I shook my head.“You can’t duplicate downtown.It’s a collection of buildings, not a single structure.But we can reinterpret it.Brand this as ‘Little Downtown,’ or maybe ‘Old Town’—something that hints at downtown’s heritage without pretending to be it.
“If they’re targeting high-end food and fashion, the central corridors could be finished with brick-and-mortar façades with turn-of-the-century charm.Or they could go sleek steel for a modern edge.Whatever direction they take, cohesion in this main area will bring the vision to life.It’ll feel like a curated neighborhood instead of just another cold retail building.”
“Agreed,” he said.“Shall we continue to the residential units?”
The apartments above varied in size, and I didn’t see any issues with them.We finished the tour just after our usual lunch hour, and I followed him back to the car as my stomach protested loudly.
“What are you hungry for?”he asked as Harlow opened the door for us.
“Anything.I’m too hungry to think rationally.”
Harlow chuckled, closed the door, and walked around the car.
“There’s a pizza place downtown that we could?—”
“If we’re going back to the building, I can just grab something from the cafe on the way to my desk.”
“It’s Friday, Sophia.Let me take you out for a late lunch somewhere nice.We can catch a matinee, walk along the river, then grab dinner.After, we can stop at your uncle’s place for some drinks.”
I was already shaking my head.
“We’re not taking a half day to go on a date.If there’s nothing else you need to do, fine.Take some time off.It sounded like your mom is worried you're overworking.But I already took half a day this week.I’m going back to the office.”
He flashed me an annoyed look, and I raised a brow at him.After letting out a long breath, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
I met Harlow’s humor-filled gaze in the mirror.He winked at me and headed for the office.
When we arrived, Harlow didn’t open my door but walked around to Konni’s side.Konni got out and waited for me.It felt like everyone watched us on our way to the elevator, which I found odd.
It wasn’t until I was on the elevator that I realized I was still wearing athletic shoes with dress pants.Internally cringing, I looked up at Konni.
“My shoes are in the trunk.”
“I’ll ensure they’re returned to you tonight.”He kept his gaze straight ahead at the doors this time.
I frowned a little and faced forward.And it was a good thing too.
Lianna stood just outside the elevator doors as they opened.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
“I’m sorry,”Lianna said before Konni could speak.“You’re right.I overstepped, and I shouldn’t have.I joined Steele because I believed in your vision then and still do now.Forgive me?”
Every word rang with humility and sincerity, which was awkward to witness as I stepped off the elevator behind Konni.
“Let’s forget it and move on,” he said.“I’ve made my share of mistakes today as well.”
I knew he was talking about me earlier today, but in reality, he hadn’t made the mistakes.I had.
Lianna’s gaze flicked my direction, and I saw a hint of suspicious curiosity there.
“Get the marketing department leads together,” Konni said to her.“I want a meeting in ten minutes.Everyone needs to be there.No exceptions.”
“Were there problems like I thought?”she asked.
“Some.”
She looked at me again as if searching for answers as he started for his office.I shrugged behind his back and hurried after him.
