The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 37

37 A Considerate Gesture and an Awkward Meeting

Mortification flooded through me as i stared at the grand entrance to the Sinclair

estate How long had I been asleep in their car? I smoothed my hair frantically and checked my reflection in my compact mirror. My cheeks were flushed with

embarrassment

I grabbed my portfolio and stepped out of the car. The mansion loomed before me impossibly elegant with its stone facade and perfectly manicured gardens. The morning sun cast a golden glow across the grounds, highlighting the wealth and power of the Sinclair family.

A butler in an impeccable suit appeared immediately at the top of the steps.

“Miss Shaw, welcome to the Sinclair estate. I hope you had a pleasant journey

I clutched my portfolio tighter. “I’m so sorry for the delay. I can’t believe I fell asleep.”

The butler’s expression remained professionally neutral. “No apologies necessary, Miss Shaw, Master Sinclair specifically instructed us not to disturb you. He said you appeared to need the rest.

My stomach dropped. Sebastian Sinclair had seen me sleeping? Had he watched me doze like some exhausted child?

“Master Sinclair saw me?” My voice came out higher than intended.

“Indeed, miss. He came to greet you personally when the car arrived but noticed you were asleep. He instructed us to let you rest until you woke naturally.

wanted the ground to swallow me whole. What kind of first impression was this? The talented designer who couldn’t even stay awake during a car ride?

Mrs. Sinclair is waiting in the cast drawing room. Please follow me.”

The butler led me through the grand entrance hall. My heels clicked against the marble floor as we passed priceless artwork and antique furniture. Everything about the Sinclair home screamed old money and refined taste.

Crate Elestore not an awkward Meetings

The butler stopped at a set of double doors and announced my arrival Miss Hazel

Shay, madan

I stepped into a sunlit room where an elegant older woman sat on a pale blue setter Mrs. Sinclair rose with a warm smile that immediately put me at ease

“Miss Shaw how lovely to finally meet you? Her voice was gentle but commanding. 1 could see where Sebastian gof his charisma “Please, come sit.

“Mrs. Sinclair, I’m terribly sorry for the delay.” I moved forward to shake her hand. “I’ fell asleep in the car

Her eyes crinkled with genuine warmth. “My dear, Sebastian told me you were resting No apology needed. We all push ourselves too hard sometimes.

I sat across from her, trying to regain my professional composure. “I brought the designs for your consideration.”

Mrs. Sinclair nodded. “Before we begin, would you like some tea or coffee?”

“Tea would be wonderful, thank you. My throat felt dry with nervousness.

Mrs. Sinclair gestured to a waiting servant who disappeared silently to fulfill the request.

“Now,” she said, turning her full attention to me. “Sebastian speaks very highly of your work. 1 understand you’re responsible for the beautiful gown Miranda Turner wore to the Governor’s Ball?”

I nodded, feeling a bit more confident on professional ground. “Yes, that was one of my recent pieces.

“Exquisite work. She leaned forward with genuine interest. “I require something equally stunning for my charity gala next month.”

The tea arrived, giving me a moment to collect my thoughts. I sipped the perfectly brewed Earl Grey before opening my portfolio.

rve prepared several concepts based on what I understand about the event

laid out six sketches, each representing a different style and silhouette. Mrs. Sinclair

Free Chestored in xrd Moeding

podjed them with a discerning eye, asking thoughtful questions about fabrics and

Construction

This one she finally said, pointing to a midnight blue gown with delicate silver embroidery It’s perfect

Relief washed over me. Tm so pleased you like it. I can have it ready for a first fitting in

two weeks.

“Wonderful Mrs. Sinclair smiled. “You’ve exceeded my expectations: Miss Shaw,

Our discussion continued smoothly as we reviewed fabric samples and finalized details. Mrs. Sinclair was knowledgeable about fashion and appreciative of

craftsmanship, making her an ideal client

As we finished, she checked her watch. “It’s nearly lunchtime. Won’t you stay and join us? Sebastian should be arriving shortly.”

My heart skipped at the mention of his name. The thought of facing Sebastian after he’d seen me sleeping in his car made my cheeks warm again.

“That’s very kind. I said, gathering my materials. “But I’m afraid I have plans to visit my grandmother this afternoon.”

“Another time, then Mrs. Sinclair stood. “I’m looking forward to working with you.

Miss Shaw.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” I tucked the approved sketch safely into my portfolio.

We walked together toward the entrance hall. I felt more at case now that the business portion of our meeting had gone well. Mrs. Sinclair asked thoughtful questions about my career and background, never once mentioning the gossip that had surely reached her ears about my broken engagement

As we reached the grand foyer, the front door opened. Sebastian Sinclair stepped inside, tall and commanding in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders. His dark hair was slightly tousled by the breeze, and his striking features softened when he saw his mother

Then his eyes met mine. That intense gaze made my breath catch.

Ateshedients Center and on Award Meeting

“Miss Shaw” he said, his voice deep and smooth. “What a pleasure to see you again?

“Mr. Sinclair Imanaged to keep my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest

He crossed the foyer with confident strides. “Thope your meeting with my mother was productive.

“Very much so. I smiled politely, hyper-aware of his proximity

“Sebastian, dear, Mrs. Sinclair said, “Miss. Shaw has selected a lovely design for my

gown.”

He nodded, his eyes never leaving my face. “I had no doubt she would exceed

expectations.”

His mother touched his arm affectionately. “I was just trying to convince her to stay for lunch, but she has a prior engagement.”

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