“I finally realized I could build one myself.”
She hung up.
Her hands shook.
Tessa watched her.
Then began applauding.
Maggie laughed.
“Stop.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Tessa!”
Her friend bowed dramatically.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Margaret Bennett has officially become dangerous.”
Maggie sank into a chair.
Then laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks.
On the morning of the board review, Nicholas arrived at Sterling Tower shortly after seven.
Frances was already at her desk.
She handed him a folder.
“Good morning.”
“Morning.”
“You have a message.”
“From whom?”
“Your father.”
Nicholas opened the note.
It contained only a few lines.
The board will evaluate both alternatives today. I expect the same standards to apply to everyone.
Whatever happens, conduct yourself properly.
W. Sterling.
Nicholas smiled faintly.
His father had never been particularly good at encouragement.
But this was closer than usual.
Frances watched him.
“Are you nervous?”
“Yes.”
She looked surprised.
Nicholas glanced up.
“What?”
“I've worked for you six years. You've never admitted to being nervous about a board meeting.”
“First time for everything.”
Frances smiled.
“Miss Bennett arrived fifteen minutes ago.”
Nicholas looked toward the conference room.
“Is she ready?”
“She appears to be.”
A pause.
Then Frances added, “She looks magnificent.”
Nicholas closed his eyes.
“Frances.”
“What?”
“You're enjoying this.”
“Immensely.”
He laughed.
Then straightened his tie.
“Tell her I wish her luck.”
Frances nodded.
“Certainly.”
Nicholas hesitated.
“And Frances?”
“Yes?”
“Tell her I won't interfere.”
The older woman's expression softened.
“I think she already knows.”
Maggie stood alone in a small waiting room, studying her presentation notes.
She wore a tailored navy suit with a cream silk blouse, modest gold earrings, and black leather pumps.
Her hair was swept into a loose French twist, with several soft strands framing her face.
She had chosen the outfit carefully.
Not because she wished to impress Nicholas.
But because she wanted the men in the conference room to see a professional.
Not a girl with a sentimental attachment.
Not a woman rumored to be dating the company president.
An architecturally trained restoration designer who had prepared a viable commercial proposal.
Frances entered.
“Miss Bennett.”
Maggie looked up.