Page 105 of The Billionaire's Destiny

“How was your flight from Florence?”

“Fine. We’ve been back a week now, but we’ll be traveling to Los Angeles soon.”

“Is Rocco filming there, or is it the Oscars?” she asked.

“For films and a fundraiser I’m starting.”

Her brows rose. “Oh, I’d love to hear more about it. But let me first show you to your office.”

My jaw dropped. “I have an office?” I hadn’t expected it since I worked remotely.

“We’re a hybrid office,” she said. “Some of us who live in the city like coming in, and those who live farther away visit for events or meetings.”

To my delight, the office felt more like a sunlit library than a typical corporate maze. Books lined the walls, cubiclessat between shelves, and every desk had personal touches like family photos that made it feel welcoming.

“We try to make it work for everyone. Are you two planning to be based in New York City?”

“We’re considering Florence, to be honest.”

“I love Florence, but the British Virgin Islands is my base. We also have a home on the Upper West Side. You’re in the village?”

“Yes, a loft in Tribeca…” My voice trailed off as I walked in. The room was spacious, with light pouring through two large windows and a view of the city. Framed covers of my work hung on the walls, and a small library filled with books on design, Scottish history, and folklore caught my attention. I was drawn to them immediately.

“I put those there to give you a feel for the projects you’re working on, but you won’t always have to do fantasy unless you want to,” she said. “I hope to bring you on to a contemporary project in the future. What do you think?”

“I’d love to hear more about it,” I said, feeling excited. “Is this how it usually works?”

“Here it does. After you’ve been here a while, you’ll have more choices. That’s how it was for me. I started just a block from here as a literary assistant.”

“You did?” I said politely. I read her biography, though I hadn’t considered the location.

“Sometimes life is only a mile…” she said, staring dreamily for a moment, then turned to me. “My biggest assignment was to get Jonas Crane to sign with our small company.” She rolled her eyes and playfully hid her face. “Something only the young would dare to try.”

“It all worked out,” I said with a smile. They ended up married.

“It did,” she said. “I’m extremely happy. How are you?”

“I’m great,” I said, resting my hand on my stomach.

“How many months until the baby comes?” she asked.

“At least seven…and I plan to keep working most of the time.”

She nodded. “We can work with your schedule. We’re all excited to have you here, and I know they’re all eager to meet you. I’ll introduce you around, and then we’ll have a late lunch in the conference room.”

“I’d love that,” I said, following her into the main part of the office and straight over to the first cubicle where a woman was seated before a computer and typing in corrections on an open manuscript. She had pencils in her messy bun, and when she stood, I could see that her floral, corduroy skirt went to her ankles.

“This is Tallulah Clark, named after Tallulah Bankhead,”

“The famous actress and social advocate?” I asked.

Tallulah shrugged. “Yep, that one. I wish I could tell you it was because of how amazing Tallulah was, but actually, my dad named me. He was obsessed with her because he had a fetish for women that wore pearls and smoked cigarettes. Mom didn’t like it. That’s why they’re divorced.” She laughed, and so did Lily, so I joined in. “Not exactly the tale to introduce me, but you’ll remember me out of the many editors.”

I believed I would.

Lily introduced me to more colleagues, sharing a personal detail or inside joke about each one. With every introduction, I stood a little taller and felt my confidence grow. The way she made each meeting feel special and gave me a chance to connect with each person was remarkable. I was truly impressed by her.

She saved the art department for last. I could see a wall of the recent covers, including my own work, amongst some of the best. My eyes stung with the overwhelming emotions of the moment.It’s me, Adelina. The girl on the sidewalk drawing in an old notebook. I’m standing in an office looking at my illustrated cover!