Page 32 of The Silver Fox Brother

He doesn't push, which I appreciate. Fletcher knows the history—knows Conrad wanted me to take over Sterling Commercial, knows I walked away and built something competing directly with the family firm, knows the rift that created isn't something that gets fixed over canapes and champagne at garden parties.

"Well," Fletcher says after a moment, "at least you showed up. That's something."

"Diane seems to think so."

He sits on the bench across from me, lacing his shoes.

"Speaking of showing up—how's the Sterling Tower project? I saw that email this morning about Vertex."

Right. Back to business.

"The design team bailed for a Dubai contract. Effective immediately."

Fletcher winces. "That's brutal timing."

"It's manageable. I've got Marcus compiling a shortlist. I'll review it this afternoon, make a decision, and move forward."

"Timeline still viable?"

"Six months to model unit installation. December investor tours. It's tight, but doable if I find the right designer this week."

"This week?" Fletcher raises an eyebrow.

"That's aggressive."

"The Steinberg Group made their next funding tranche contingent on having a confirmed designer. I told them I’ll have a new team by Friday."

"So you have three days."

"I have three days."

Fletcher shakes his head, grinning slightly.

"You know most people would panic in this situation."

"I'm not most people."

"No. You're really not."

He finishes tying his shoes, stands, grabs his gym bag from the locker.

"Drinks tonight at The Henley. 7pm. James is coming. You should actually relax for once."

"I relax."

"You compete. There's a difference." He slings the bag over his shoulder.

"But seriously. Come tonight. Sarah's driving me insane with nursery paint samples. I need adult conversation that doesn't involve the merits of 'Gentle Cream' versus 'Whisper White.'"

"Those sound like the same color."

"THAT'S WHAT I SAID." He laughs.

"See you at 7. And Knox?"

"Yeah?"

"Find a good designer. Don't just settle for whoever's available. This project deserves the best."