"The market changes, Ms. Jensen. Adapt or get left behind." He was merciless. "I'll have my lawyer contact you to discuss terminating the contract. Goodbye."
The call ended.
I stared at my phone screen, the world spinning around me. This project was crucial for Stella—not just a big order, but our gateway into Europe's luxury market. If it fell through, all those interested buyers and distributors would scatter.
"What happened?"
Igor's voice came from the couch. He'd been working on his laptop, but clearly, he'd been paying attention.
"Nothing." I quickly wiped the corner of my eye. "Just a minor work issue."
He closed his laptop and stood, walking over to me. "Elena."
"I said it's nothing."
"Don't lie to me." He stopped in front of me, those deep green eyes seeing right through me. "What happened?"
My defenses crumbled, and I slumped into the chair.
"A partner in Milan wants to pull out." My voice was hoarse. "He says I'm not professional enough, that I should go back to making simple things. I've revised the designs multiple times, but he's never satisfied. Now he won't even give me another shot."
"Which bastard said that?" Igor's voice turned ice-cold. He pulled out his phone. "What's his name?"
"Malco Calovino," I said wearily. "But it's no use, Igor. He's made up his mind."
"Give me five minutes."
He stepped out onto the balcony and dialed a number. I watched him turn his back, murmuring in Russian.
I should have stopped him. Told him this was my business, that I'd handle it on my own. But I was too exhausted, too drained to even argue.
Three minutes later, my phone rang. It wasCalovino.
I glanced at Igor on the balcony; he nodded. I took a deep breath and answered.
"Ms. Jensen." Calovino's voice had completely changed. "I was too impulsive earlier. I reviewed your designs again—they're outstanding."
I froze. "What?"
"In fact, not only do I want to proceed with the collection," his tone was almost ingratiating, "I'd like to triple the order. Does that work for you?"
"I..." My mind went blank. "Mr. Calovino, ten minutes ago you said—"
"I was mistaken," he said quickly. "Entirely my error. Your designs are brilliant. We'll sign the addendum tomorrow—how does that sound?"
"Okay," I said mechanically.
After hanging up, I turned to Igor, who had just come back inside.
"What did you do to him?"
"Just made a call," he said casually.
"That's all?"
"That's all." A faint smile curved his lips. "I simply reminded the company's owner."
I stared at him for a long moment. "You threatened him?"
