I breathed a sigh of relief as I left the Sinclair estate. The meeting had been successful, despite my embarrassing entrance. Mrs. Sinclair's approval of my designs was a professional victory, but my awkward encounter with Sebastian left me confused.
The car drove smoothly away from the mansion as I replayed our interaction in my mind. Why did his presence affect me so strongly? Those intense eyes, that subtle smile... I shook my head. I couldn't afford distractions, not with the auction looming over me.
"The restaurant on Fifth Avenue, please," I instructed the driver, checking the time on my phone. My grandmother and Vera would be waiting.
Thirty minutes later, I stepped into "The Garden," an upscale restaurant with lush greenery and soft lighting. Spotting my grandmother and Vera at our usual corner table, I hurried over.
"There she is!" Grandmother's face lit up. She looked elegant as always, her silver hair styled perfectly. "How was your meeting, dear?"
