Page 107 of Before Dawn

A beat passed. Then, finally, “Okay,” she whispered.

“What time are you off today?”

“Eight.”

“You’ve been there since seven,” I pointed out, a frown tugging at my brow.

“Yeah, but it’s fine. I don’t mind. The library’s a great fit for me, and everyone’s really nice.”

“I’m glad,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips. “Just promise me you won’t overwork yourself.”

The irony wasn’t lost on me.Hypocrite.

A knock at my door pulled me back. Sapphire stepped in, signaling that the clients were ready.

“The clients are here. I’ll see you later,amor.”

“Later,” she whispered.

The call ended, but the weight of her voice stayed with me. Later. Too far away.

Sapphire ushered the clients into my office, and I greeted them with a welcoming smile, instantly switching gears to professionalism.

“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Astar. It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I said, motioning for them to sit.

Alexandria and Edmund Astar were powerhouses in East Coast real estate, owning several high-end properties across the globe. Everyone wanted to work with them, but only a select few made the cut. Today, I was one of them.

“Likewise, Mr. Suarez,” Edmund responded, his voice carrying authority.

“We’ve heard excellent things about your services from Dr. Ronan Romano and our lawyer, Mr. Arnoldo Reyes,” Alexandria added, her tone poised and assured.

“I appreciate their recommendation,” I replied, making a mental note to thank Ronan and Arnoldo later.

They wasted no time outlining the specifics of a private driver contract for their daughters, detailing their expectations with clarity.

“Their schedules can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key,” Edmund explained. “We also value discretion and professionalism above all else.”

“I understand,” I nodded. “We pride ourselves on both, ensuring privacy and providing top-tier service.”

“We’d also prefer someone well-versed in the city’s layout, especially for last-minute changes,”Alexandria added.

Edmund met my gaze. “We’ve done our research, Mr. Suarez. With the praise your company has received, we’re certain you’re the only one we want to work with. We’d like to know if you’ll take us on as clients.”

The decision was easy. “I’ll personally oversee the selection of a driver who meets your full requirements once they’re officially drafted,” I assured them. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to serve your family.”

“It’s our pleasure, Mr. Suarez.” Edmund stood, his handshake firm, decisive—an unspoken acknowledgment that this deal was worth both our time.

As they left my office, I turned to Sapphire with a satisfied grin. “That went well. Looks like we’ve landed another valuable client.”

Sapphire nodded, her tone equally pleased. “Absolutely, Mr. Suarez. The Astar family is a major addition. I’ll start on the paperwork and follow up with them to finalize the details.”

“Perfect,” I replied, leaning back in my chair. “Keep me updated. I want everything seamless—no room for errors.”

Sapphire gave a sharp nod. “Of course.”

As she exited the office, I swiveled my chair toward the window, gazing at the cityscape beyond. Another win. Another step toward making Elite Rides unstoppable.

Today was a disaster in slow motion.

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