Page 4 of Guilty Pleasures

Silas clasps his hands and rests them on the table. “There’s nothing wrong with letting me help you. I won’t pretend I’m being altruistic, but it’s not as if this arrangement wouldn’t benefit you. Fifth Avenue is far better suited for your business venture.”

I place my hands on the table and mimic his posture. “Again, I thank you for such a thoughtful proposition. But you’d be far more helpful if you stop interfering with my supply line, following me around like a stalker, and refrain from sending any more city officials to harass my business with false complaints.”

Silas’s smile vanishes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re trying to blame your poor business planning on someone else.”

My jaw drops, and my heart stings with disappointment. I’m unsure why I’m surprised by his narcissism, but I can’t believe Silas is insulting my business acumen to hide his deception. “Are you seriously gaslighting me? Don’t bother denying it again. But please show me enough respect to quit harassing me with your constant presence.” As I slide out of the bench and toss two twenties on the table, whatever secret attraction I’ve harbored these past few days quickly disappears.

“Harper.” Silas sighs as he reaches out to grasp my arm, but I dodge his attempt and stride out of the diner.

Maybe Zoe’s right. It might be time to call my mommy.

CHAPTER 4

SILAS

Itap my foot impatiently, the rhythmic thud echoing softly against Cyrus Williams’s lobby’s sleek marble floor. He’s always been a bit of a show-off and has gotten worse as his star has risen. The modern furnishings, all sharp lines and muted grays, look like a hundred other offices on Park Avenue, but the priceless paintings lining the walls ensure everyone knows he’s made it big.

I lift my wrist to check the time and scan the crowded room, silently cursing myself for arriving early. I hate waiting—rarely anyone doesn’t see me the moment I arrive. Like me, Cyrus is a busy man, and I’m genuinely grateful he managed to fit me into his packed schedule on such short notice. When I discovered that a recent acquisition made him the owner of Harper’s lease, I knew I could count on our long-standing history to sway him to my side. We share a past of mutual favors and debts.He owes me.

The receptionist’s crisp and professional voice slices through my scattered thoughts. “Mr. Williams will see you now, Mr. Fraser,” she announces, waving her hand toward a door to her right.

I stride toward the corner office and put on a charming smile. There’s no need to share my agitation right off the bat.

Cyrus Williams rises from his imposing desk and extends his hand. “Silas, always a pleasure. What brings you by today?”

I shake his hand firmly. “Cyrus, thanks for seeing me on such short notice. I have a… delicate matter to discuss.”

Cyrus gestures toward the plush leather chairs in front of his desk, inviting me to sit.

As we both settle into the comfortable seats, I notice the curiosity flickering in his eyes, tempered with a subtle hint of wariness. I can’t blame him. I would be suspicious of my sudden visit as well.

“I’ll cut right to the chase, Cyrus,” I say, my voice sharp and direct. My gaze remains steady as I continue, “I’d like to discuss one of your properties—specifically, the lease on Park Avenue. The little pink monstrosity will open in a few days.” I pause, frustration simmering beneath my composed exterior. “If I had known it was up for grabs, I would have snatched it up in a heartbeat, but unfortunately, someone beat me to it.”

Cyrus’s thick eyebrows arch upward, curiosity playing across his face. “Ah yes, In the Pink,” he muses. “It’s been gaining quite a bit of buzz the last few months.” His eyes glint with interest as he adds, “I only acquired that property last year. Why didn’t you grab it when it was under the previous ownership? I was under the impression that you and Max Evers got along well.” He leans back slightly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as if recalling an inside joke.

I choose my words carefully. “You assumed incorrectly. Max absolutely despises me,” I remark with a wry chuckle. “The man was an unabashed chauvinist who treated my assistant with disrespect, barking orders as though he’d just emerged from another time. His bullshit attitude was infuriating, and after correcting him on multiple occasions, he stopped returning my phone calls.”

“So, what do you want to know about the lease?” Cyrus leans forward on his desk and gives me his undivided attention.

“I was hoping you might examine the agreement in detail. Perhaps some loopholes could lead to its early termination.”

Cyrus’s eyes narrow slightly, and a spark of curiosity appears as he studies me with intense focus. “And why, may I ask, are you interested in closing down this business?” His voice a measured blend of intrigue and challenge. “Ms. Brooks has put significant effort and money into revitalizing the property. Besides, everyone loves her. She’s a sweetheart, genuinely kindhearted, and absolutely harmless.”

I maintain a calm and composed demeanor, my face giving nothing away. “I’ve yet to see that side of her, but let’s just say it’s a personal matter. I’d appreciate your discretion in this. You won’t lose money. I’ll take over the lease and offer a two percent increase in rent for the first year.”

Cyrus nods slowly, a calculating look in his eyes. “Two percent? You can do better than that. It hardly seems worth the trouble.”

“You owe me multiple favors, Cyrus.” I keep my voice steely and unwavering, even as frustration creeps in. “I’ll cover whatever legal fees you incur, and two percent is more than generous. Let’s not pretend you’re not already overcharging on rent,” I continue, my teeth clenched in barely contained annoyance.

Cyrus seems reluctant but willing. “Well, I’ll have my legal team look into it discreetly. No promises, of course,” he replies, attempting a casual tone. His lack of confidence is evident, yet I choose to extend a measure of trust, hoping he’ll follow through.

As I stride out of his dimly lit office, the weight of guilt brushes against my conscience. An internal battle ensues, but I quickly shove it aside. Despite my feelings for that brat, this is business. After all, emotion has no place here.

CHAPTER 5

HARPER

Iburst into Silas’s office, my blood boiling with anger, every step echoing my fury across the room. He’s lounging back in his chair, phone pressed to his ear, speaking in that silky, self-assured tone that never fails to irritate me. Without hesitation, I stride forward and slam my palm onto his polished mahogany desk, the sound reverberating around us.

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