“I certainly hope you’re not suggesting we turn the reigns over to an outsider?” a woman farther down the table asked.

Allie listened as the members of the board discussed the matter as if she and Hudson weren’t even in the room, let alone seated at the table.

“A member of the Ingram family has sat at the helm since this company was founded.”

“This is a matter of fiduciary responsibility, not nostalgia. There are shareholders to consider.”

“You’re assuming she’s even interested in the position.”

“Despite his obvious success, can we trust someone who came by their shares in such an unscrupulous manner?”

“Can we risk everything on a relative unknown all for the sake of bloodlines?”

The voices blended into a cacophony of chaos until one silenced the rest.

“If I may?” Hudson asked. His voice was calm and level yet demanded nothing short of full authority. “I believe I have a solution that will satisfy your concerns.”

“By all means,” Ben said. He gestured for Hudson to continue.

“I’d like to propose a temporary solution that would appoint Miss Sinclair and me as acting CEO’s.”

Allie had to make a conscious effort to keep her mouth from dropping open in shock. She stared at Hudson in disbelief as he outlined a very well-thought-out plan that would have the two of them working side by side at Ingram. This was no sudden inspiration. It was an ambush.

“We could reconvene shortly before the annual shareholder’s meeting in March,” Hudson concluded. “At that point the board can finalize their decision.”

James Tolman nodded. “It’s important we present a united front at the shareholder’s meeting. There can’t be any sense of dissent.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Wentworth added.

Melanie McCormick cleared her throat. “With the narrow margin of stock between Alessandra and Mr. Chase, they are essentially strangers who have just become business partners. And that would certainly be the case if we adopt this proposal.”

Allie watched Hudson’s eyes narrow almost imperceptively as Melanie referred to them as strangers. The slight kink in his calm exterior was so subtle she was sure it went unnoticed by the others. But not by her.

“What I’d like to know,” Melanie continued, “is logistically, how will this affect the day-to-day operations?” She touched the three strands of pearls at her neck. “And how much can we expect to see of Mr. Chase?”

Hudson placed his elbows on the arms of the chair and steepled his fingers.”I’m quite confident Ben will be able to bring Alessandra up to speed quickly. And she is welcome to use her father’s office, since her base will be here at Ingram Media. I will be maintaining my office across the river at Chase Industries, as there are other interests that will require my attention.”

Allie was so relieved to learn Hudson wouldn’t be moving into an office down the hall, that for a moment she almost felt herself relax. But Wentworth was less than thrilled.

“I’m not sure that arrangement would be in Ingram’s best interest,” he said.

Was he kidding? This from the man who only went to his corporate office to attend the holiday party?

Hudson pinned Wentworth with a shrewd stare as he addressed the board as a whole. “I recognize that some of you may think I’m spread thin in regards to my ventures. But I can assure you Ingram Media will receive the full benefit of my attention. And while my base will remain at my Dearborn location, I intend to take a very hands-on approach and will be a frequent presence in this office.” His gaze shifted to Allie. “I can only speak for myself, but I’m sure Miss Sinclair will agree it’s important that we work closely together to ensure a seamless transition, not to mention taking Ingram Media to the next level.”

Wentworth sat back in his chair with a smug grin on his face. “I’m relieved to hear that, Mr. Chase. And I’m sure Alessandra will be grateful for the chance to learn from your business acumen.”

Allie wanted to tell Duncan Wentworth just where he could shove his business acumen. But unfortunately he was right, at least to a certain extent. She didn’t know anything about running a corporation the size of Ingram Media, or any other for that matter. But she was going to work round the clock to learn everything she could. She might have to deal with Hudson now, but the stronger she became in this room, the less likely he’d still be in her life come March.

“The idea has merit,” Tolman said. “And if Ben agrees to serve as chairman over the proceedings, I think this is a solution that would benefit all parties.”

A motion was made and seconded, and within minutes a vote made it official. She and Hudson were co-CEOs of Ingram Media. Congratulations were offered and hands were shook.

Allie smiled and grit her teeth. This was his plan all along. Hudson could have made a play for sole control of the company. The board knew he had more experience than she did; his track record at Chase Industries was testament to that. But instead he took the high road, and in doing so had basically backed her into a corner. She’d have no choice but to play nice, at least in front of the board and their employees. If she was resistant to working with him and fell flat on her face, she’d appear to be nothing more than a bratty heiress who wouldn’t share her new toy. Thanks to his proposal, and their new titles, she’d have to work side by side with him.

Bottom line, if she wanted a future at Ingram Media, then there was no avoiding Hudson Chase.

Chapter Five

“Where’s the mountain with the crew cut?” Harper asked as soon as Allie swung open the door. She was holding a brown paper bag in one hand and a bottle of red wine in the other.

“Who?”

Harper nodded to the empty hallway. “The storm trooper who’s been your shadow for the past week.”

“Clayton? I let him go.”

“Why would you do that?” She lifted the bag and bottle so they were in Allie’s direct line of sight. “And are you going to make me stand here all night or are you going to invite me in?”

In spite of her crap day, Allie laughed. “Since when do you need an invitation?”

“True.” Harper brushed past her and headed to the kitchen with what smelled like Chinese takeout. From the looks of it she’d come straight from work. Under her cropped jacket she was wearing what Allie could only refer to as “business funk,” a bold black-and-white striped skirt paired with red Dr. Martens lace-up boots. The result was the perfect combination of quirky sophistication. Allie would have never been able to pull off such daring choices, but on Harper they totally worked. “And Weiss was okay with you ditching the bodyguard?”

Allie shut the door and followed Harper into the kitchen. “The man is head of security at Ingram, not my personal babysitter. It was ridiculous for him to spend all his time following me around.”

“Where’s the opener?” Harper asked after searching through a few drawers.

Allie frowned. “Not sure.”

“I got this.” Harper reached inside her purse and pulled out a small bottle opener. She smiled when she met Allie’s bewildered stare. “What? You never know when there will be a wine emergency.” She pointed to the bottle of Merlot on the counter. “Case in point.”

“What can I do to help?”

“Nothing. This is a full-service delivery. Just park it on a stool.”

Allie pulled out a barstool and sat while Harper grabbed two wineglasses from the overhead cabinet. She filled them each with a generous pour and slid one across the granite counter. Allie wrapped both hands around the goblet, watching in amazement at the buffet currently being assembled on her breakfast bar. “How much food did you order?”