Chapter 40: The Price of Dreams
(Vivian's POV)
I took a deep breath as I entered Howler's Brew. The scent of freshly roasted coffee beans did little to calm my nerves. Today's meeting could make or break my engine project.
Zachary Hayes was already seated at a corner table, his attention fixed on his phone. At twenty-five, Dominic's assistant carried himself with the entitled air of someone who believed themselves above their station. His eyes flickered up briefly as I approached.
"Miss Sinclair," he acknowledged, not bothering to stand. "You're three minutes late."
I forced a smile. "Traffic. Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Hayes."
The specialized engine component I needed wasn't available through normal channels. Unfortunately, Hayes Industries had purchased the last available
