The grandfather clock in the hall struck five as I checked my watch for the third time. She was late. Five minutes late, to be exact. Not that I was counting.
I paced the length of the grand staircase, my footsteps echoing through the empty foyer. The staff had been instructed to make themselves scarce during the house tour. This needed to be private—professional. Just a business arrangement being settled.
"Mr. Blackwell?"
Her voice made me turn sharply. Evelyn stood at the top of the stairs, one hand resting uncertainly on the banister. The green dress I'd selected fit her perfectly, highlighting curves I'd never noticed when she wore those shapeless office clothes. Her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders instead of the tight bun she usually wore.
For a moment, I couldn't sp
