‘No and no, though I wouldn’t mind giving my firstborn and last and my soul and all my tomorrows for a glimpse of the Pink Star.’I drooled at the thought of touching the 59.60-carat, vivid pink, flawless diamond.‘Any plans tonight? Why do I even ask?’ Yvaine waved off her own question. ‘Let me guess. Candlelit dinner by the bay, live string quartet in the background. I know, I know. I won’t be the third wheel.’I said nothing.Actually, no, I didn’t have any plans tonight.Ashton hadn’t said anything when I left the house this morning.And so far, half the day had passed without a message from him.Maybe he thought the share transfer agreement had said ‘happy birthday’ loud and clear.By evening, Priya and Daniel packed up and left.Yvaine got a call and dashed off in her ridiculous boots, leaving the studio dead quiet.I shut my laptop, stacked the loose sketch sheets, reached for the light switch—And stopped.Through the glass, someone appeared on the pavement outside.Alone. Ste
‘He said he’s into jewellery,’ Yvaine said. ‘Wants to try something different. Let’s just meet him and see.’‘Fine.’We didn’t have to wait long.At half ten, the door opened and a guy walked in.White crewneck jumper, loose black trousers, no tie, no jacket.Not sloppy, just not trying too hard either.He looked fresh out of uni. Big smile, clean skin, short black hair, the kind of face casting agents probably fight over.Yvaine nudged my elbow and muttered, ‘Fit. Nice build. He’s wearing head-to-toe designer. Think he’s some bored rich kid?’I kept my voice low. ‘He doesn’t look like someone who knows how to get shit done.’We both straightened our backs.I motioned Priya over, and the three of us lined up on one side of the little glass table.He sat opposite, still grinning.‘Hi,’ he said brightly. ‘I’m Daniel Williams, twenty-two, just graduated from Eastwick. Looking for work. Would love the chance to join your team.’His voice was smooth, posture decent.It was irritating how l
I cracked the door open the moment I heard footsteps.Kept it barely ajar, just enough to see Franklin bolt down the stairs like his arse was on fire.I couldn’t catch his expression. No clue if he’d gotten what he came for or if Ashton had kicked him to the kerb.I stepped out.Ashton came out of the study at the same time.‘Did you check your phone?’ I rushed towards him. ‘You didn’t actually give him that project, did you? Tell me you didn’t agree to work with that dodgy little shipping company.’He kept walking, straight towards the staircase.What did that silence mean?My stomach clenched.I didn’t know the ins and outs of his business deals, but Franklin was slick and shameless.‘Wait—seriously? You didn’t fall for it, did you? If you trust him, he’s going to screw you over. You really didn’t see my messages?’Still nothing. Not a word.He headed downstairs.I followed, practically breathing down his neck.The stairs were narrow, polished, and I was barefoot.I stepped on the b
Ashton entered the study first and walked straight to the leather chair behind the desk.He didn’t speak. He didn’t look up. He unlocked his phone, scrolled, tapped something, and stayed quiet.Franklin hovered near the centre of the rug, hands twitching at his sides, eyes darting around like he couldn’t decide whether to sit or stay upright.Eventually, he stayed standing.Ashton kept scrolling.Franklin cleared his throat.No response.‘I know Mira’s been... distant,’ he started, his voice thin. ‘She probably told you stuff about us. Some of it is true, I admit. But we raised her. She’s got a temper, sure, but she’s our daughter. Watching her do well now... it makes me proud.’Ashton’s eyes flicked up, then dropped back to the screen.Franklin kept going, his tone sliding into something meant to sound sentimental. ‘She hardly comes home these days. I miss her. Her mother does too.’The corners of Ashton’s mouth twitched.Franklin perked up a little, mistaking it for warmth.He launc
I tugged Ashton forward.‘Don’t let him get in your head. I don’t care if he shows up at the studio. I’ll just throw him out myself.’Franklin clocked Ashton’s hesitation and pounced.‘You’re a public figure,’ he said loudly. ‘And Mirabelle’s been getting a lot of buzz online. If people find out how you treat family… it won’t look good.’Ashton stopped, turned.‘Come in.’‘No!’ I snapped, jabbing my fingers into his arm. ‘He’s not setting foot in the house. The second you let him through the door, he’ll glue himself to the floor.’Ashton patted my hand. ‘I’ve got it under control. He’s not getting a thing.’‘Then why let him in?’‘I’ve got something in mind.’‘Care to share?’Franklin had covered the distance between us with a few quick bounds. He chuckled. ‘Knew you’d understand, Ashton. Knew you’d be reasonable.’He shoved past me and sprinted through the doorway before one of us changed our mind.Once we were inside, I didn’t even bother sitting. I glared. ‘Cut the crap. Why are yo
‘That money was yours the moment I gave it to you,’ Ashton said. ‘But if it makes you feel uneasy, you could give me part of the studio in return. Forty-nine per cent?’I considered it. ‘Alright.’His voice dropped. ‘If we’re talking share transfers, we’ll need a contract. I’ll get someone on it.’‘We’re going full corporate, huh? Fine. Use your legal team.’‘Will do.’Silence settled in.I watched a droplet of condensation roll down the side of my glass and disappear into the tablecloth.He didn’t check his phone. Just kept looking out the window, posture still, expression unreadable.I cleared my throat. ‘So… any update on Maxwell?’‘Dismissed. Arrested. Under internal review for further sanctions. Legal’s working on it.’‘Was anyone else involved?’‘Not that we know of.’ He paused, then added, ‘If there are, we’ll find them.’I nodded, fiddled with the stem of my glass. ‘Right. Makes sense.’He didn’t say anything back.‘Sorry. I wasn’t trying to imply anything. It’s just—never min