Evva's POV
The lingering fatigue of the cross-country flight still hummed beneath my skin, but the fresh shower had washed away the worst of it.
Now, in the cool sanctuary of my SoHo penthouse, I moved with a renewed sense of purpose. The afternoon light, softer than the morning glare, cast long shadows across the polished concrete floors as she dressed. Having already chosen a vibrant silk dress that hinted at the energy of San Francisco, I now fastened a bold, sculptural necklace, a recent acquisition from a gallery in the Bay Area.
A quiet presence in the hallway signaled Jackson's patient wait. He'd been informed of my approximate arrival time and was ready to accompany me to the Atelier. A final check in the mirror - a touch of lip gloss, a quick smoothing of my hair - and I was ready to immerse myself back into her creative world.
I emerged from her bedroom, the soft rustle of my dress preceding me. "Ready to go, Jackson," I said, my voice carrying a trace of the travel-weariness, yet firm.
Jackson rose instantly from the sofa. His usual composed demeanor held a note of anticipation, knowing I was eager to reconnect with my work after my trip. He picked up his briefcase.
"Let's go then."
He followed me as I walked towards the apartment door. Instead of heading towards my own car, which was parked in the building's garage, I gestured towards the entrance. "Let's take your car, Jackson. Keeps things simple."
Jackson nodded, a subtle acknowledgment of my unspoken desire for companionship or perhaps just a shared journey after my travels.
Weywalked out onto the bustling SoHo street, the afternoon air alive with the sounds of the city. The energy was different from the morning - a more hurried pace, a buzz of lunchtime conversations spilling from cafes.
As we made our way to Jackson's waiting car, a sleek black sedan parked a short distance away, there was a silent understanding between us, a familiar rhythm of collaboration and mutual respect that underpinned our professional relationship. The Atelier, a space where my vision took tangible form, awaited our return.
The short car ride through the vibrant SoHo streets took no more than ten minutes.
The Atelier, housed in a beautifully preserved cast-iron building, exuded an air of understated creativity from its large street-level windows showcasing mannequins draped in Evva's latest designs.
As Jackson held the door open for me, I stepped into the Atelier. The space was a harmonious blend of work and artistry. Natural light flooded the high-ceilinged rooms, illuminating racks of fabrics in various textures and hues, sketches pinned to inspiration boards, and the quiet hum of sewing machines in the workroom at the back. The air was filled with the subtle scent of new textiles and the faint sweetness of the floral arrangements I always insisted on having.
Without pausing to greet the staff bustling with their tasks, I moved with purposeful strides towards the staircase leading to my private office on the mezzanine level. Jackson followed closely behind.
Reaching my office, a serene space overlooking the main studio floor, I immediately went to my large, minimalist desk.
"Jackson," I said, my voice all business now, the travel fatigue momentarily forgotten, "lay out today's schedule for me. And give me an update on the progress of the new collection - specifically the Seraphina line. Where are we with the samples, and have we heard back from the textile supplier regarding the silk for the Azure dresses?"
Jackson opened his briefcase and retrieved a slim tablet and a few neatly organized files. " Today's schedule includes a design team meeting at 2 PM to review the latest sketches for the resort collection. Before that, at 1 PM, Mr. Dubois from 'Haute Styles' magazine is scheduled for a brief interview regarding your recent success in San Francisco and any hints about the upcoming collections."
He tapped on his tablet. "Regarding the Seraphina line, the initial samples for the gowns arrived this morning. I've laid them out in the showroom for your review. The draping on the 'Aurora' and the 'Stella' is particularly striking, but there are a few minor adjustments the seamstresses noted on the 'Nova' sample regarding the neckline."
Jackson then consulted his notes. "As for the silk for the Azure dresses, we did receive confirmation from 'Silks of Florence' this morning. The shipment is expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon. There was a slight delay due to a customs issue, but it has been resolved."
I listened intently, my gaze sharp and focused as I absorbed the information. I gestured towards the samples. "Excellent. I'll review the Seraphina samples before Mr. Dubois arrives. Please ensure the showroom is perfectly presentable. And for the design meeting, have Clara prepare a mood board showcasing the color palettes and key silhouettes for the resort collection. I want to ensure everyone is aligned on the overall vision."
"Understood, Evva," Jackson replied, making notes on his tablet. "Is there anything else I can assist you with before your review?"
"Just ensure I have a strong coffee," I said, leaning back in my chair, my mind already racing with design details and upcoming deadlines. The energy of my Atelier, the tangible presence of my creations, had already begun to revitalize me. I was back in my element.
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Lev's POV
The meeting with Davis & Co. Spaces had been productive, bordering on exciting. Liam Davis, the CEO, possessed a sharp intellect and an easygoing manner that belied the formidable reputation of his family's real estate empire
Liam and I had concluded our main discussion about the tech campus. I then addressed the other individuals who had been present in the meeting room. With a clear and decisive tone, I instructed them.
"Thank you all for your input. That will be all for now."
Following my direction, the various team members and assistants who had been part of the meeting began to gather their notes and files. They exchanged brief nods with me and Liam as they made their way out of the conference room, a sense of the meeting's importance lingering in the air.
Once the last of them had exited, the only people remaining in the room were Me, Sergei, Liam Davis and his secretary . The atmosphere shifted slightly, becoming more private.
With the room now empty of the wider team, I and Liam stood and firmly shook hands. "Thank you for your time, Liam," I said, a note of genuine appreciation in my voice.
"The pleasure was all mine, Lev," Liam replied, returning the handshake with a confident smile. "I'm looking forward to seeing this project come to life."
Liam then turned to his own secretary, who had been quietly observing the exchange. With a brief nod to me and Sergei, Liam and his secretary followed me out of the conference room. Sergei trailed slightly behind.
We walked together through the outer office area. Me and Liam exchanged a few more polite remarks as they headed towards the main exit. At the door, Liam extended his hand again. "Okay i will get going now, Lev. It was a productive meeting."
"Alright, Liam," I responded, shaking his hand. "I appreciate you taking the time."
Liam and his secretary then stepped out of Lev's company building. I watched them go for a moment before turning and heading towards his own office, a sense of satisfaction settling over me. The meeting had gone well, and the partnership with Davis & Co. felt like a significant step forward in my plans. Sergei followed me into the office, ready for whatever I needed next.
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Author's POV
Lev and Liam Davis were not close friends who socialized outside of work. Their connection stemmed from their positions as prominent CEOs in their respective industries.They were well-aware of each other's professional standing and successes, moving within similar high-level business circles.
Their paths had crossed on several occasions at industry conferences, corporate events, and the occasional high-profile business party. These encounters were typically formal, marked by polite conversation and professional networking, rather than deep personal connection. While there was a mutual respect for their achievements, their relationship was primarily based on their roles as leaders in the business world.
I liam left, he immersed himself back into the flow of his company's operations after the significant meeting with Liam Davis, Lev dedicated the remainder of the afternoon to various tasks. He reviewed reports, made crucial decisions, and held brief discussions with his core team. The energy of progress from the earlier meeting seemed to fuel his focus.
As the clock on his office wall approached 7:00 PM, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere of the usually bustling headquarters. Many of Lev's employees, having completed their workday, started to pack their belongings, exchange farewells, and head out. Lev could hear the distant sounds of office chairs rolling and hushed goodbyes as his team began to leave for the evening.
He glanced at the city lights beginning to twinkle outside his panoramic window, a stark contrast to the now dimming lights within his office floor.His mind went to his family. The dynamic at home had shifted recently.He wondered what the evening would hold, what progress, if any, his father had made in whatever matter required the family to gather.
With a final, almost unconscious sigh, Lev gathered his briefcase, a signal to Sergei that he was departing, after most of the floor had already emptied. A brief word to his assistant, who was also preparing to leave, and Lev made his way out of his office, ready to leave the day's work behind, the quiet hum of a mostly empty office floor following him. The thoughts of his family, the unspoken issue with his father, and the presence of his mother and sister at home accompanied him as he headed towards the elevator.
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