“And it’s only started,” she said just as quietly.
A second later, someone cleared his throat behind us.I turned to see Pennly with another woman.
“Ms.Elmantas, it’s good to see you here.This is my wife, Zoe.”
We shook hands, and she praised me for the high-end design I provided for their resort.
“Do you provide designs for private residences too?”
“Steele Corp is open to both business and residential construction projects.”
“Not Steele Corp but you, and just for a redecoration.You have an eye for detail that I think would make our home feel brand new again.”
“I’m sorry.I’m unable to take on clients privately due to the non-compete agreement I signed with Steele Corp.”
Her expression fell, but she didn’t get mad.“I understand.If I want to work with you specifically through Steele Corp, can that be arranged?”
“Anything can be arranged with Ms.Elmantas for the right price.Isn’t that right, Ms.Elmantas?”
Without losing my polite, professional smile, I glanced at Lianna, who’d quietly joined us.
“My skillset for elevating existing designs from basic to high-end does have a hefty price tag.Thankfully, Mr.Steele recently cut overpaid, underperforming talent so he can focus on investing in that skillset.”I focused on Zoe, who, unlike her husband, was completely unaware of the turn our conversation had briefly taken.“Steele Corp tries to honor all requests that align with our mission of excellence and building community.There’s no harm in submitting your request.”
Pennly thanked me and quickly guided his wife away.
“That’s a beautiful gown, Sophia.Couture?”Lianna asked.
“Isn’t she stunning in it?”Mom said with a polite smile.“Although, Sophia looks good in anything.Even a pond.”Mom’s smile widened.“Mr.Steele thought so too.It was sweet the way he had a towel waiting for her when she returned.It was like a matchmaking fairy had kicked her right into that pond.”
Lianna’s eyes glimmered dangerously.
“Ladies,” Konni said, joining us.“The wine you requested.”
Lianna’s gaze latched onto him.He ignored her as he passed us our glasses.
“Could I have a private word with you, Drake?”she asked.
“Drake promised his father he wouldn’t leave my side tonight,” Kaya said.
I was hoping to see Lianna’s eye twitch at the smooth deflection, but it didn’t.
“Are you free for lunch tomorrow?”she asked him instead.
“No.Why don’t you just say whatever it is you want to say, Lianna?I’d rather not waste my time.”
Her neck flushed, and she fisted her hands at her sides, but she didn’t leave.
“Fine.I regret resigning and want to come back to Steele Corp.”
“No.”
His abrupt refusal didn’t sit well with her.
“Why not?”
Heads turned our direction.
“Perhaps this is a discussion for tomorrow,” Kaya said, reaching out to soothingly pat Lianna’s arm.
