Chapter 13: The Floral Brief

The meeting room was smaller than Lillian expected.

Not a boardroom. Not ceremonial. A working space with long tables, adjustable lighting, and walls designed to absorb sound rather than impress. Mockups were pinned neatly along one side. Schedules projected onto a screen at the far end, quietly cycling through timelines and deliverables.

This was where decisions were made before they were framed as consensus.

Lillian took the seat indicated for vendors and placed her portfolio on the table, aligning it with the edge. Around her, committee members settled in with practiced efficiency, exchanging brief nods and opening digital tablets. No introductions were offered. No one asked her background.

That, too, was a decision.

“We’ll begin,” the coordinator said. “Miss Bloom, we’d like you to walk us through your proposal for the central installation.”

Lillian stood and moved to the display board without hesitation.

“The gala is positioned as a heritage event,” she began. “Which means it wil