Page 49 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“Could we make it eleven to give me enough time in the morning to draft an event brief.”

“I don’t expect you to do that.”

“I know, but it’ll make it easier for you to envision, and then tell me what you like and don’t like.”

“Makes sense. See you at eleven. I’ll text you the address, and we can meet there.” A thought rushes to me. “Do you have pictures of the gallery?”

He chuckles lightly. “Plenty.”

“Send me those when you have a second.” I share my work email with him.

“Thanks, Jemima. I’m sorry to throw this on you so suddenly.”

“No problem,” I reply, ignoring the way my heart races at how much I actually need this. “I’m happy to help.”

I don’t mention how big this opportunity is for me. After hanging up, I wander over to Harvey’s office. Ignoring the buzz in my body as I take in his focused expression, I raise my hand to knock, but he notices me before I can.

“Hey,” he says, sounding as tired as I feel.

“Hey. Have you heard from your brother Oliver today?”

His eyebrows knit together, and he grabs his phone to check. “No. Why?”

“He just called. He fired his event planner and needs help with his gallery party.”

His face softens. “That’s good. When’s the event?”

“Here’s the problem… It's Saturday.”

His eyes bulge slightly. “This Saturday?”

I nod. “I scheduled a meeting with him tomorrow to present a design.”

“Can I come?”

Do I tell him I assumed he would? But that feels like I’m letting him too deeply into my business, and I need him to understand it’s mine.

I need to seem unfazed. “Yes, if you want.” I shrug. “It’s at eleven.”

“What do you need me to do?”

I hesitate, a bit lost. I’m not used to receiving help. Molly would, but she’s got a lot of work on her plate, and I want her to focus on running the office and keeping it organized. My goal since we started this new plan with Harvey is to keep on top of paperwork, invoices, and finances.

“Could you compile a list of potential suppliers so we can start calling them in the morning?”

His lip quirks, an annoyingly sexy yet adorable grin, as if he knows delegating is hard for me, but he’s glad I did. This still doesn’t mean I trust him.

“I’m going to get started on the design concept. When I have notes typed up, I’ll email them to you.”

As I return to my office, I’m feeling a welcome sense of familiarity. With a new motivation, I leave my messy office as it is for now. I can focus on organizing the finances after this event is sorted out.

I spend the next few hours working on the concept. I haven’t heard from Harvey, so I guess he’s as busy as I am. His dedication is alluring. I try not to read too much into it. My ex-husband was never a career-driven man. He was a warehouse auditor who showed up every day, but without enthusiasm. He always had something to complain about. It was draining to be around someone so negative. Now it makes sense why he got tangled up with drugs—he wanted quick money.

Rubbing my temples, I feel fatigue setting in and decide it’s time to go home. Harvey shouldn’t be working this late. It’s my company; he doesn’t need to do more than necessary.

So why is he?

I’m so tired I’m getting delirious. As I shut down my computer, the smell of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and spices hits me. Chinese food. Chad is having dinner with Jade and Pedro tonight, so I’ll probably end up eating toast. I’m about to clean my cups frommy desk and take them to the kitchen when Harvey appears, and my breath catches.

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