Page 87 of The Silver Fox Brother

"So what's the project?"

I glance down at the business card still in my hand.

"Eight to ten million dollars. Three model units for Sterling Tower, his luxury high-rise in Tribeca. Full interior design, custom everything, six-month timeline. It's the biggest project I've ever been offered, Kate. The kind of opportunity that could completely change the trajectory of my firm."

Kate's eyes widen even further.

"Eight to ten million? Winter, that's huge."

"I know."

"And yesterday you were hesitating because of Rowan," Kate says, her voice softer now.

"Yes," I admit.

"Yesterday, I was worried about how he would react. About the family drama it would cause. About all the complications that come with working for his brother when the two of them barely speak to each other."

Kate watches me carefully. "And today?"

I meet her eyes. "Today, Rowan doesn't get a vote in my career."

Kate's smile is slow and proud. "Then what's stopping you?"

"Nothing," I say, and the certainty in my voice surprises even me.

"Absolutely nothing."

Kate's smile widens into something genuine for the first time since I showed up on her doorstep in the middle of the night.

"Then I think you have your answer."

"I think I do."

Before I can say anything else, Kate's phone rings in her hand. She glances at the screen and grimaces.

"It's my client. I have to take this, but we're not done talking about Knox Sterling."

She stands and heads for the door, already answering the call with a professional greeting as she disappears down the hallway. I'm left alone in the small office, Knox's business card still in my hand.

I pull my phone toward me and unlock the screen, opening my contacts. I find his number, the one I input from his card yesterday, and tap to create a new message.

The cursor blinks on the empty screen.

What do I say?

I acceptfeels too abrupt, too casual for a decision this big.

I'd like to discuss the project furthersounds too tentative, like I'm still unsure.

I need to sound professional. Confident. Like the businesswoman I am, making a business decision without hesitation or second-guessing.

I type carefully:

Winter: Mr. Sterling, I've considered your offer for the Sterling Tower project. I'd like to accept the position. When can we meet to finalize contract terms? - Winter Hayes

I read it three times, making sure every word is exactly right. It's professional and clear, with no mention of the breakup or the complications or anything personal. Just business, exactly the way it should be.

My finger hovers over the send button.