Chapter 1 - The Kitchen Sink and the Bed FrameGrant Whitmore’s voice echoed off the exposed brick walls of the apartment, dripping with smooth, practiced condescension.
“Well,” Grant repeated, taking a step closer, adjusting his platinum cufflinks. “I see the local labor has found his way into your private quarters, Audrey.”
Audrey’s chin lifted immediately, her dark eyes flashing with quiet anger. “He has a name, Grant. And unlike you, he actually knows how to build things instead of taking credit for other people's work.”
Adam Rivera stood up slowly. At six-foot-one, with broad shoulders from years of manual work, he easily held his ground against the billionaire CEO. He kept his cordless drill firmly in his right hand, his posture relaxed, entirely unbothered by Grant’s high-priced charcoal suit.
“Grant Whitmore,” Adam said neutrally, giving a small, polite nod. “You’re blocking the doorway.”
Grant’s eyes flicked over Adam’s work shirt and calloused hands with open disdain. “I came here to take Audrey to dinner at the club, not to watch a plumber play carpenter with thrift-store trash.”
“It’s a bed frame, Grant,” Paige chimed in from the corner, folding her arms over her scrubs. “And nobody invited you in. We have locks on the front door for a reason.”
“Your mother gave me the key code for emergency checks,” Grant replied, turning his back on Adam as if he were part of the furniture. “Audrey, put on something appropriate. The board members are waiting.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you, Grant,” Audrey said clearly, stepping around him toward Adam. “We told you three weeks ago that the deal is off. My family’s shares in Holloway & Whitmore are not up for negotiation, and neither am I.”
Grant’s smile thinned, a flash of cold fury passing through his dark eyes before he masked it with practiced charm. “Your mother’s medical trust depends on the dividend restructuring, Audrey. Don’t make emotional mistakes that your family can’t afford.”
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He turned back toward the exit, pausing at the threshold. He cast one final, warning look at Adam. “Finish your little repair job, handyman. But don’t get comfortable. Men like you usually end up paying for things they break.”
The heavy oak door slammed shut behind him.
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