11 Chapter 13
Chapter 13 – An Unexpected Summons: Glimpsing the World of the Sterlings
“Ms. Ashworth, you won’t believe this!” Cherry burst into my office the next morning, practically vibrating with excitement. “I just got off the phone with Butler Winslow again. Mrs. Sterling doesn’t just want one dress–she wants a complete wardrobe refresh! He mentioned at least six formal pieces and several casual outfits!”
I nearly dropped my coffee mug. “Are you serious? That’s-
“Life–changing” Cherry finished for me, her eyes wide. “This could be the biggest commission Ashworth Bespoke has ever received.”
I sank into my chair, mind racing. After weeks of scandal and public humiliation, this felt too good to be true. The Sterling family was notoriously private
and infinitely wealthy. Their
patronage could single–handedly restore my reputation in the industry.
“I stayed up all night researching them,” Cherry continued, scrolling through her tablet. “They rarely appear in public, but when they do, they’re always impeccably dressed. Old money, serious old money. The kind that doesn’t need to show off”
“And they want me?” I asked, still disbelieving. “The woman currently being crucified online as the ‘Bridezilla who couldn’t accept her ex moving on?”
Cherry shrugged. “Maybe they don’t follow gossip? Or maybe they’re smart enough to separate tabloid nonsense from talent.”
I nodded slowly, trying to quell my anxiety. “You’re right. I need to focus on the opportunity, not question it.”
The rest of the morning passed in a blur as I finalized my sketches. At precisely 1:30 PM, Cherry peeked her head into my office.
“Your car is here,” she announced, then lowered her voice dramatically. “And when I say car, I mean the most gorgeous Rolls–Royce I’ve ever seen. The driver is wearing actual white gloves.”
I gathered my portfolio with trembling hands. “You’re coming with me, right?”
“Absolutely,” Cherry nodded vigorously. “I already confirmed with Butler Winslow. He said Mrs. Sterling encourages bringing an assistant.”
Outside, the sleek black Rolls–Royce gleamed in the afternoon sun. The uniformed driver held the door open with perfect poise.
“Ms. Ashworth, Ms. Chen, he greeted us formally. “Please make yourselves comfortable. The journey to Sterling Heights Estate will take approximately forty minutes.”
The interior was more luxurious than any vehicle I’d ever been in–buttery leather seats, real
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wood paneling, and crystal glasses beside a small refreshment cabinet.
“Would you care for something to drink?” the driver asked as we settled in.
Cherry and I exchanged wide–eyed glances before politely declining.
As we pulled away from the curb, I noticed the tinted windows and realized we couldn’t see out clearly, though people could probably see in. An oddly vulnerable feeling swept over me.
“This is serious security, Cherry whispered. “Makes you wonder what we’re getting into.”
I clutched my portfolio tighter. “Let’s just focus on making a good impression.”
The car wound through the city and eventually onto a private road I hadn’t known existed. After about thirty minutes, we approached what looked like a military checkpoint–armed guards and tall gates with cameras scrutinizing our approach.
entering a
“Are we government facility?” I whispered to Cherry.
The driver, overhearing, explained politely. “Sterling Heights Estate maintains its own security force, Ms. Ashworth. The family values their privacy above all else.”
The guards checked under the car with mirrors, examined the driver’s credentials, and spoke into their earpieces before waving us through.
Beyond the checkpoint, the landscape transformed. Manicured gardens stretched as far as I could see, dotted with sculptures and water features. The road curved past what appeared to be private tennis courts, a stable complex, and several smaller buildings that could have cach been luxury homes.
“This isn’t an estate, Cherry breathed. “It’s a small kingdom.”
After another ten minutes of driving–still within the property–we approached a magnificent mansion that seemed to blend classical European architecture with modern elements. The driver pulled up to a circular driveway where a distinguished older man in formal attire waited.
“Ms. Ashworth, Ms. Chen, he greeted us as the driver opened our door. “I am Winslow, head butler of Sterling Heights. Mrs. Sterling is expecting you in the east wing.”
I stepped out, momentarily stunned by the scale of the main house. “Thank you for arranging this meeting, Mr. Winslow.”
He smiled kindly. “The pleasure is ours. If you’ll follow me, we have a shuttle car to take the east wing. The estate is rather expansive”
you to
A shuttle car. Within an estate. The wealth on display was staggering yet tasteful–nothing flashy or gaudy, just quiet, immense prosperity maintained with meticulous care.
