The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 25

25 The Mysterious Sinclair Commission

“Are you absolutely sure the call was legit?” I asked, pacing around my office while Cherry and Vera tracked me with their cyes.

“I checked,” Cherry nodded, her pink hair bobbing. “The number matches the official Sinclair Enterprises contact line. It’s legitimate, Hazel.”

Vera leaned against my desk, arms crossed. “You literally have no idea who the Sinclairs are, do you?”

I stopped pacing. “Should I?”

“They’re beyond elite,” she explained. “They don’t appear in magazines or attend public events. They own half the tech patents in the country and have their fingers in national defense

contracts.”

“And they want me to design a dress?” I frowned. “It doesn’t make sense.”

My phone rang again. I snatched it up nervously. “Hazel Shaw speaking.”

“Ms. Shaw, Walter Reed from the Sinclair Estate again,” came the polite voice. “I wanted to confirm tomorrow’s appointment and address any concerns you might have.”

I swallowed hard. “Actually, Mr. Reed, I was wondering why the Sinclairs selected me specifically. I’m not exactly a household name.”

There was a pause. “Mr. Sebastian Sinclair has followed your career with great interest. He believes your aesthetic would perfectly suit Mrs. Sinclair’s tastes.”

That answer raised more questions than it answered.

“I see. About the location-”

“The Sinclair Estate isn’t on public maps, Ms. Shaw. That’s why we insist on sending transportation. Security reasons, you understand.”

I definitely did not understand. Who needed that level of privacy?

“Of course,” I lied. “I’ll be ready at 10 AM tomorrow.”

After hanging up, I turned to find both women staring at me with wide eyes.

“Did he just say the estate isn’t on maps?” Cherry whispered.

Vera’s expression had shifted from excitement to concern. “Hazel, maybe this is…”

“A trap?” I finished her sentence. “What would they want with me?”

“Not a trap, Vera backtracked quickly. “But unusual. The Sinclairs are notoriously private. No

16:28

25 The Mysterious Sinclair Commission

one gets invited to their estate.”

Cherry bit her lip. “Maybe they saw the hospital video and are Team Hazel?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Yes, I’m sure billionaire defense contractors spend their time following socialite drama.”

“You never know,” Cherry shrugged. “Rich people are weird.”

I sank into my chair, suddenly exhausted. “Should I turn it down? It feels like stepping into the unknown.”

Vera’s face softened. “Hazel, what’s the worst that could happen? You’re already the ‘fallen socialite‘ and ‘deposed wife‘ according to tabloids. This could change everything for your brand.”

She was right. I had nothing left to lose.

“Fine,” I nodded firmly. “I’ll go. But if I disappear tomorrow, you know who to blame.”

Cherry giggled nervously. “I’ll call the police if you don’t text by noon.”

“Make it 11,” I corrected with a half–smile.

The next morning, my phone rang precisely at 9:45 AM.

“Ms. Shaw? Your transportation has arrived.”

I peered through the blinds of my apartment. Parked outside was a sleek, black car that looked more like a presidential vehicle than a taxi.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify