s whispering against the asphalt of Havenport's main thoroughfare. Thr

son muttered, leaning back

even asked, a smirk

nty minutes. But she just waved and told me she had an app for that." Harrison sighed, rubbing his temples. "Steven, do you realize I lose my composure every

id. "You're getting carried away because for the first t

as indifferent but with Caroline, he felt a

me you feel the need to show off, remember to clarify that

" Steven laughed. "It's hard being

to lean on when we eventually part ways. A sort of... severance package. But honestly? I want t

even teased. "Always looking fo

ng toward a two-story shophouse on the edge of the arts district. The sign

oming in ragged gasps. "I can't believe

display cases. He was an English Literature major with a penchant for overnight gaming marath

oot a sharp kick. "The client will be h

yes. "Look around. We've been possessed by t

inimalist Front" was a wash of white and light wood, designed by Caroline's siblings, Jake and Jane, as a "pity gift" to keep the business from

raps, beads, and hot glue, was organized with terrifying precision. The meeting room, with

is?" Caroli

led out. Dea and Lily

munity, a network of low-income mothers who performed the delicate, hand-assembly work for the cards. Lily, on the other hand, was the marke

g her laptop. "I've prepared the deck. I'm not sure about the pr

a added. "If this order is as big as you say, we're going

like he'd just run a marathon. "Sorry! My professor mad

y asked, not lookin

s,

ain," she snapped

tied together by paper and glue. Daniel returned from the down

This client isn't like the others. He's... intense. He's 'Sk

y perked up. "Is

ofessional," C

eet seemed to go quiet. He was wearing a casual linen shirt and dark trousers, but even with

inning. "Nice place. Ha

automatic greeting sensor, a gadget G

ted Hearts," the

floor, his brow furrowing. "It's

at

too warm, and the focal points are scattered

They want 'authentic,' not 'corporate

e stairs, her ponytail bobbing. "P

wooden staircase. At the base of t

e," Caroline said. "We use puzzle m

off, feeling incredibly vulnerable in just his socks. He followed her onto the second floor, where the flo

, pl

find a comfortable position on the floor. Steven, ever th

handles production and the BISA community. Lily is marketing. Gus is

s voice regaining its CEO authority.

ced at Caroline, who was staring at him with a murdero

ight with pain. "And this is Steven. He

ousand invitations. Eight weeks. Custom 3D pop-up elements. A budget that was

Daniel said, leaning back. "But why the rush? Are

ooking like she wanted

ine is non-negotiable. I am sure you are aware of your own limitations, b

team can handle this? Because once we sign, a Marcus contract is a blood

ed in the contract and more interested in the way the sunlight hit Harrison's ja

Carolin

SVP integration. I'll just ne

ea

hers from the neighboring districts, we can scale. The Social Welfare Agency wi

uilt with nothing but passion and scraps of paper. Then she looke

e," Caro

ed down at the team, his expression unreada

curious, though. Why are two guys handling the wedding invitations? Usually, the bride is the

with expressions of pure horror. Harrison's face turned a brilliant,

ison stammered, his usual eloquence deserting him.

d trying to stifle a laugh. Caroline escorted them down to the car,

ing at Caroline for a long moment. "Yo

aroline countered. "He asks the

l the invitations are printed." Harrison climbed into