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My stomach tightens. "What factors would those be?"
"Office politics can be tricky," he says vaguely. "Especially when professional boundaries become... fluid."
Ice slides down my spine. He knows. Or at least, he strongly suspects. The question is: how much evidence does he have?
"I'm not sure what you're implying," I say, keeping my voice level.
"I'm not implying anything." His smile is all innocence. "I'm simply offering you a fresh start. A place where your success won't be questioned or attributed to... favorable circumstances."
The insinuation makes my cheeks burn, not with embarrassment but with anger. Before I can respond, Grant pivots smoothly.
"Your sister is quite talented as well, isn't she? Mia, correct? I believe she has an interview for Elysian's internship program."
The mention of Mia's name in his mouth feels like a violation.
"I make it my business to know about promising young talent." He stirs his coffee unnecessarily. "Our internship program at Grant Industries is considerably more prestigious than Elysian's. Higher stipend, more hands-on mentoring, better industry connections. I'd be happy to offer her a position directly. No interview necessary."
And there it is—the leverage I was waiting for him to play. Not subtle at all, which means he's either desperate or doesn't think much of my intelligence.
"That's very generous," I say carefully. "But Mia prefers to earn opportunities on her own merit."
"Of course she does," Grant agrees smoothly. "She sounds remarkably like her sister. But in this industry, connections matter. And your connection to me could be very beneficial for both of you."
I take a slow, deliberate sip of my now-cooling espresso. "As opposed to my connection to Roman, which you seem to be suggesting is... problematic."
Grant spreads his hands in a gesture of mock surrender. "I wouldn't presume to comment on your relationship with Roman. I simply know from experience that he can be... possessive of what he considers his."
The word choice—"what" rather than "who"—is deliberate. Everything about this man is deliberate, every sentence a calculated move in whatever game he's playing with Roman.
"I'm not a possession," I say flatly. "Not Roman's, not Elysian's, and certainly not yours."
"Precisely my point." Grant's smile takes on a satisfied edge. "Which is why I'm offering you a position based solely on your talent, with no... extracurricular complications."
My phone buzzes in my purse—a welcome interruption. "Excuse me," I murmur, retrieving it.
A text from Olivia:
Emergency Google session on your breakfast date. Grant has a pattern—hires talent away from rivals then fires them once damage is done. THREE former creative directors in 5 yrs. Call me ASAP.
I slide the phone back into my purse, a new clarity settling over me like a protective shield. This isn't about my talent. It never was.
"Let me be direct, Maxwell," I say, meeting his gaze steadily. "What exactly are you hoping to accomplish by hiring me? Because I suspect it has very little to do with my creative vision for luxury brands."
His expression shifts almost imperceptibly—respect, perhaps, or annoyance at being called out. "I'm building a team of the best talent in the industry. Your work speaks for itself."
"Does it?" I reach for my portfolio, which I've kept beside me. "Which concepts specifically impressed you?"
"All of them," he says smoothly. "Your entire approach is revolutionary."
I open the portfolio to a specific spread—a series of concept boards for Lumière's spring accessories line. "What about this design direction appealed to you the most?"
Grant examines the spread with practiced interest. "The boldness. The departure from conventional luxury messaging."
"Interesting." I tap one of the boards. "This concept was actually rejected. It never made it into the final presentation. I included it as a comparison point to show the evolution of the approved direction."
His expression doesn't change, but a muscle in his jaw tightens. "Even rejected concepts can reveal talent."
"True," I agree. "But if you were truly interested in my creative vision, you'd know which concepts were mine and which weren't. You're not looking at my portfolio—you're looking for leverage against Roman."