Chapter 2 Whispers Of Treachery

Lana replayed every second of her conversation with Nicholas Sterling as she walked out of the lounge. Relief warred with panic. She'd gotten his attention-that was no small feat. But his parting words echoed in her mind: "If you're as good as you claim, you'll need to prove it."

Her phone buzzed in her clutch, snapping her out of her thoughts. She pulled it out, the screen lighting up with her best friend April's name.

"How did it go?" April asked the moment Lana answered.

"I got him to take the proposal," Lana said, keeping her voice low as she moved toward the elevator. "He didn't say yes, but he didn't say no either."

"That's huge!" April exclaimed. "So what's the next step?"

Lana leaned against the elevator wall, her mind already racing. "I need to gather market research, design concepts, and investor interest-all within a month. If I don't deliver, he'll walk away."

There was a pause on the other end before April spoke again, her voice tinged with concern. "Lana, you're already stretched thin with the clinic. Are you sure you can handle this?"

"I don't have a choice," Lana said firmly. "If I don't pull this off, the clinic will shut down. I'll figure it out."

The elevator dinged, and Lana stepped out into the lobby. She was halfway to the exit when a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Miss Daniels."

She turned to find Nicholas standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

"I thought our conversation was over," she said, masking her surprise.

"It was," he said, taking a step closer. "But then I realized something."

Lana tilted her head. "And what's that?"

"I don't work with people I know nothing about," he said, his gaze piercing. "If I'm going to give you a chance, I need to know who I'm dealing with."

Her pulse quickened. "What exactly are you asking for?"

"A meeting," he said. "Tomorrow. My office, 10 a.m. Bring everything you have on the project. And be prepared to answer questions about more than just your proposal."

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the middle of the lobby with a mixture of nerves and anticipation twisting in her stomach.

The next day, Lana arrived at Sterling Enterprises fifteen minutes early, her nerves wound tight. The skyscraper loomed above her, its mirrored facade reflecting the city below. She clutched her portfolio like a shield as she stepped through the revolving doors.

The receptionist, a sharp-looking woman with a headset, directed her to the 25th floor. Lana's heels clicked against the polished floors as she made her way to the elevator.

When she reached the top floor, she was greeted by an expansive office with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. Nicholas sat behind a sleek glass desk, his attention focused on his computer.

"Miss Daniels," he said without looking up. "Take a seat."

Lana sat in the chair opposite him, her back straight, her hands resting on her lap. She had prepared for this-practiced every answer, memorized every detail of her proposal.

Nicholas finally looked up, his eyes sharp and assessing. "Before we discuss your project, I have a few questions."

Lana nodded. "Of course."

"Why real estate?" he asked, leaning back in his chair. "Why not something safer, something more predictable?"

"Because safe and predictable don't change the world," Lana said without hesitation. "Real estate isn't just about buildings-it's about creating spaces that shape lives, communities, and legacies. That's what I want to be a part of."

Nicholas's lips twitched, as if he were suppressing a smile. "And what makes you think you can handle the pressure? This isn't an industry for the faint of heart."

"I've faced pressure before," Lana said, meeting his gaze. "I've had to make impossible decisions, fight battles I wasn't sure I could win. This is no different."

For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze boring into hers. Then he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Tell me about the clinic."

Lana froze. "What?"

"The clinic," he repeated. "The one you're so desperate to save. Don't look so surprised-I don't enter negotiations without doing my homework."

Her stomach twisted. Of course he'd looked into her background. She should have expected it.

"It's my mother's clinic," she said after a moment. "She's a doctor, and she's spent her entire career helping people who can't afford healthcare. But the bills have been piling up, and she's been too proud to ask for help. I took over managing the finances to try and keep it afloat."

"And this project is your way of saving it," Nicholas said, more a statement than a question.

"Yes," Lana admitted. "If I can secure this deal, the commission will be enough to pay off the clinic's debts."

Nicholas studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "That's a noble cause, Miss Daniels. But business isn't about charity. I'm not going to give you this deal just because you need it."

"I'm not asking for charity," Lana said firmly. "I'm offering you a project that will make you millions. The fact that it will also save the clinic is just a bonus."

For the first time, a genuine smile crossed his face. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But boldness only gets you so far. Let's see if your proposal can do the rest."

Before Lana could respond, the office door burst open, and a tall, statuesque woman strode in. Her designer dress hugged her figure perfectly, and her presence filled the room with an air of authority.

"Nicholas," the woman said, her tone sharp. "We need to talk. Now."

Nicholas's jaw tightened, but he didn't look away from Lana. "Wait here," he said, standing and following the woman out of the office.

Lana's heart raced as she sat alone, wondering who the woman was and what her sudden appearance meant for her chances.