is not willing to sell, that means we have no choice but to take drastic action.”

“She has one more week to decide,” I say firmly.

“Nonsense. If she wanted to sell to us, she would have. Rumor has it that Rutherford is interested in her shares. Word on the street is she’s considering selling to him.”

Well, it was inevitable. Engagement rumors weren’t the only whispers that made their way to my father. “That’s complete BS.”

“Son, remove your blinders. You don’t know what’s happening out here. Obviously, she’s playing you to gain insider info. We need to act, and fast.”

“And what exactly is that action?” I ask. “What exactly do you think we should do if she decides not to sell to us?”

My father gives a half-hearted shrug. “Oh, there’s plenty. We can talk to our lawyers and consider legal action. After all, she was the one who insisted you write up that ridiculous contract agreeing to certain terms. Our lawyers are some of the best in the city, I doubt she has the capital to match. I’m certain Drexler has a solution.”

Drexler, as in Samuel Drexler, my father’s favorite legal Pitbull of Stanford & Partners. A ruthless bastard, never lost a damn case.

I shake my head. “Except for the fact that she has been upholding her end of the deal, and she’s been more than cooperative,” I shoot back. “Besides, she has a right to choose whether or not she wants to sell, and if she doesn’t want to sell then that’s that.”

Daniela clears her throat, and our heads turn toward her. “I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Jessica Summers at this year’s charity event,” she says, “and the opportunity was open to all of you had you attended…” Her gaze sweeps over all the members. “I believe she’d bring great value to our team.”

Huh.

The unexpected commendation from Daniela is a welcome change of pace in the boardroom.

I glance at my father.

His brow is furrowed, and his lips are pursed tight when he stares at Daniela. “Blackwood has a reputation to maintain. If we give leeway to one person, others will expect the same.”

“The public has a pretty strong sense of how we do business,” Daniela argues. “That’s not going to change overnight. If anything, this will show that we’re flexible and willing to be team players. That’s never a bad thing.”

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