Chapter 9 - THE OFFERThe next morning, Victoria contacted Sophia's business office.
Elena answered.
“AVERY Studio.”
“This is Victoria Blackwood.”
“Yes, Mrs. Blackwood.”
“I need to speak to AVERY.”
“The designer has declined further contact.”
Victoria's voice sharpened.
“I'll pay double.”
Elena paused.
“Double what?”
“The design fee.”
“I'm afraid that won't change the decision.”
“Triple it.”
Elena sighed.
“Mrs. Blackwood—”
“Name a number.”
Elena answered calmly.
“This isn't about money.”
Victoria laughed bitterly.
“Everything is about money.”
Elena remained silent.
Victoria continued.
“Tell her I'll apologize.”
Elena's voice softened.
“Then perhaps you should apologize because you mean it.”
Victoria froze.
May you like
The line disconnected.
For the first time, she realized that the problem couldn't be solved with a larger check.
Related Stories
Chapter 10 - MAYA'S GUILTMaya arrived at Sophia's apartment the next morning.
Chapter 11 - THE EMPLOYEES WHO FINALLY SPOKESophia's attorney contacted the restaurant's management.
Chapter 12 - THE BOARDROOMVictoria Blackwood faced her company's board of directors.
Chapter 13 - THE APOLOGYVictoria requested a private meeting with Sophia.
Chapter 14 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO DISAPPEARThe restaurant completed its investigation.
Chapter 15 - THE WOMAN THEY NEVER SAWThree months later, AVERY unveiled a new collection in New York.
