Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 92334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
I hear Chloe’s laugh before I see her. When I turn, Knox is already handing out security badges with his usual efficiency.
“Temporary access cards,” he explains. “The elevator won’t operate without them. Studio and bathroom access only.” He gives Chloe a pointed look. “These need to be returned at the end of the day.”
“So serious,” Chloe says, dangling her badge. “What, afraid I’ll throw a wild party up here?”
I hide my smile as Knox ignores her, tapping something on his iPad. “Basic security protocols. Wear these where they’re visible. Sign in, sign out. Don’t wander.” He pauses. “That means you, Ms. Hallman.”
“You’re no fun at all,” Chloe sighs dramatically. “Not even a tiny tour?”
“In case of emergency, follow the exit signs. Fire escape is through there, stairs are that way.” He points to each location, deliberately moving past Chloe’s request. “Any questions?”
“Actually,” I say, catching Knox’s eye, “Hailey might be around a lot more. I’m hoping she’ll consider taking a position as my assistant for the collection.” I glance at Hailey. “If you’re interested, that is. Cole gave me the green light earlier. The timeline’s tight, but with your expertise . . .”
Knox’s posture shifts slightly—barely noticeable, but I’ve learned to read his subtle changes. He studies Hailey with new attention, probably already mentally updating security protocols.
Hailey is nothing like I expected. I’d pictured all-black clothing and heavy gothic makeup, but she walks in wearing a crisp white shirt and tailored pants like she just stepped out of a business meeting. It’s her jewelry that gives her away—an oxidized silver choker with black diamonds, multiple rings climbing up her fingers, and these wicked silver earrings that curve up her ears into points. The contrast shouldn’t work, but it does. Her whole look is a master class in making edge look expensive.
She takes one look at my latest designs and gets it immediately. “You’re not making jewelry,” she says, picking up one of the sharp-edged pieces. “You’re making armor.”
Something clicks in my mind. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do.
“Finally!” Chloe claps her hands together. “Two of my favorite people in the same room. Sloane, this is Hailey Parker. She did that incredible black diamond collection I showed you last month. Hailey, this is Sloane Whitmore, who’s about to shake up the entire jewelry world if I have anything to say about it.”
“And there’s the Chloe Hallman hype machine,” Hailey laughs, already moving closer to examine one of my pieces.
“For once, Chloe’s not exaggerating,” she says. “You understand that beauty doesn’t have to play nice.”
I grab my sketchbook, then pointedly look at each security camera in the corners of the room. “So, before we get started . . . full disclosure: We have an audience.”
Hailey follows my gaze, her smile faltering slightly. “Ah. Right. The cameras.”
“Don’t worry,” I assure her quickly. “He only watches when—” I stop. “Actually, I have no idea when he watches.”
“All the time,” Chloe says with unholy glee. “He’s probably watching right now. Hi, Cole!” She waves at the nearest camera.
“That’s . . . comforting?” Hailey shifts in her chair. “I think?”
“You get used to it,” I say, then realize that probably doesn’t help. “I mean, not in a creepy way. Just in a . . . security thing. Though maybe we keep certain topics off-limits?”
The morning passes in a blur of creative energy and girl talk. While we work, Chloe demands details about living with Cole. “So does he like . . . watch you sleep through the cameras?” she asks.
“Of course not,” I say quickly. “No cameras in private spaces. Bedrooms and bathrooms are completely off-limits.”
“And here I was hoping to give Cole’s security team a show,” Chloe says, examining her reflection in one of the display mirrors.
Hailey glances toward the door where Knox had disappeared. “Speaking of the security team . . . is he always so—”
“Intense?” I smile. “He’s actually pretty nice once you get past the whole military-precision thing. Just very . . . dedicated to protocols.”
“Super dedicated.” Chloe wiggles her eyebrows at Hailey. “Did you see how he kept looking at you during that security briefing?”
The morning settles into a rhythm after that. Hailey proves to have an incredible eye for detail, while Chloe moves around the workspace with her phone, documenting everything. She has a gift for finding the perfect angle, the way light catches each stone. “This is going to break Instagram,” she says, zooming in on a particularly intricate piece. “We should do a whole series of teaser posts leading up to the show.” She’s already wearing one of the tiaras—at completely the wrong angle, but somehow she makes it work for the photos.
“This design is amazing,” Hailey says, examining one of the new pieces. “Did it come to you last night? The metalwork looks fresh.”
Chloe keeps eyeing the cameras while we work, practically vibrating with unasked questions. Finally, she cracks. “Okay, this is torture. We need a camera-free zone.” She looks at me meaningfully. “Like, say, your bedroom?”