Chapter 104
Mia’s POV
“Take a deep breath and read it again,” Scarlett instructed, perched on the edge of the sofa. “Every word. I want to make sure we’re not missing anything p>
I smoothed the letter from Bernard Leblanc on the coffee table, though it was already perfectly flat. My hands were trembling slightly.
“It’s all here,” I said, skimming the elegant letterhead once more. “Six-month initial consultancy, with option for extension or permanent position. Remote work possible for the first six months, then…” I paused, the implications hitting me fully. “Then relocation to Paris would be necessary p>
“Paris,” Scarlett repeated, testing the word. “You. Living in Paris p>
“It’s just a possibility at this point,” I reminded her, though my heart raced at the thought. “I haven’t even decided if I’m going to accept the consultancy p>
Scarlett gave me a look that clearly said she wasn’t buying my hesitation. “Please. You were practically glowing when you walked through that door. I haven’t seen you this excited about anything professional since… well, ever p>
She wasn’t wrong. The creative energy I’d felt in that studio, the respect with which Bernard had treated my ideas, the potential to work on projects that genuinely helped people… it was everything I’d ever wanted professionally.
“The timing is complicated,” I said, resting my hand on my bump. One of the twins-Twin B most likely-responded with a gentle kick against my palm. “They’d be, what, three months old when I’d need to make the decision about relocation p>
“So you’re considering it,” Scarlett noted, a small smile playing at her lips.
I sighed, leaning back into the plush cushions. “I’d be crazy not to, right? This is Leblanc & Associates. People dream of opportunities like this p>
“Including you,” she pointed out.
“Including me,” I admitted.
Scarlett moved to sit beside me, taking my hand in hers with uncharacteristic gentleness. “Talk to me, Mia. What’s really holding you back p>
I closed my eyes briefly, trying to sort through the tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. “It’s not just the babies, though that’s definitely part of it. It’s… everything. Mom just woke up from a decade-long coma. You’re in New York. My whole support system is there p>
“It seems I really do mean a lot to you.” Scarlett laughed. “You’re getting ahead of yourself. This is a six-month consultancy to start. Not a lifetime commitment. You don’t have to make every decision today p>
“I know.” I rubbed my temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache. “It’s just a lot to process p>
“Which is why,” Scarlett announced, standing with sudden determination, “we’re going to table this discussion until tomorrow, get you some lunch, and then do something completely non-stressful this afternoon p>
My stomach rumbled on cue, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. “Something non-stressful sounds perfect. What did you have in mind p>
“Actually,” Scarlett looked slightly sheepish, “Morton arranged something for me this afternoon. A private tour of some auction house’s pre-sale exhibition. Apparently there’s a Modigliani he thinks would ‘complement the library’s southern wall’ or something equally pretentious p>
I chuckled. “That’s very Morton p>
“Indeed.” She rolled her eyes, but her expression was fond. “I was going to cancel, but if you’d rather have some time to yourself p>
The thought of a few hours alone was surprisingly appealing. As much as I loved Scarlett, her constant energy could be exhausting.
“Go,” I urged her. “Appreciate fine art. Buy something obscenely expensive. I could use a little downtime anyway p>
“You sure?” She studied my face. “I can reschedule p>
“Absolutely sure. Besides, I’ve been wanting to do a little exploring on my own p>
“Exploring?” Her eyebrows shot up. “What kind of exploring p>
“Nothing dramatic,” I assured her. “I just want to see some of the residential architecture in person. There are a few neighborhoods Bernard mentioned that sound interesting p>
“Busman’s holiday,” she teased. “You are such an architecture nerd p>
“Guilty as charged p>
“Fine, but remember the rules. No wandering into sketchy areas. No exhausting yourself. Check in regularly. And for god’s sake, take Henri with you p>
“Yes, mom,” I said dryly.
“I’m serious, Mia. I promised your actual mom I’d keep you safe, and Sarah Williams terrifies me p>
I laughed. “As she should. But I promise to be careful. Just a little architectural sightseeing, then back to the hotel for a nap before dinner p>
“Speaking of which,” she glanced at her watch, “we have a reservation at Le Cinq tonight. Thomas confirmed he can make it p>
“Ah,” I said carefully. “About Thomas p>
“I’m not matchmaking!” she protested immediately. “This is purely a celebratory dinner for your amazing job offer. Which, by the way, my brother will be extremely impressed by p>
“Scarlett p>
“What? I’m just stating facts. Besides, he specifically asked to be there when you got back from your meeting. He was genuinely interested p>
I sighed, too tired to argue the point. “Fine. Dinner with Thomas is fine p>
“Excellent!” She clapped her hands together. “Now, lunch. The kitchen sent up some kind of truffle quiche that smells divine p>
After a light lunch that was indeed divine, Scarlett left for her art excursion, extracting multiple promises from me about staying safe and checking in regularly. The moment the door closed behind her, the suite became blissfully quiet. Within my belly, the twins shifted lazily.
“Just us for a few hours,” I murmured, resting my hand on the spot where a small foot or elbow was pressing. “What shall we do with ourselves p>
My mind drifted back to Bernard’s words about the Jardin House-the mysteriously abandoned perfect home. Something about his tone when he’d mentioned it had sparked my curiosity. And now, with a few hours to myself…
I reached for my phone, opening the maps application to check the location of the 16th arrondissement relative to our hotel. Not too far, especially if I took Henri.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I texted Henri:
Chapter Wit fore fighting
Are you available for a short drive in about 30 minutes? Nothing strenuous, just some sightseeing.
His response came quickly
Of course, Madame. I’ll be waiting at the side entrance whenever you’re ready.
Perfect.