Scarlett's POV

I leaned back in the leather chair, eyeing my brother through narrowed lids. "You want me to do what now dear brother?"

Edward, ever the picture of corporate composure, laced his fingers together on the mahogany desk separating us."I need you to talk with the CEO of Blackwood Corporation. We have significant business interests that could align with theirs."

I snorted, arms crossed. "Since when did we start chasing after Blackwoods? Last I heard, we were steering clear of that bunch."

"Let's just say they'd make a valuable addition to our company."

"We're not going broke, are we? Not that I mind, since I'm not the one going broke, but still."

"No, we're not. It's just that our rival companies are pursuing Blackwoods. I believe it's worth a shot to convince them to sign with us."

"And where exactly is this CEO?"

I raised a brow as he hesitated, clearing his throat as if contemplating whether to share more. 

"He's in Hicksville. I heard he's staying there."

My eyes widened in disbelief, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "Hicksville? Are you serious right now? You want me to go to the countryside?"

He nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well, Scarlett, it's not like we're asking you to relocate permanently. It's just for this one meeting. Consider it a change of scenery."

An exasperated sigh escaped me. "Change of scenery? Are you kidding me, Eddie?"

"It's not like you'll be there forever. Just long enough to meet with Mr. Blackwood and present a convincing pitch."

"A convincing pitch in the middle of nowhere?" I exclaimed.

"You're there to discuss business."

"And what about accommodations? Are there even hotels in Hicksville?"

Edward retrieved a folder and handed it to me. "I've taken care of everything. There's a modest motel where you can stay. It may not be luxurious, but it's the best option in town."

As I flipped through the folder, scanning the details, I absentmindedly pushed a loose strand of my blonde hair behind my ear, contemplating Edward's request. My gaze wandered around his office, appreciating its sleek design and modern aesthetic. The room was filled with expensive-looking furniture and fancy art pieces. It felt like a high-end magazine had decided to manifest itself in the room, and I couldn't help but appreciate it, aside from one minor detail.

Simultaneously, my eyes roamed, landing on a cliché motivational poster plastered on the wall. "Success is a journey, not a destination," it declared in bold, capital letters. I couldn't help but snort internally. Really, Ed? Is this the best you could come up with?

He raised a brow, "What's with that expression?"

"I'm just contemplating when you'll ditch that googled-sounding motto."

His eyes narrowed at me, "Not anytime soon. I need your answer, not your opinion on my motivational quote."

"Are you even motivated by it—"

"Scarlett!" he exclaimed in frustration, making me roll my eyes.

Rolling my eyes dramatically, I held up my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, Mr. Grumpy Gills. You're getting a little too worked up over here. You're, what, 34 already? Relax a little."

A sly grin tugged at the corner of Edward's mouth. "And you're 30, hardly a picture of serenity yourself."

I glared at him, "I am 29"

"That's basically 30"

"No, it's not"

"Yes you are" he teased, his grin widening.

Knowing full well he wouldn't back down, I let out a theatrical sigh. "Ugh, fine. You win. I'll do it. But consider this a major favor, Eddie. And by major, I mean a shopping spree in Paris."

He nodded, a fleeting smirk appearing on Edward's face. "Deal. Just be careful, Scarlett. Blackwood may be more than you bargained for."

"Well, if you're so worried, why give the task to me in the first place?" I countered. With a dramatic eye-roll and a swish of my La DoubleJ floral-print mini dress, I rose from the chair and picked up my Prada Galleria Bag, adjusting the Harry Winston diamonds sparkling in my ears, I couldn't help but add, "Besides, how much trouble can one CEO be? Honestly, Edward, I'm more likely to be the trouble than some stuffy businessman.". 

Turning on my heel, I strutted out of Edward's office. As I sauntered through the office, the confident click of my Christian Louboutin Supramariza Platform Sandals heels echoed on the polished floor.

I waved to Edward's assistant–Betty when I passed her cubicle, "Bye, Betty—wait"

I did a double take when I noticed Betty adorned with a different brooch than the one I had given her last Christmas – a Chanel Camellia Diamond Brooch. Handpicked with care, I thought it perfectly matched her style. However, today, she wore a Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Flower Brooch, catching me off guard. My eyebrows shot up in surprise at the unexpected choice.

"Betty, did you change your brooch?" 

Betty blushed, her eyes twinkling. "Yes, Ms. Scarlett. This is a gift from Sir Edward."

"So, what does Ed say the brooch is worth?" I asked, unable to resist the urge to tease.

Betty's expression turned thoughtful as she considered my question. "Hmm, he just said a couple of hundred dollars?"

Suppressing a grin, I nodded, well aware that the actual price tag of the Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Flower Brooch was significantly higher than what Betty assumed.

"Well, it's certainly a lovely piece," I remarked with a knowing smile. "Eddie boy is stepping up his game! Well, well, someone's trying to impress. Seems like my big brother has a soft spot for you."

"He's a thoughtful boss," she shyly replied.

I winked at her. "You two make quite the pair. But don't tell him I said that. I'll see you later, Betty!"

"Take care, Ms. Scarlett," she smiled, waving back.

I liked her. Betty was a kind woman, and though our fashion sense clashed with her somewhat outdated clothes, her beauty, both inside and out, shone through. I didn't mind her being my sister-in-law.

Snatching my phone from my bag, I dialed my assistant and best friend, Lisa.

"Lisa, how's everything going with the fabric update?"

I heard her sigh on the other line, making me instantly frown.

"Hi S! I wish I had better news, but the fabrics haven't arrived yet. I've been checking the shipment status regularly, but it seems there might be a slight delay."

I sighed in dismay, "Oh, really? I was hoping to get started on those new designs by the end of the week. Any idea when we can expect them?"

"I've been in touch with the supplier, and they mentioned there was an unexpected delay due to some logistical issues. They assured me they're working on it and will expedite the process."

"Logistics? Ugh, that's the last thing I need right now. We have orders pending, and I promised our clients a sneak peek at the new collection," I mused, pausing for a moment. "Well, if the fabrics are delayed, maybe it's a sign. Give me some time to handle the other pressing matters."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Expect an email from Betty today. I'm sure she will send the information about the CEO of Blackwood Corporation. I was tasked to convince him to be our investor."

"Really? I hope he's an old man who was very much in love with his wife," she chuckled.

I raised a brow, sometimes contemplating firing her, though kidding aside. I'd be so stressed if this woman left me. She's my forever, my rock, my soulmate.

"I'm thankful you found that funny, L," I replied sarcastically, walking out of the private elevator.

"Well, all the young men you are advised to pitch in for, either fall in love with you, flirt with you, or try to get under your pants."

"Oh, please—"

"Hi, Ma'am, you're so pretty!" the woman in the hallway said, waving at me.

I smiled at them and focused straight ahead. Sometimes, I didn't want to smile or notice them, but my conscience wouldn't let me. I just wanted to show I appreciated their admiration of me, even just smiling back.

"Going back to what I was saying, they fell in love with my looks, body, and money, Lisa. And you know I don't do stuff like that with clients."

"I know. I just want this client to not bother you after your meeting with him like the others. I can still remember how anxious their persistent calls made you."

I chuckled, "Oh, my sweet L. You know I love you, right?"

"Yup."

"Anyways, reschedule the meeting with Morrison. Might as well put it last. I've heard whispers about him giving the special issue to my cousin even though he promised that to us."

Lisa gasped, "Oh my God? Really? But we already talked to him."

I shrugged, "That's who he is. F*cking gullible and very unprofessional. We don't need those kinds of men associated with our designs. We dodged a bullet."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Positive. We've got a unique story, and our designs speak for themselves. Plus, I've been working on something."

"Alright"

I ended the call and made my way to the parking lot. Sliding into my Bentley Continental GT in a Rich Chestnut Brown color, I revved the engine. The engine purred to life as I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel. Connecting my phone to the car's sound system, I scrolled through my playlist, a grin spreading across my face.

I cued up "Little Too Late" by JoJo and started singing along as I drove through the empty city streets.

"You know it's just a little too late, a little too wrong, and I can't wait...… ♪"

The song continued, and I cruised down the road, relishing the freedom and music that equaled heaven.