Chapter Twenty One.

I make a conscious effort not to fidget for the next hour as Aydem and the two gentlemen sitting next to him interrogate everyone that sits around the table.

I love how one of the women gets up and talks confidently; I can not help but admire the apricot blouse she is wearing that matches the shade of her lipstick and blush. As she is bombarded with questions, she does not back down when she is confronted with the prospect of proving her thoughts viable.

She handles herself well as she is put under duress, duress that is solely being encouraged by Aydem, who effortlessly dominates the room.

"Excellent work, Tia," Aydem says and he gives her a small compliment as he begins to wrap things up. "I'm looking forward to reviewing the designs in person. What would entice you, Ms Cross, to purchase the shoe?"

I blink, startled to see that everyone in the room is now looking at me. "Uh, excuse me?" I gulp as my cheeks flush.

His gaze is piercing in its