Page 94 of The Silver Fox Brother

"Coastal doesn't mean beach house. It means light, airy, bringing the outside in. This building sits between two rivers. That water proximity should inform the design without being literal about it."

I consider that. She's right, though I'm not ready to concede the point entirely.

"What about the three-bedroom?"

"More traditional. Rich woods, deeper colors, layered textures. That unit has the southern exposure, so we can go darker without losing light. I'm thinking library-inspired for the den, something that feels collected and thoughtful rather than decorator-perfect."

"And the penthouse?"

Her expression shifts slightly. More focused, more intense.

"The penthouse is the statement piece. That's where we push boundaries. I need to see it first before I commit to a direction, but I'm thinking something unexpected. Not traditional luxury, not modern minimal. Something that makes people stop and say they've never seen anything like it."

I find myself intrigued despite my usual skepticism about designer vision statements.

"That's ambitious."

"You hired me to deliver something exceptional, not safe."

"I did."

We stand there for a moment, the unfinished space around us filled with potential. Winter's team is still working throughout the unit—I can hear Maya calling out measurements, James discussing something with Claudia in the other room.

"How long do you need here today?" I ask.

Winter glances at her watch.

"Another hour, maybe ninety minutes. We need to document all three units, and I want to see the penthouse level."

"Tom can take you up. The construction elevator is running."

"Good."

I should leave. Let her work without hovering. But I find myself asking,

"What's the biggest challenge you see with this project?"

Winter doesn't answer immediately. She walks back to the window, looking out at the city. Then she turns to face me.

"The biggest challenge is going to be balancing what you want with what will actually sell. You have a vision for what this building should be. I respect that. But my job is to create spaces that make buyers fall in love enough to write eight-figure checks. Those two things don't always align perfectly."

"And when they don't?"

"Then we have a conversation about it. I'll present my case, you'll present yours, and we'll figure out the right answer."

"You think you can change my mind?"

Winter's mouth curves slightly.

"I think I can make a compelling argument when I need to."

"I don't doubt it."

The words come out with more edge than I intended. Not hostile, just... aware.

Winter holds my gaze for a beat longer than necessary before turning back to her team.

Tom appears in the doorway.