96. The Offer.

Nicolette took a walk inside her new building, watching as the men got to work. She had expected the designers to be around as well, but they were not.

She went upstairs and watched as some men were peeling off the ceiling panels and measuring them. When she realized she was in their way, she quietly stepped aside and left.

Just as she got outside, a young man bumped into her.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, ma'am," he said, stepping back quickly.

She immediately recognized him. "Tom?"

"Yes, ma'am," he nodded. "It's me."

"Nice to meet you," she said, extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you too, ma'am." Tom shook her hand, then he glanced down. "Do you need help with that?"

Nicolette followed his gaze and she froze. Lucian's gift was still lying near the entrance. The delivery woman had actually left it there.

Anger surged through her as she forced herself not to think about him.