Sensing a shift in his demeanor, Linsey felt a prickle of unease, though she couldn t pinpoint why. Maintaining her poise, she answered, Linsey Brooks.

Linsey, Winslow echoed, his smile brimming with unexpected warmth. A lovely name it fits you perfectly.

Linsey thanked him, but Winslow, in a boisterous burst, slapped his thigh and called out, Come on, sit on my lap.

Linsey s stomach churned at Winslow s behavior.

Since he was a client, and their project discussion was yet to begin, Linsey swallowed her disgust at his sleazy overtures.

With measured courtesy, she declined, Mr. Cooper, surely you re teasing. There are plenty of chairs here I ll pick one at random.

Winslow, notorious for his short fuse, bristled at defiance. Her words erased his grin, a spark of irritation flaring in his eyes.

He studied her from head to toe, noting her refined features and clear gaze, and concluded her reticence stemmed from inexperience. This realization lifted his mood, and he chose to let it slide with a magnanimous air.

If you prefer a chair, suit yourself, Winslow said, casting a pointed look at the executive beside him.

The executive, quick to read the room, grabbed his wine glass and relocated. Winslow patted the now-empty chair next to him, flashing Linsey a wide, toothy smile. Come, take a seat right here.

Only the most prominent sit by your side, Mr. Cooper. I m hardly deserving, Linsey responded, selecting a chair at random. She sat with a polite smile, adding, I m perfectly fine here. For more chapters visit Find[?]ovel.net

Her maneuver cast a sudden chill over the room s atmosphere.

One executive, sensing Winslow s displeasure, offered a gentle nudge. Young lady, don t squander the privilege. Mr. Cooper s invitation is a rare honor.

Exactly, another chimed in, impatience lacing his tone. There s a line to coyness, miss. It s just a seat why the hesitation?

Soon, others joined the chorus, their voices piling on with disapproval. As the sole woman present, Linsey felt the weight of their scrutiny and reluctantly moved to the chair beside Winslow.

Settling in, she pivoted to business. Mr. Cooper, regarding the strategy for repurposing high-end fabrics

No need to dive into work just yet, Winslow cut in, pouring her a glass of wine with a jovial grin. The room s alive tonight. Business is dreary let s talk about something lighter first.

He slid the glass toward her. This is a 1986 Bordeaux, fresh from a French vineyard this morning. Give it a try.

As the wine glass neared her lips, Linsey instinctively leaned back. I m sorry, Mr. Cooper, I m allergic to alcohol I can t drink.

Winslow had heard that excuse before and brushed it off smoothly. Just a sip or two won t do any harm.

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