Chapter 3 - The Morning AfterThe next morning, Victoria woke up early in her pristine Pearl District penthouse. The daisies sat in a crystal vase on her kitchen island—out of place among the minimalist Italian marble, yet somehow bringing the entire room to life.
At 9:00 AM, her assistant, Marcus, called. "Miss Sinclair, Daniel Parker called three times already. He apologized profusely for missing last night and is asking if he can reschedule dinner this Sunday at The Benson."
Victoria stared at the lopsided daisies. Daniel’s ambition was obvious; he wanted her investment capital for his struggling real estate firm. He hadn't sent his brother out of courtesy; he had sent Ethan as a placeholder to keep her from writing him off entirely.
"Tell Daniel I am busy," Victoria said coldly. "Then get me the address for Proof Bakery."
An hour later, Victoria pulled up to Morrison Street in a sleek dark SUV. The small bakery was bustling. Inside, the warm scent of roasted coffee beans, melted butter, and fresh sourdough filled the air.
Behind the counter stood Ethan, wearing a flour-dusted apron with his sleeves rolled up, revealing tanned, muscular forearms. He was laughing with an elderly customer while handing her a brown paper bag.
When he spotted Victoria standing near the door in a tailored cream coat, he froze, a smudge of flour on his cheek.
"Victoria?" he asked, stepping out from behind the counter. "Did you forget something last night?"
"I came for the croissants," she said smoothly, a tiny smile playing on her lips. "I want to see if those four months of labor were worth it."
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Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "One fresh batch just came out. But you'll have to take them to go, or sit at the messy counter."
"I'll take the counter," Victoria said without hesitation.
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