Xavier sat behind his desk, sifting through a thick stack of documents. The buzz of the city outside was a distant hum compared to the ticking clock on his office wall. He had spent the better part of the morning combing through supplier agreements and refining the terms for the Dravin proposal, fine-tuning every clause to ensure the company's position remained solid.
But even with the paperwork in front of him, his mind lingered on the upcoming meeting. Richard Dravin wasn't the type to be swayed by spreadsheets and projections alone. Xavier needed more than numbers this time.
His assistant entered quietly, placing a file on his desk. "The preferences of Mrs. Dravin, sir."
Xavier nodded, flipping the file open immediately. Inside were detailed notes about her style—a preference for minimalist elegance, an eye for rare fabrics, a love for soft yet structured designs. She had a clear fondness for muted colors with delicate accents, often favoring pieces that felt intimate and tailored specifically for her.
"Did you confirm these?"
"Yes, sir. I cross-referenced her public appearances, past designer commissions, and private orders through her usual ateliers. This is as accurate as we can get."
Xavier tapped the edge of the folder thoughtfully. "We need a designer who can deliver something that speaks directly to her tastes."
His assistant hesitated, then cautiously suggested, "There is one designer who's already working closely with you… someone who's familiar with your style, your preferences… and by extension, might easily align with what Mrs. Dravin appreciates."
Xavier glanced up. "Who?"
"Amara, sir. The seamstress handling your wedding suit and your fiancée's dress."
He paused, considering it. Amara wasn't a high-profile designer. She didn't carry the weight of global fashion houses behind her name. But her work—it was sharp, clean, meticulous. Every stitch he'd seen was intentional. She didn't follow trends; she built something that quietly demanded attention.
"She's not the obvious choice," Xavier murmured, more to himself.
"Exactly why she might be the perfect one. Mrs. Dravin values exclusivity. A gift from an unknown but highly skilled designer would feel more intimate, more thoughtful. It would stand out."
Xavier drummed his fingers on the table, his mind already moving through the logistics. "How fast can Amara take on a new project?"
"We'll have to ask her."
"But.
"Her schedule seems flexible enough to handle urgent requests. Besides, she has been meeting tight deadlines for your wedding preparations."
"Reach out to her. Set up an appointment this afternoon."
"Yes, sir."
His assistant left to make the arrangements while Xavier leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the skyline outside his window. His decision was purely tactical. He needed the best person for the job, and right now, Amara fit that role. There was no room to hesitate.
He returned to the documents on his desk, but this time, his focus was sharper. He had a lead, a plan, and just enough time to make it work.
And for now, that was all he needed.