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‘Myownoffice?’ I gasp. ‘But I couldn’t … I mean, we’re all about equality.’

‘Every CEO needs focus space,’ says Freddy. ‘And it’s a glass-walled office, so you’ll still be part of everything. But you’ll have your own quiet place to make calls, plot against Book Haven … whatever you want.’

‘I do like to plot.’

‘Hey, guess what?’ Gabriela gives a delighted clap. ‘The toilets all have eco flushes and refillable soap holders.’

‘Yeah,’ says Freddy. ‘And they’re cleaned five times a day. So you needn’t fear your silk jumpsuits on the bathroom floor.’

We reach a light, bright space of ergonomic chairs, more lush green plants and gleaming wood desks.

‘This is our space.’ Gabriela sits on a pink, office chair and spins around, then pushes herself across the smooth, herringbone floor. ‘Wheee! Great, right?’

Duncan takes a seat at one of the desks, sipping on green juice and grinning at his new computer.

Alan, instead of booking holidays, is working on a spreadsheet. He’s ditched his leather cap as well as his jacket and looks younger and more cheerful.

‘Little Voice will be a big voice by the end of this year,’ says Freddy. ‘The clothes maketh the man, Katerina. And the office maketh the business. Success is rarely, if ever, defined as fag-smelling, pigeon-hole-sized offices by a rumbling tube line. Righty-o. Shall we grab a freshly-ground coffee and talk over branding at Royal Ascot? You’re meeting Ahmet and Marcus there. Right?’

‘Correct.’

‘That’s … good.’ Freddy hesitates. ‘But listen, Kat. Keep your eyes open for other dates too, alright? Ascot is a great place to meet eligible men.’

‘Oh, I don’t see the need for that,’ I say. ‘Marcus or Ahmet will do me just fine. Unless there’s something you know that I don’t?’

Freddy looks like he wants to say something. Something important. But then he frowns and says, ‘I’m guessing you take oat milk in your coffee? Right?’

‘Yes. I do.’

CHAPTER30

Royal Ascot has another name.

The husband maker.

Thousands of single women visit the event in their best hats, gloves and shoes every year, hoping to meet a high-ticket husband.

Freddy has always enjoyed Royal Ascot for business networking opportunities. The slew of champagne-drunk, well-groomed women throwing themselves at him is just a pleasant bonus. But Freddy is only interested in one woman today.

Kat.

She looks incredible. Freddy can’t take his eyes off her, and nor can any other man in the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot.

Kat wears a light pink, fitted dress that covers her shoulders, wrists and ankles, but hugs every curve of her body like she’s been sewn into it. Her hat is a stack of fake books, piled high on her head with a black veil falling over her tastefully made-up face. She looks like a billion dollars.

As Freddy shows Kat around the T&C private box, he finds himself wondering what it would be like if they were a couple. It would be suicide. But it would also be amazing. They could take over the world.

No. NO.

Freddy has a stern word with himself. Don’t think like that. No sleeping with the product. Enjoy her company with your testicles intact. But still … he has to admit that Katerina is by far the most interesting woman he’s ever met. And it’s not just about what she looks like. Looks are the least interesting thing about her. He glances at Kat again.

‘Stop checking your watch,’ he whispers. ‘It makes you look nervous.’

‘I am nervous,’ says Kat. ‘I’ve never been away from the team for this long before.’

‘That watch is a black-pearl Cartier,’ says Freddy, remembering how long it took him to find the one-of-a-kind timepiece that reflected Kat’s stormy personality. ‘And also a special edition. It does not deserve so many anxious glances. And your team will be just fine. You’ve only been away from them for an hour or so. They’ll cope.’

‘I’m not so sure,’ says Kat, checking her phone. ‘The office doesn’t function without me. Look, they’ve already called five times. Oh no, and now my nanny cam app isn’t connecting.’