Chapter 7: The Final Showdown

She smiled at me, that same unsettling smile, and said, “Got it.”

Her tone was flippant, but I let it slide. I’d done my part.

I nodded. Harrison asked me to help her, so I did all I could. Attitude and ability aren’t things I can help with. Before leaving, I looked at her red dress and kindly reminded her:

“We often meet important clients and must be professional. It’s best not to wear overly bright dresses in the office.”

I chose my words carefully, not wanting to come off as condescending. It was just common sense in our industry.

I really was just reminding her, but she probably thought I was trying to intimidate her. Her expression twisted briefly, then she smiled, “Understood.”

I caught the flicker of annoyance in her eyes before she smoothed it over. I wondered if I’d made an enemy without meaning to.

I don’t think she really understood, because by day’s end, she hadn’t sent me her design draft.

Mariah complained to me in secret: “Did Mr. Whitmore get bewitched? I tried chatting with Savannah to get some info, but she didn’t even know diamond purity grades. Is she really a designer?”

Mariah’s voice was sharp, her concern for me obvious. I tried to reassure her, but I was starting to have doubts myself.