Enthrall

Chapter4

Finding A Home

Evie

The building George showed me was perfect. Seven floors of possibility, with massive windows that let in light even on this cloudy Manchester day. Standing in what would be my office – the president's office – I could see the entire city spreading out before me.

"This will be the heart of Enthrall's British operations," George said, standing beside me at the window. "From here, you'll oversee everything."

I could already envision it – my desk positioned to catch the morning light, a seating area for meetings, maybe some plants to make it feel more alive. But I wouldn't be using this office for months. Instead, I'd be sitting at a small desk somewhere, pretending to be just another employee.

"The first floor will house HR and reception," George continued, leading me through the space. "Second floor is manufacturing – the heart of operations. Third floor for storage and packaging. Fourth floor for accounts and design, plus the cafeteria. Sixth floor for conference rooms and executive offices. And the seventh floor will be exclusively for C-suite executives and board members."

After the building tour, we met with lawyers and went over employee contracts, NDAs, and salary structures. The fashion industry was cutthroat, and we needed to protect our secrets. By the time we finished, it was nearly ten PM.

"Same time next Monday," George said as we parted ways. "You'll meet my sons and the rest of the team."

Back at the hotel, I found Lizzie already asleep – she went to bed at exactly 9:30 every night, no matter what. I FaceTimed Edward from my room.

"So, how did it go?" He was in his apartment in Paris, and I could see the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the background through his window.

"It was incredible, Ed. George is amazing. We found the perfect building, and everything is falling into place. How's the modeling going?"

"Good. I booked three shoots this week. But more importantly, how are you really doing? This is huge, Evie. Are you okay?"

Sometimes my little brother saw right through me.

"I'm terrified," I admitted. "What if I mess this up? What if I'm not ready for this?"

"You built a multimillion-pound company from your bedroom, sis. You raised us after Mom died. You've been ready for this your whole life – you just didn't know it yet."

After we hung up, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, I'd start looking for a place to live. Next week, I'd meet the Evans sons and begin my double life as both president and assistant. Everything was about to change, and for the first time in years, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.