Chapter 491

Chapter 491:

I knew he was jealous of Fabrizio.

The look on his face this morning when he dropped me off said so.

But he had no reason to be.

I was engaged to him. I didn’t break promises. Not unless someone gave me a damn good reason—like Rhys had, when he slapped me. It was only once, sure. But once is all it takes.

“There it is again,” Fabrizio’s voice snapped me back. “That look. I don’t mean to pry, but if there’s anything I can do, just say the word. You’re important to the company. I know I’ve piled a lot on you lately, but I don’t want you feeling like you’re stranded in a foreign city with no support p>

“I’m not alone. Ashton’s here.” The words came out on autopilot.

“Right. Forgot about that p>

Up ahead, Louis-François and Peter Carl were locked in a full-body debate, arms flailing like they were conducting an invisible orchestra. I half expected someone to get smacked in the face.

The breeze shifted, bringing the scent of lilac and fresh baguettes.

Paris was gorgeous. My job was picking up speed, I was working with great people, and I was engaged to the best man I knew.

So why did it feel like something was about to go sideways?

“Thanks for your concern. I’m fine, really.” I smiled at Fabrizio.

He gave me a smile in return, then nodded toward some nearby tables. “Let’s sit. Café L’Oiseau Bleu, just there. We’ll get some lunch and go over your sketches. This afternoon, I’ll take you to Square des Peupliers. You were after the perfect pearl tone, weren’t you? There’s a Haussmann building with the exact creamy white you need p>

That pulled me back into work mode. “Actually, I’ve changed my mind about the necklace p>

“I’m leaning towards South Sea pearls. I know they’re expensive, but the size—10mm at least—is just awesome, and that color.” I let out a little sigh, already picturing it.

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When I moved into his house, Ashton had filled my new wardrobe with designer clothes, shoes, and basically every jeweler’s dream.

Including a South Sea pearl necklace. I’d actually slept hugging it. For several nights. With zero shame.

Fabrizio nodded. He got it. “That golden hue is one-of-a-kind p>

“Right? It’s better than actual gold. And the luster. God, it’s like velvet p>

“I know a few pearl farms in Broome. Sourcing them wouldn’t be hard. But the cost.” He hesitated. “You know the budget’s tight right now p>

I sighed. “Yeah. Maybe we stick with Akoyas. Can’t go wrong with the classics p>

“Your fiancé’s an investor, isn’t he p>

“I think so?” I said, a bit vague. With all Ashton’s businesses, it was hard to keep track.

Although, he’d bought Nyx Collective for me. Did that count?

“Any chance he’d be interested in Valmont & Cie?” Fabrizio’s tone was light, casual.

“I’d have to ask. Are you hoping he’ll invest p>

“At this point, I’d welcome a divine miracle—or a solid injection of capital. The bankers are basically living on my doorstep. I’d like to get home without tripping over one p>

I blinked. “I didn’t realize it was that bad p>