Page 47 of The Jaded Notes

Trent and I are sitting at a table with three other fashion mentees in one of Crowne Ventures International’s conference rooms in Paris.

I glance over at him with my heart racing. “Are you sure Jaxon is going to be here?”

“That’s what I heard.” Trent reaches under the table and squeezes my knee. “You have to quit beating yourself up over what happened with him at your interview. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Right. That’s why he left me hanging and walked me home in silence.”

I cringe inside, knowing that once again I’ve made a fool of myself. “And let’s not forget how three days later we were told plans had changed and some of the alumni were going tobe mentoring us because hehadto attend to business in the States.”

Just as I finish my sentence, the door to the conference room opens. Jaxon strides in wearing a navy-blue Brioni suit, a crisp white button-down, and a brown leather belt and shoes.

The air gets sucked out of the room with his commanding presence. He’s the epitome of a powerful billionaire.

He dips his head at me as he passes. I wave with my fingers and roll my eyes at myself. But that fades when I catch a whiff of his cologne. My stomach twists, and I want him in seconds.

Why can’t I shake the effect he has on me?

He continues to the head of the table and takes a seat. “Good afternoon. I’ve heard you’ve all made great strides since I’ve been gone. Congratulations. For the rest of the afternoon, I’m going to have each one of you present what you’ve done, what you’re doing now, and where you see your business in the next six months.”

My eyes round and my head snaps to Trent. His expression is as terrified as I’m sure mine is. Presenting to the group is one thing.

Giving Jaxon a total rundown without time for preparation is like being blindfolded and thrown naked into a freezing-cold lake. It’s shocking beyond belief.

I keep my gaze on Trent and pray someone offers to go first. The room remains quiet for a few beats, then Jaxon calls on one of the other mentees. I relax for a moment, but my mind is racing and my pulse is through the roof.

The one thing Jaxon will want to know is if I’ve confronted my parents. I haven’t even mentioned my business to them when I’ve talked to them. If the issue arises, I say things are great and change the subject.

Just thinking about it has me scratching at my wrists, which are already cut and scabbed from me digging at them.

I thought I could be strong and speak to my parents aboutLehlani Rose, but the second I walked out of that strange room that’s hidden away at the top of this building, I lost all my bravery.

Once every mentee but me has presented, Jaxon calls on me. “Livianna, the spotlight’s on you.”

“I figured.” I flip my sketchbook open to my new designs and stand. “The first three months, I focused on building a new team, including an assistant to help with customer service. My new chief marketing officer and manufacturer are working out beautifully.”

“That must be reflected in your bottom line.” He gestures to my computer.

“Yes, my numbers are up by thirteen percent this quarter.” I show the group the sketches I’ve been working on. “My orders increase daily. I’m still doing well by sending out new dresses and suits to influencers and actors I know?—”

“Why is the monogram on the pieces an LG?” Jaxon leans forward and rests his folded arms on the table.

I blink a few times and want to take my fingernails to my skin. I bring in a deep, calming breath.

Do not have a panic attack right now, Livianna.

I wrap my palms around my wrists to divert my urge to cut. “The LG is a…um…it’s a placeholder for my new brand design, LR.”

Jaxon remains stone-faced, but his gaze drops to my hands. I’m pretty sure the transparent bandages aren’t detectable underneath my fingers, but I can’t be sure unless I glance down to check.

He tilts his head and studies me for a second. “You said you’re working with a new manufacturer. Are you sending those items to customers directly once you receive the orders?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What’s the brand name on the clothes you’re advertising and selling?”

Better just own up to it before he calls me out in front of everyone. “Livianna Grace Designs.”

“I see.” He reclines and runs his hand over his trimmed beard. He sweeps his gaze over the group. “You’ve all made excellent progress. I’m excited to see where the next six months take you. You can adjourn for the day.”