Chapter 96: The offer
Nicole’s face stiffened at Zara’s question. She couldn’t respond, caught in the whirl of her thoughts. She recalled the conversation she’d had with Nathaniel.
Truthfully, she hadn’t intended to offer Zara much more than a small project to design a seasonal collection, just to test her. It was only because she owed Nathaniel a favor.
Since Nathaniel had agreed to help her in expanding her business there, she had agreed to help his wife in return. It was a simple equation.
But everything had changed the moment she laid eyes on Zara’s designs.
Nicole had been genuinely blown away, her professional instincts instantly recognizing Zara’s potential. That’s when her offer had shifted from a trial project to something far more significant.
But now, facing Zara’s pointed question, Nicole was stuck. She couldn’t reveal the truth. Nathaniel had asked her to keep his involvement secret, and Nicole understood why now.
Zara’s pride would never let her accept something she believed was handed to her out of pity or influence.
Masking her unease, Nicole laughed awkwardly. "Zara, you are adorable," she said, trying to sound relaxed. "Do you really think I’d offer such a big role just because someone asked me to? Absolutely not. This isn’t a favor. In fact, I’m the one who needed a favor from Nathaniel."
Zara’s brows drew together skeptically. "You needed a favor from him?" she repeated.
Nicole nodded. "Yes. I told you—I’m expanding my business here. To do that, I need a prime location, and Nathaniel has the right contacts. I asked him to meet me to discuss it, and he told me he’d be at this event."