Page 167 of Most Eligible Billionaire CEO

She can read minds now?

Did she acquire another superpower?

“I didn’t say anything.” My tone is defensive.

“You didn’t have to.” She lifts a defiant chin. “Your x-ray vision was burning through my blouse.”

A Mexican standoff ensues.

“You’re sporting quite the tan, Ciara,” Bryce says. “How was Bali?”

Neither of us is willing to capitulate.

“Ladies, this is supposed to be a relaxing evening,” Bryce says.

My sister narrows her eyes at me.

I return the favor.

Bryce soldiers on. “I gather the hotel will open in time despite the difficulties you encountered, Ciara?”

Her focus shifts to him, and she flashes him a beaming smile.

Eye roll.

As we sip our drinks and enjoy our appetizers, my sister recounts her woos and woes from Indonesia.

The Bali project must’ve been a hot mess for her not to hook up with a man.

“You have a lighting problem,” Ciara says as the waiter drops our second round of drinks on the table.

“I do,” Bryce says. “And I hope I can convince you to take me on as a client. I have no doubt you have your fair share of clients, but I’m well connected. I can open doors for you.”

“Tempting proposition, Bryce, but I’m pretty maxed out. I’m booked solid for the next three months between my clients in New York and my client in Germany. Since we design most of our light fixtures before sending them off to Poland to get them produced—production in Italy is getting too expensive—we can’t move faster than we already are. Even when we source out already-produced fixtures, we focus on quality, design, uniqueness, and chicness. I’m only willing to work with you as a favor to my sister. I can’t take on new clients.”

They both lock eyes.

Uh, oh.

My sister and her frank talk.

She couldn’t have finessed that another way?

“You tell it like it is.”

“Always.”

“I like your style, Ciara.”

“Right, back at ya.”

“When can you drop by my office?”

“How about tomorrow?” So soon? “I got an eight-thirty a.m. cancellation from another client right before leaving my office to meet the two of you.”

“That works for me,” Bryce says. “What about breakfast first before we talk shop?”

“A man who feeds me before working me,” Ciara says. “I’m all in!”

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