Chapter 52

The atmosphere in the office had changed.

The launch was a month away, and everything had shifted into overdrive. Deadlines were no longer flexible. Every detail had to be perfect, down to the stitching on the custom uniforms and the scent profile of the elevators. The Manhattan property was in its final phase, and Drew had pulled most of his core team into a tighter loop. That included me.

We had been holed up in his corner office for hours going over brand rollout timelines and final design samples. I had my laptop open, documents spread out between us, both of us so immersed in details that we didn't noticed how late it had gotten.

Drew sat across the table, sleeves rolled to his elbows, brows furrowed as he scrolled through a vendor report I’d flagged for inconsistencies.

"We’ll need to push this back to the design team," I said, tapping the edge of the screen. "The mockup doesn’t align with the new color palette. They’re still using the early phase blue gold combo."

He nodded slowly, rubbing his jaw. "I’ll have them jump on it immediately. Thanks for catching it."

I was about to respond when the door opened slightly, and Drew’s secretary poked her head in.

"Mr. Sinclair, you have a visitor."

Drew didn’t look up. "I’m not expecting anyone. Who is it?"

"It's Miss Kimberley." She said, stammering like the words were too heavy for her mouth.

The moment the name left her mouth, Drew went still. His gaze snapped up, and I felt a ripple of tension move through the room.

He exchanged a quick glance with me, his brows drawing together in immediate irritation.

"Tell her I’m in a meeting and I have no business with her, she can see herself out." he said flatly.

The secretary gave a quick nod, but before she could even close the door, Kimberley let herself in.

Wearing her ego like a crown, she strutted into the room in heels that somehow sounded louder than the hum of the AC. She was dressed in cream and gold; powerful, commanding and her expression was a perfectly curated mix of smugness and condescension.

"I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Drew," she said, voice smooth and dripping with self importance. "Unless you want to watch the last few months of your work fall apart."

Drew blinked, clearly taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Kimberley gave me a glance, one of those lingering, pointed looks that were meant to make someone squirm. I didn’t. I folded my arms instead, and stared back.

"You’ll want to hear what I have to say," she continued, turning her full attention back to Drew. "Because what I have could either make or break one of your prized hotel properties. And if you don’t do what I want then prepare to watch everything crumble."

She let the threat dangle like cheap perfume.

Drew sighed and waved off his secretary. "It’s fine. Close the door."

I started to gather my things. "Drew, I can give you a moment, I will come back later so we can finalise."

"No. Stay," he said, firm. "Whatever she has to say, she can say in front of you."

Kimberley blinked. She hadn’t expected that. Her posture faltered, just for a moment.

But then she straightened and strode closer. "Fine. I’ll be direct. I’ve acquired a very valuable asset. An art collection that I believe was being reconsidered for your Manhattan property. One you can’t afford to pass on."

Drew leaned back slightly, brow furrowed. "What collection?"

Kimberley’s lips curved into a self satisfied smirk. "The Visage & Void collection."

The name hit the air like a cold gust.

For a second, the room was quiet. Drew’s eyes flicked to me instinctively, and I met his gaze with the same confusion mirrored in his. My heart thudded, but I didn’t flinch. I didn’t blink.

"You’re bluffing," Drew said carefully.

Kimberley raised her chin. "Am I? I have the exclusive rights now to every piece, it was a little difficult but it wasn't anything that a few dollars couldn't solve. So now If you want them for the hotel, you’ll have to deal with me and of course at a price."

She let her gaze drift back to me, hungry for a reaction. I didn’t give her one.

Drew folded his hands together and exhaled slowly. "Well, sorry to burst your bubble, we passed on that collection already and we do not need it anymore. You can take your silly threat and your offer somewhere else."

Kimberley’s confidence faltered.

"What do you mean you passed on it? I thought it was back in consideration. Max…"

She stopped herself.

Too late.

The silence stretched.

Drew’s expression darkened as he stood slowly, arms folding.

"Who told you it was back in consideration?"

Kimberley’s throat bobbed. She tried to recover. "That’s not important. I have it and you’re going to need it, you can't tell me I spent over one hundred thousand dollars for nothing."

"No, I won’t. Because we’re not using it."

"But…"

"No buts Kimberley, just get out."

Her jaw tightened. "You’ll regret this."

"Not as much as you will."

She turned sharply and marched to the door, her heels now sounding like thunder against the floor.

I watched her go, my heart hammering inside my chest. Her exit told me everything I needed to know. The collection. The timing. Her smugness. It all pointed to one person.

Max. She even mentioned his name and I was quick to catch it.

They were working together, they had to be because there was no other explanation for what just happened and I had just gotten my confirmation.

The moment the door shut behind her, the silence felt heavier than ever.

I felt Drew’s gaze on me.

I didn’t look up. Not immediately.

"Lila," he said softly. "Tell me what that was."

I finally raised my eyes.

And I didn’t know where to begin.