That was a small white lie. His big con was that he wanted to buy Voss Watches from underneath me, and Margot held the key. If she fell for him — she might already have done so — that presented a problem. But I’d cross that bridge when I came to it.
My phone buzzed with a call from Eliza, and a familiar flutter of panic mixed with something far more dangerous fizzed through me. I was sure I was transparent, but when I glanced up, Margot was too wrapped up in her own love life to notice mine.
“I should take this.” I gestured at the screen. “It’s Eliza, and she had a big meeting this morning.”
Margot nodded and waved a hand, but didn’t get up.
I swiped the green call button.
“Are you sitting down?” Eliza’s voice was bright with excitement.
“I am.”
“Good, because I have news. This morning went really well, and I’ve managed to score us a meeting and a tour with SwissTok.”
“Wow.” They were a major name, doing big things in our arena.
“Wow is right,” Eliza replied. “They’re willing to give us a factory tour, talk about their production processes, maybe share some insights about scaling up luxury manufacturing. I think this is a trip we should both be involved in.”
My brain immediately went to two places: first, that this was actually a brilliant opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. Second, that spending time alone with Eliza in Switzerland was definitely going to end with us in bed together.
Also, was she going to tell me about Scotland? I couldn’t ask her with Margot there.
“That sounds really valuable,” I said carefully.
“It could be game-changing for understanding how to position ourselves in the market with our next launch. Also, we could get ideas for the Roka packaging. I was thinking we could fly over soon?” She paused. “I’m heading to Scotland next week to work out the production plans with Fiona and Ronnie. Just decided this morning. I thought it best to be there, show them we care.”
“Do you need me to come too?”
Was she avoiding me again?
“No, you’re on the Roka deal, and you’re doing great. We can be more effective separately, get more done. When I get back, we’ll head to Switzerland the week after. That way, when my three months is up, you’ve got loads of ammo to show Margot.”
When she said it like that, it made sense. “Do you want my assistant to book Switzerland?”
“I’ll do it,” she replied. “And don’t worry, I know it’s work. I’ll book two rooms.”
She hung up, and I stared at my phone for a moment, wondering what I’d just agreed to. She could book two rooms, but even though this was work, I doubted we’d use them.
“Was that Eliza?” Margot asked.
I nodded. “She’s got us a meeting with SwissTok to talk branding and upscaling.”
“Excellent. You two are quite the pairing.” She narrowed her gaze. “Only, are you okay going to Switzerland? You haven’t been since—”
“I’m fine,” I interrupted. I wasn’t going to think about the last time I was there and what my mum asked me.
Margot clasped her hands in her lap, stared at me, then nodded. “Okay, then. This is what I mean about you stepping up and taking things seriously. I’m very impressed.”
If only she knew how seriously I was about to complicate everything.
CHAPTER 25
Iwoke up the next morning feeling as if someone had parked a small car on my chest. The sensation was so intense I couldn’t draw a proper breath, and for a moment I lay there in my rumpled sheets, staring at my perfectly smooth ceiling, trying to work out what the hell was happening to me. Was I having a heart attack? If so, it wasreallyinopportune timing.
But somehow, I didn’t think I was. My skin prickled, and I had the distinct, bone-deep certainty I wasn’t alone in my bedroom.
“Mum?” I whispered to the empty room, feeling immediately ridiculous but unable to stop myself.
