Chapter 957
[ 533 words ]
Chapter 957:
Ethan’s expression softened as he looked at me. “You don’t have to wait. I own a property in the new commercial district downtown. It’s a duplex penthouse with enormous windows, plenty of natural light, and enough space to turn into an excellent studio.”
I shook my head immediately. “Absolutely not. A place in the heart of downtown must cost a fortune. I’m only starting out again. There’s no reason to spend that much on a studio before I’ve even established myself.”
Before I could say anything else, he caught me by the waist and pulled me toward him, settling me comfortably across his lap. His arms circled me as he rested his chin against my shoulder. “Listen to me, Lianne. In the jewelry industry, appearances matter. Before clients know anything about your work, they’ll judge your business by what they see. The address and atmosphere of your studio can influence how potential customers and partners perceive you. If you choose somewhere tucked away, they may dismiss your business before they’ve even seen what you’re capable of.”
“But…”
“Don’t argue with me,” he cut in, though there was no real harshness in his voice. “A good location creates credibility, and credibility attracts business. You’re putting money into your future, not throwing it away.”
I remained unconvinced. “Ethan, the whole reason I’m starting on my own is because I want to build something with my own hands. If I begin by taking advantage of everything you have, then what’s the point? I don’t want my success to depend on your connections or possessions.”
𝗨𝗽d𝘢t𝖾𝘀 е𝘃е𝗋𝘆 w𝖾𝘦𝗄 𝗈ո 𝘨𝘢𝗅𝘯𝘰𝗏𝗲l𝗌.𝖼𝘰𝗺
He seemed to have expected that answer. A faint smile appeared on his lips. “Fine. Then we’ll treat it as a normal rental agreement. You can lease the property from me, and your rent will be twenty percent of whatever your studio earns each year. Fair enough?”
I frowned. “You’re still making things easier for me. Twenty percent of my revenue wouldn’t come close to matching what a downtown property like that would normally cost.”
His fingers moved gently through my hair as he answered in a calm but firm voice, “Lianne, you need to trust your own abilities. Your designs were good enough that companies were already trying to recruit you back then. You aren’t starting from nothing. You simply need somewhere to begin again. Stop worrying about whether you’ll fail. Whatever happens, I’ll be here to catch you.”
Warmth spread through my chest as I looked at him. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was taking advantage of him. “But you’re still giving me preferential treatment.”
His smile disappeared. He looked directly into my eyes, his voice becoming unusually serious. “Lianne, stop treating us like we’re two strangers who need to divide everything down the middle. Every time you refuse my help, it makes me feel as though I don’t truly have a place in your life.”
Something vulnerable flickered beneath his words.
His eyes carried a faint insecurity that he tried to hide, but I saw it.
My resistance melted instantly. I lifted both hands and held his face between my palms. “Ethan, you already have every part of me. You don’t have to question that I’m here, and my heart is here with you.”
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