Page 23 of Twisted Lies 4
6
Sinthia
After finally kickingJade out so I could start my workday, I finished checking my emails, following up with possible buyers and distributors. Normally, during the initial stages of my collection, the majority of my day would be consumed with design work, closing myself off for at least two weeks just to focus on drawing and sorting through everything. But this time, the design work had already come together, and I was starting on a gown Jade would wear for her upcoming gala. The premiere of my gown would have the fashion hags salivating for the release of my collection, and I couldn’t wait.
Sitting on the arm of my couch, I stared at the beginnings of the Sin Michaels collection, which were hanging on racks in parts of my four-thousand-square-foot townhouse. I exhaled a frustrated breath. I was going to have a busy day of working on toiles and cutting patterns.
My phone vibrated with a text from Cate.
We need to meet. I have design changes. Call me!
I stared at it with my fingers poised to text her back with two words—Fuck off.
I looked over at my sketchbook lying on the coffee table, and I stared at the wedding dress I’d designed for her.
She can kiss my ass.
I wasn’t going to change another damn thing.
My temper was on the verge of flaring. I had so much work to do and so little time to let her take me out of my element.
I considered calling Giselle, my talkative intern who helped me most of the time, but then I changed my mind. I was already in a pretty fucked-up mood, and I needed to work in solitude. Turning on some music, I danced over to my workstation, ready to rock through the day, when my cell rang. I stared at the number I didn’t recognize. Must be a new client, referred to me by Cisco.
“Sin Michaels,” I chirped into the phone.
“Hello, Ms. Michaels. This is Ram Steele. I’m sorry we couldn’t meet last night.” His voice was smooth and easy.
I fumbled the phone. “Hold on.” I ran over to my tablet and turned off the music. “Hello, Mr. Steele. I’m happy you called.” I walked back over to my workstation while wiping my now sweaty palm against my jeans. “I wanted to talk to you. I’m not sure what your concerns are, but I assure you Sin Michaels Corporation is doing just fine—well, more than fine.” I cleared my throat. “Did you see today’s newspaper? I had a whole article giving kudos to my upcoming line.”
“Yes, we did,” he stated coolly. “But we have some major concerns that will delay us in giving you the additional money you requested.”
Fuck. My. Life.
My heart clenched. Without that money, I would be screwed. I’d ordered expensive custom prints from a factory in Asia. One delayed payment could mean the fabric wouldn’t arrive in time, halting my whole collection.
My stomach churned.
“What concerns?” I croaked.
“Business concerns that should be discussed in person,” he stated calmly.
My fingers tightened around the workstation’s edge. “Mr. Steele, can I be blunt?” I tried to calm down, but the more I thought about the impact of his devastating announcement, the more pissed I grew.
“Please do.”
“This is bullshit.” I paced back and forth. “You gave me two million dollars, and per our agreement, you committed to giving me another million within six months.”
“Ms. Michaels, did you actually read the agreement?” He paused. “Because if you did, you would know it contains a clause that entitles us not only to request our two million dollars back, with interest, but also to break the contract altogether.”
I nearly swallowed my tongue.
Oh, hell no!
“Are you fucking kidding me? What in the world would make you want to do some dumb shit like that? We had a deal.” There was no way that I was going to give up without fighting for my dream. I needed this damn money.
“I do respect your candor, Ms. Michaels.” His voice was low and even, almost kind. “But that doesn’t change the fact that we need to discuss our concerns in person. We’ll meet today at three. Please take down this address.”
I scribbled his directions with shaky fingers. “I’ll be there at three sharp.”
