CLAIRE

That evening, I couldn't stop thinking about Laurent Global's offer, not because I wanted to accept it, but because it made me realize how much potential my brand actually had.

If they were willing to pay thirty million, that meant CLAIRE was worth something significant and if I wasn't going to sell, I needed to grow it properly.

Julian was reading on the couch, glasses perched on his nose, looking relaxed. I sat beside him, tucking my legs underneath me.

"Can I ask you something?" I said.

"Always," Julian replied, setting his book down and removing his glasses.

"It's about business," I clarified.

"Okay," Julian said, his full attention...