The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 30

30 A Gentleman’s Token

The Sinclair mansion stretched out behind us as Sebastian walked me to my car. The garden path was immaculately maintained, lined with carefully shaped topiaries and seasonal blooms. My session had gone longer than

Bulut goed, and the golden afternoon light cast long shadows

across the manicured grounds.

I kept a professional distance from Sebastian, still mortified by my awkward measurement

mishap. The memory of my hand accidentally pressing against his abdomen made heat rise to

tightened around my portfolio as we walked in silence.

wy checks all over again.

My mortified by

***7 Jer

“I appreciate your time today, Mr. Sinclair,” I said, trying to sound composed. “I’ll have the preliminary designs ready for your mother’s review soon.”

“Sebastian,” he corrected, his deep voice soft but firm. “Remember?”

I nodded quickly, uncomfortable with the familiarity but unwilling to argue with a client of his stature. “Sebastian, then.”

We reached my car, and I fumbled in my purse for my keys, eager to escape the strange tension between us. As I searched, my fingers brushed against the folded handkerchief he had given me on that terrible day of my would–be wedding.

“Oh,” I said, pulling it out. The delicate embroidered “S.S.” in the corner caught the sunlight. “I’ve been meaning to return this to you.”

I held it out, perfectly laundered and pressed. “Thank you for your kindness that day. It meant more than you know.”

Sebastian looked at the handkerchief but made no move to take it. His expression remained unreadable, dark eyes studying my face.

“Keep it,” he said finally.

I blinked in surprise. “But it’s yours. And it looks quite expensive.”

“I have others.” He shrugged, his broad shoulders shifting beneath his tailored shirt. “Consider it a token of goodwill between us.”

My fingers closed around the soft fabric. “That’s… very generous of you.”

“Or throw it away if you prefer,” he added, his tone casual but his gaze intense. “The choice is yours.”

His response puzzled me. Why would he care so little about something that clearly held value? A handkerchief with personal initials wasn’t something one typically gave away to virtual

strangers.

“I wouldn’t throw away something so beautifully made,” I said honestly. “But I don’t understand

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30 A Gentleman’s Token

why you’d want me to have it.”

Sebastian’s lips curved slightly. “Does everything need a reason, Hazel?”

The sound of my first name on his lips sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. It sounded intimate coming from him, though I’d heard countless people say it before.

“In my experience, yes,” I replied, tucking the handkerchief back into my purse. “Especially when it comes to the actions of powerful men.”

Something flashed in his eyes – approval, perhaps? “A wise perspective.”

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