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“What did she say to you, exactly?” His tone sharpened slightly.
“That’s wonderful! I knew they’d recognize your talent.”
A wave of loneliness washed over me. I reached for my phone and called Damien without checking the time.
“Ms. Ashworth, your car will arrive in thirty minutes,” Mr. Shaw informed me as I finished my espresso.
Bianca flashed a predatory smile. “What a small world. I didn’t realize you’d be presenting today, Hazel.”
I nodded, gathering my composure. “Thank you, Mr. Shaw. Shall we continue with the meeting?”
My heart leapt at the suggestion. “But what about your family obligations? The strategy meetings?”
His simple vote of confidence warmed me from within. I quickly texted back a heart emoji before gathering my materials.
“Hazel Ashworth! Welcome!” The director of Nelson Fashion House greeted me warmly. “We’re very excited about your presentation today.”
“Are you alright, Ms. Ashworth?” Mr. Shaw asked.
“Am I interrupting anything?” I asked, suddenly conscious that he might be at an important family function.
Damien sighed. “Yes, Grandfather invited several business associates and their families for the annual New Year’s strategy meeting. The Sinclairs have been included for decades. It’s purely business, Hazel.”
I laughed softly, picturing the scene. “I wish I could be there with you.”
My jaw clenched, but I kept my gaze forward, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a
reaction.
“Ms. Ashworth, I believe you already know Bianca Sinclair? She’s representing Sinclair
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Investments today,” Roberto explained.
Bianca’s eyes flashed with fury as she wiped her phone with a handkerchief. “No harm done,” she replied through gritted teeth. “These things happen.”
“Nothing that matters more than hearing your voice,” he replied warmly. “How did the presentation go?”
“Hazel,” he answered immediately, the sound of muffled celebration in the background. “Happy almost New Year from this side of the world.”
“It went well. Roberto seemed very interested in a collaboration.”
The Milanese morning greeted me with brilliant sunshine streaming through my hotel suite’s windows. Despite the beautiful day ahead, a sense of unease lingered from last night’s encounter with Bianca. Damien’s warning echoed in my mind as I prepared for the day’s meetings.
I followed Roberto into a spacious conference room where several industry professionals were already seated. My heart sank when I spotted Bianca Sinclair at the table, looking immaculate in a cream designer suit.
“He looked so handsome that night,” she whispered, just loud enough for me to hear. “The Sterling winter gala last year. Family tradition, you know.”
Her perfect features contorted with rage. “You know nothing about our history. I’ve been part of Damien’s life for years while you–what? Met him a few months ago? You’re a temporary distraction, Hazel. A charity case he took pity on after your pathetic wedding disaster.”
A comfortable silence fell between us, filled with unspoken longing.
“Is that what you think you are? A prospect?” I asked calmly. “Because from where I stand, you seem more like a desperate option he’s already declined.”
Before I could stop myself, I shifted slightly in my chair, accidentally jostling the table. Bianca’s coffee cup tipped over, spilling its contents across the table–directly onto her phone and the edge of her expensive suit.
She smiled sweetly. “Of course. Business first. Though in our circles, business and personal affairs often intermingle. It can be quite challenging for outsiders to navigate.”
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“Please, call me Roberto. Let me introduce you to everyone”
Midway through the first speaker’s presentation, I noticed Bianca checking her phone under the table. She angled the screen slightly toward me, deliberately making sure I could see her lock screen–a photo of Damien at some formal event, looking devastatingly handsome in a tuxedo.
“Bianca mentioned she’ll be visiting Sterling Heights this weekend,” I finally said, trying
to sound casual. “Something about a special invitation from your grandfather.”
“Oh!” she exclaimed loudly, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Some things are more important,” he said simply. “And right now, being with more important than anything else.”
Liar. She’d mentioned my presentation last night..
I remained silent, pretending to be absorbed in the presentation.
“Thank you,” I replied, reviewing my presentation notes one last time.
you
feels
His voice turned tender. “I miss you too. More than I thought possible. Since you’ve been away on business, these days have been particularly hard to endure.” He paused before adding, “What would you think if I flew to Milan tomorrow? I could be there for your next presentation.”
“Oh, I forgot,” Bianca continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “You wouldn’t know about such events yet, would you? Has Damien mentioned introducing you to the rest of his family? The Sterlings are quite… particular about who enters their inner
circle.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said, with exaggerated concern while dabbing at the spill with a napkin. “How clumsy of me. I hope your phone isn’t damaged.”
Bianca’s hand shot out suddenly, aiming for my face, but Mr. Shaw intercepted it with lightning reflexes, catching her wrist mid–air.
“Hazel,” he said, his voice low and certain, “I would cross oceans for you. Milan is just a short flight away.”
“Nothing worth repeating,” I said, not wanting to burden him with petty rivalries. “I just miss you tonight, that’s all.”
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Bianca stepped closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “I’m not threatened. I’m warning you. Walk away now, before you’re humiliated again. The Sterlings will never accept someone like you–the abandoned fiancée who wasn’t good enough for a man far beneath Damien’s status. How do you think they’ll react when they learn about your sad little history?”
Before I could respond, Roberto directed me to the presentation area. To my dismay, the only remaining seat was directly beside Bianca. Mr. Shaw positioned himself discreetly in the corner of the room, his presence somewhat reassuring.
As the meeting began, I focused on maintaining my professionalism despite Bianca’s proximity, Roberto opened with a brief introduction about the collaboration opportunities Nelson Fashion House was exploring.
She laughed, the sound brittle and cold. “How naive. I’m visiting Sterling Heights this weekend, did you know? A special invitation from the family. Grandfather Sterling specifically asked for my presence.”
I smiled professionally. “Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Nelson.”
“She made it sound more… personal.”
Later that night, as New Year’s Eve celebrations erupted across Milan, I found myself alone in my hotel suite. The television showed jubilant crowds gathering in the Piazza del Duomo, families and lovers embracing as they prepared to welcome the new year.
“I’m not,” I lied, gazing out at the Milanese skyline. “It’s just… I realized how little I know about your family expectations and traditions.”
The meeting venue was a sleek modern building in Milan’s fashion district. As Mr. Shaw escorted me inside, I felt a surge of confidence. This was my territory–the world of fabrics and designs where I belonged.
I removed her hand from my arm. “I think you’re confusing depth with pedigree, Bianca. Damien values substance over status.”
The barb stung, but I refused to show it. “If I’m such a temporary fixture, why are you trying so hard to discredit me? Secure women don’t feel threatened by ‘temporary distractions.“”
My phone vibrated with a message from Damien: “You’ll shine today. Don’t let anyone dim your light. Call me when you’re done.”
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A chill ran down my spine, but I kept my expression neutral. “How lovely for you. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time discussing whatever business matters brought you
the invitation.”
His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, dissolving the doubts Bianca had tried to plant. “You’d really fly all the way to Milan just to be with me?”
I hesitated before asking, “Where are you celebrating?”
Mr. Shaw materialized beside us, his presence a silent warning. “Ms. Ashworth, they’re ready to resume the meeting.”
“Yes, we’ve met,” I replied coolly.
“Cute stunt,” she hissed. “But it doesn’t change the fact that you’re out of your depth
with Damien.”
Roberto quickly called for a short break to clean up the mess. As everyone filed out of the room, Bianca grabbed my arm.
His voice softened. “I wish that too. More than you know.”
“Bianca has a gift for selective interpretation,” he replied dryly. “Don’t let her get to
you.”
I took a slow, measured breath. “Perhaps we could focus on the presentation?” I suggested quietly.
Chapter 159 – Rival’s Taunts and a Lover’s Longing Call
The rest of the day passed in a blur of presentations and discussions. My own presentation was received with enthusiasm, and Roberto hinted strongly at a potential collaboration. Despite this professional success, Bianca’s words continued to nag at me. Was there truth to what she said about Grandfather Sterling and the family’s expectations?
“Oh, it’s not just business,” she smirked. “The Sterlings have always viewed me as part of the family. Especially now that Damien needs to consider suitable marriage prospects.”
She yanked her arm away, flushing with embarrassment. “You’ll regret this, Hazel,” she murmured before stalking back into the conference room.
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“At Sterling Heights with the family,” he answered. “The usual formal affair. Mother insists on maintaining traditions, though Chloe’s doing her best to liven things up. She’s currently trying to convince Grandfather to try a glass of her special New Year’s punch, which I suspect contains more alcohol than he’s had in decades.”
“Ms. Sinclair,” he said quietly, “I suggest you reconsider your actions.”
