Chapter 11 : Blank Canvas

*Lily*

Grace’s whole demeanor had changed when I said I needed to think about it. Frosty came to mind. I could tell she was a woman who got what she wanted, and she’d failed to seal the deal with me.

I hoped that she wasn’t going to be in trouble with William. As powerful as he was, I couldn’t imagine him angry with anyone. The memories of us star gazing under the planetarium’s dome, with his little boy grin, told me what kind of a man he really was.

I’d left Grace in the suite and decided to walk a few blocks. The sun shone brightly now, drying the trees, flowers, and park benches. Vendors pulled back their awnings, and servers dried off outside tables. The idea of the new apartment began to grow on me. I should be incredibly grateful for this opportunity. What was wrong with me?

Then I knew what it was—William. We hadn’t spoken since the date, and he had his assistant make the offer. What was his angle? Why hadn’t he called me himself?

Grace had proposed the new collectio