The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 91

91 An Invitation to Afternoon Tea

Two days

I’d spent two agonizing days staring at Sebastian Sinclair’s watch. The Patek Philippe sat on my coffee table like hacking bomb, worth more than my entire apartment Every time I passed it, anxiety churned in my stomach

Why hadn’t he called about it?

Maybe he had so many luxury watches he hadn’t noticed this one missing. Or worse maybe he’d deliberately left it behind and didn’t want to contact me again

I picked it up for the hundredth time, feeling its weight. The smooth metal felt cool against my palm, a tangible reminder of the imbalance between us. Sebastian Sinclair. with his billions and power, versus me-Hazel Shaw, drowning in debt I could never repay

My phone buzzed with a calendar notification. Mrs. Sinclair’s birthday was next week

A thought struck uie. This was perfect! I could prepare something for her birthday and ask Sebastian to deliver it. That would give me a legitimate reason to contact him about the watch without seeming desperate

I rushed to my workroom, mind already racing with ideas. Mrs. Sinclair had admired my phoenix-themed pieces during our dinner. I could create something special around that motil

For hours. I lost myself in the work, sketching and selecting materials. By evening. I had designed a delicate accessory set-a hairpin, brooch, and bracelet featuring elegant phoenix patterns in gold with subtle ruby accents

Three days later, I finished the pieces. Each was a work of art, meticulously crafted and housed in a custom wooden box lined with red silk Perfect for the matriarch of the Sinclair family

Now came the hard part

My finger hovered over Sebastian’s contact information for a full minute before I finally pressed all back-tang made my heart pound harder

Harel His deep voice answered on the third ring.

My name on his lips sent an inexpected shiver down my spine. “Mi Sinclair replied formally hope Im not disturbing you.

“Not at all” His tone was unreadable. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything’s fine took a deep breath,

noticed you left your watch at any

apartinent. And I also wanted to ask if you could deliver a birthday gift to your mother

A moment of silence. “My watch? I hadn’t realized it was missing.

So he really didn’t notice. The watch probably meant nothing to him.

“It’s on my coffee table.” I said quickly “I can drop it off somewhere convenient for

YOU

That won’t be necessary.” His voice softened slightly. “I appreciate you noticing. About my mother’s gift-that’s very thoughtful of you.

twisted a strand of hair nervously. “It’s just a small token of appreciation. She was very kind to me.

“She’ll be touched.” I could hear the smile in his voice “Are you free this afternoon? I’m meeting with clients near your office. We could have tea around four, and you can give

me both items then.

Tea? With Sebastian Sinclair?

My mind raced through excuses, but none materialized. “That… sounds fine.” I

managed.

“Excellent. I’ll call you closer to the time to arrange a location

After we hung up I stared at my phone in disbelief. Sebastian Sinclair had just invited me to afternoon tea. Not a business meeting. Not an exchange of documents. Tea

The hours crawled by as I tried to focus on work. Ichanged outfits three times, finally settling on a simple navy dress that was professional vet elegant. I packed Mrs. Sinclair’s gift carefully in my tote bag alongside his watch

By 4:30, nervous energy had me pacing my office Veta poked her head in eyebrows

raised

What’s with the sway walk? You’ve crossed your office fifty times in ten minutes

Isank into my chair Turmeeting Sebastian Sinclair for tea

Vera’s eyes widened. “Tea? Like… a date?

“No” I said too quickly. “Just returning his watch and giving him something for his mother

“Mmm-hmmm. Vera grinned. “And that required three outfit changes?”

Heat crawled up my neck. “I’m representing our brand. I need to look professional

“Sure, honey Professional. She winked “Not trying to impress the billionaire who keeps swooping in to save you or anything.

I glared at her “He’s my creditor, not my savior

He can be both.” Vera checked her watch. “It’s almost four. Need moral support walking downstairs?”

I nodded gratefully. Having Vera beside me calmed my nerves as we rode the elevator down. The lobby bustled with the usual afternoon activity

“Where are you meeting him?” Vera asked.

“I don’t know vet. He said he’d call to arrange-

As if summoned, my phone rang. Sebastian’s name flashed across the screen

“Perfect timing” I murmured, answering. “Hello?”

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