It didn’t take years of being around wealth to recognize it. Paige immediately knew that the building Graham’s son lived in was one of the most expensive in the city. Not just because it had a doorman and a concierge at the front desk.
It also wasn’t because deep espresso-stained wood paneling lined the walls, polished to a soft sheen. Or the marble inlays that patterned the floor with dark veining running through creamy stone, elegant without showing off. Also not because of the modern sconces that cast pools of warm light every few feet, illuminating framed black-and-white photos of the city skyline.
If money had a smell, it might be the light, lemon oil of wood polish and the fresh greenery of the topiaries flanking the doors with subtle, deliberate luxury.
But that still wasn’t it. The reason the place spoke of wealth was because of the stillness that transcended the quiet jazz played over hidden speakers. It was as if everyone who worked and lived here had decided that once you came through the front doors, the outside world ceased to exist.
Peter would have loved this place. For all she knew, he owned an apartment here. Wouldn’t have surprised her.
A soft chime accompanied the elevator doors opening. She and Graham stepped on and he pressed the button for Andrew’s floor.
“Nice place,” Paige said.
He nodded. “Nicer than he could afford but one of his clients built this, some investor from Dubai, and he gave Andrew a chance to get in early. Very early. Andrew put money down when all of this was nothing but a roll of blueprints. It’s got to be worth three times that now.”
“Good for him.”
“I’ll say.”
The ride up was smooth and unsurprisingly quiet. She’d have been shocked otherwise. It didn’t seem like any expense had been spared. The quiet jazz still played in the background.
Graham stood beside her, shoulders squared, a bouquet of fresh flowers in one hand. They’d already checked into their hotel. Separate rooms. She’d made that clear when they were setting up their flights. This was moving faster than she’d imagined, so for now, she was going to control at least part of it.
Graham hadn’t minded one bit, nor had she expected him to. He was the iconic English gentleman in all areas.
He looked confident, except for the way his one brow twitched.
“You have a tell,” she said softly. “You’re nervous.”
“I am. Aren’t you?”
“Absolutely. I want them to like me.”
“Of that, I have no concern.” He gave her a wink as the doors opened.
As they stepped out, Paige’s breath caught. The hallway was as luxurious as the lobby, with the same wood panels and inlaid marble floors. A runner of rich burgundy and gold carpet led in either direction, a single door at each end.
Graham glanced at her. “It’s a lot, I know.”
“No, it’s beautiful. Very impressive. I guess corporate law is the specialty to be in,” Paige said, remembering.
He chuckled quietly, but there was a flicker of something protective in his eyes. Maybe he was worried about impressions. Or expectations.
He gestured to the left and they walked to the door. He knocked once.
The door opened almost immediately, and Andrew stood there, tall, sharply dressed even in casual clothes. He wore the exact same shape of a smile as his father, which told her both of them were trying to hide nerves.
“Dad.” His smile morphed into something more genuine.
“Son.” Graham let out a breath. They embraced, a quick but powerful hug that spoke volumes. So much for the stiff upper lip and all that.
“And you must be Paige,” Andrew said as he released his father and extended a hand, his accent less pronounced than his fathers, but still evident. “It’s lovely to meet you. We’re really happy you both came.”
Paige shook his hand, relieved by his sincerity. “Thank you for inviting me. And congratulations. This is such a special time.”
“Speaking of special,” Andrew said, stepping aside. “Come in and meet Nicole.”
The apartment’s interior was wide and bright. Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the gleaming city skyline. Modern art hung on the walls. A polished cello case leaned carefully near a music stand, an elegant bow resting beside marked sheet music.
