Holden Sterling: The Sterling Brothers Billionaire Saga BWWM Book 1

Sterling Family Character Glossary

Father: Archie Sterling

Age: 64

Appearance: Short military hair (salt & pepper), gray eyes that sparkle, 6'2", muscular and fit.

Occupation: Founder and chairman of the board of Sterling Grand Hotels.

Distinctive Features: Tattoo of an eagle on his right shoulder and sleeve tattoos down his arm.

Mother: Victoria Sterling

Age: 58

Appearance: Short black hair with gray streaks, bluish-green eyes, 5'7", slim and fit.

Occupation: Interior designer.

Distinctive Features: Tattoo of a rose on her ankle.

Oldest Son: Holden Sterling

Age: 38

Appearance: 6'7", muscular and fit, gray eyes like his father.

Occupation: CEO of Sterling Grand Hotels.

Distinctive Features: Tattoos on his neck, chest, and arms with tribal designs and a lion tattoo on his back extending up his neck.

Intimate Detail: Well-endowed, contributing to his confident and dominant presence.

Middle Son: Alexander Sterling

Age: 35

Appearance: 6'4", muscular and fit like his older brother, blue eyes like his mother.

Occupation: Chief Technology Officer at Sterling Grand Hotels.

Distinctive Features: Snake tattoo on his left shoulder, sleeve tattoos on each arm, and a neck tattoo. His hair is black and cut short.

Intimate Detail: Exceptionally endowed, adding to his allure and charisma.

Youngest Son: Nicholas Sterling

Age: 32

Appearance: 6'6", muscular and fit, gray eyes like his father.

Occupation: Head of Design and Architecture.

Distinctive Features: Tattoos on his arms only, no neck tattoos. His hair is black, cut short on the sides, long on top.

Intimate Detail: Considerably endowed, enhancing his seductive charm.

1 year prior....

My love for buildings has been with me for as long as I can remember. They have always captivated me. that's one reason I became an architect in the first place. I'm currently at my new job at Urban Design Group, based in the bustling city of New York. It's been approximately 90 days since I arrived and I couldn't be happier. It's a job that I've grown to love and appreciate, as it allows me to focus on my personal growth and development.

Coming from a household with a strict military father who served for over 30 years, this is a significant change for me. He recently retired from his duties just a year ago. My parents, Darryl and Pamela Coleman, are both successful individuals. My mother, a retired nurse, has a nurturing nature that comes with being a mother.

She is an amazing woman whom I love deeply. The only thing that bothers me is her constant attempts to reconcile my father and me. But in reality, the root of our conflicts may be due to our strikingly similar personalities. Nevertheless, I still love my father dearly, despite his tough demeanor as a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Marine Corps.

Another person I hold close to my heart is my sister Monique who pursued a career in law after college. She is kind-hearted, which makes her an exceptional mother to her two children. Her husband Daniel, a District Court Judge, is fiercely protective of my sister.

This dynamic often leads to clashes between my father and me because he wants me to have the same path as my sister, but he fails to understand that everyone's journey is unique. Currently, I am working on a project with Randy Hamilton, the founder of the firm, Urban Design Group. He is approximately 45 years old and responded promptly when I reached out for this job.

He's a tall, lean man with salt-and-pepper hair and a beard that has a few flecks of gray as well. We are working on a high-rise mixed-use building, known as the "Flourish". The design will create a buzz in the city's skyline upon completion. It's R-18 stories high, with three floors for parking, two floors for shopping, and the rest a mix of residential and office spaces.

Randy has been a mentor to me, taking me under his wing and helping refine my skills. The project is coming along swimmingly, and I couldn't be prouder of my growth. I am thankful for this chance and intend to make the most of it. This morning, I arrived early with the goal of finalizing all the details and drawings for the project. They still need to be approved by Randy.

Just as I was about to leave for Randy's office, a tall, handsome, white man enters the firm with two presumed bodyguards. The receptionist at the front desk gestures them towards Randy's office. It must be Mr. Richardson, the project's primary investor. I have not had the chance to meet him yet. My heart races with anticipation, knowing that this meeting could make or break our project. I can't afford to mess up in any way.

Taking a deep breath, I gather the necessary documents and make my way down the corridor towards Randy's office. The air feels heavy with anticipation as I walk past my colleagues, who exchange knowing glances. They understand the weight of this moment too.

As I approach Randy's office, I catch a glimpse of who I think maybe be Mr. Richardson through the slightly ajar door. I couldn't say for sure if it was the new investor or not, as I had never met the man. This man exudes an aura of authority and confidence, effortlessly commanding attention from everyone in the room. My nerves intensify, but I steel myself and knock on the door.

"Come in," Randy's voice calls from within.

I enter the room, carefully balancing a stack of important documents in my arms. The atmosphere is serious and formal, with a handsome man sitting at one end of the long conference table, intently studying a set of blueprints in front of him. Randy stands next to him, his usual composed expression never faltering.

"Ah, there you are," Randy greets me, motioning for me to join them. "This is Eriola, our lead architect. Eriola, this is Jonathan Covington from Covington Hotel Group."

I offer my hand to Mr. Covington, trying my best to appear calm despite my racing heart. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Covington," I say sincerely with a smile.

He briefly looks up from his papers, his eyes showing some interest as he stands up and shakes my hand firmly. "Likewise," he responds smoothly. We hold eye contact for a moment before taking our seats around the table.

A mix of nerves and excitement washes over me as I take in the importance of this meeting with our new client. Randy begins the discussion, outlining the project's goals and our team's dedication to excellence. His words are precise and compelling, emphasizing our unique approach and innovative designs. Mr. Covington listens attentively, nodding occasionally, his expression thoughtful.

When it's my turn to present, I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. Speaking passionately about our vision, I detail the intricate elements that set our design apart. As I continue, I notice Mr. Covington lean forward, his interest visibly piqued. The room's energy shifts, a sign that my words are resonating.

Just as I finish my presentation, Mr. Covington pauses, looking intently at the blueprints before raising his eyes to meet mine. The air is thick with anticipation, and I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me. What he says next could change everything.

Silence fills the room as I take my seat. Everyone is on edge, eagerly awaiting Mr. Covington's thoughts on our company. After what feels like an eternity, he finally speaks up.

"What sets your company apart from all the others in New York? Why should I choose to spend my time and money with Urban Design Group?" His gaze focuses directly on me as he asks his question.

My heart pounds in my chest, but I muster the courage to respond. "It's true, there are countless design firms in New York, but few can match our level of commitment and personal investment in each project we take on. At Urban Design Group, we don't just design buildings, we create experiences. We understand that each structure we build is more than a collection of steel and concrete; it's a testament to the people who will live, work, and thrive within its walls. Our approach is rooted in the belief that a well-designed space can positively impact the lives of everyone who steps foot inside."

I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of conviction in my words. "Our team is composed of the brightest minds in the industry, and our portfolio speaks for itself. From sustainable housing developments to state-of-the-art commercial spaces, we have the expertise and drive to exceed your expectations."

Mr. Covington leans back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting." His eyes flicker around the room, sizing up each member of our team. "I like your passion, but words alone don't sell me. I need to see it in action." He stands and walks over to the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the cityscape. "Tell me, what would you change about this view?"

My heart skips a beat. I follow his gaze to the breathtaking sight of the Empire State Building in the distance, flanked by a sea of ​​glass and steel. "Well, sir, it's a magnificent view as is, but if I had to suggest one change," I hesitate, unsure of how my idea will be received. "I'd propose a green space or two, maybe a rooftop garden with native plants, to counterbalance the concrete jungle below."

Mr. Covington turns to face me, one eyebrow raised in amusement. "A rooftop garden, huh? That's thinking outside the box." He walks back to the conference table and points at the empty seat next to him. "Sit down, Ms....?"

"Thank you, sir," I say, fighting to hide my relief as I sink into the plush leather chair. "Eriola, Eriola Coleman."

"Eriola, I appreciate your honesty. The world of architecture can always use more original thinkers. Here's a challenge for you and your team." He slides a blueprint across the table, revealing an ambitious project that takes my breath away. "I have chosen to hire Urban Design Group to build my new hotel. I want you to incorporate your unique concept for a rooftop garden and make sustainability a top priority in the design process." His eyes narrow, challenging me to take it on.

"We'd be thrilled to," I reply, my voice confident, though butterflies dancing in my stomach. "You won't be disappointed." I extend my hand, and he grips it firmly, sealing the deal. As we shake on it, I know that this project could either make or break our company. But I'm more than ready to prove that Urban Design Group is up to the task.

As the meeting comes to a close, everyone begins gathering their belongings to leave the conference room. Mr. Covington and Randy remain behind, deep in conversation. I can feel Mr. Covington's gaze on me and his bodyguards by the door, ever vigilant like guard dogs protecting their master.

I gather my things and start heading back to my office when I hear Randy calling my name. "Eriola, come over here for a moment," he says with a wide smile on his face, as if he just won the lottery. My gut tells me this can't be good.

I approach the two men, both of them grinning like they've lost their minds."Yes, sir?" I ask, wondering what they could possibly want from me.

"Well, Jonathan wants to speak with you alone," Randy says, still smiling. But as he starts to walk away, he leans in and whispers in my ear, "Eriola, make me proud. He wants you to lead this account. It's worth millions. Do whatever it takes."

His words send a chill down my spine. This is a huge opportunity, but also a huge responsibility. I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, I respond with a strong "Yes, sir," before approaching Jonathan, who is standing by the window, gazing out at the city below.

"Fuck, what did my boss just get me into?" I mutter under my breath. "I hope it's nothing bad, goddamn it."

As I reach Jonathan, he turns to face me, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "Are you ready for what's next?" he asks.

My heart races. What have I just agreed to?