25 The Mysterious Sinclair Commission
“Are you absolutely sure the call was legit?” I asked, pacing around my office while Cherry and Vera tracked me with their cyes.
“I checked,” Cherry nodded, her pink hair bobbing. “The number matches the official Sinclair Enterprises contact line. It’s legitimate, Hazel.”
Vera leaned against my desk, arms crossed. “You literally have no idea who the Sinclairs are, do you?”
I stopped pacing. “Should I?”
“They’re beyond elite,” she explained. “They don’t appear in magazines or attend public events. They own half the tech patents in the country and have their fingers in national defense
contracts.”
“And they want me to design a dress?” I frowned. “It doesn’t make sense.”
My phone rang again. I snatched it up nervously. “Hazel Shaw speaking.”
“Ms. Shaw, Walter Reed from the Sinclair Estate again,” came the polite voice. “I wanted to confirm tomorrow’s appointment and address any concerns you might have.”
I swallowed hard. “Actually, Mr. Reed, I was wondering why the Sinclairs selected me specifically. I’m not exactly a household name.”
There was a pause. “Mr. Sebastian Sinclair has followed your career with great interest. He believes your aesthetic would perfectly suit Mrs. Sinclair’s tastes.”
That answer raised more questions than it answered.
“I see. About the location-”
“The Sinclair Estate isn’t on public maps, Ms. Shaw. That’s why we insist on sending transportation. Security reasons, you understand.”
I definitely did not understand. Who needed that level of privacy?
“Of course,” I lied. “I’ll be ready at 10 AM tomorrow.”
After hanging up, I turned to find both women staring at me with wide eyes.
“Did he just say the estate isn’t on maps?” Cherry whispered.
Vera’s expression had shifted from excitement to concern. “Hazel, maybe this is…”
“A trap?” I finished her sentence. “What would they want with me?”
“Not a trap, Vera backtracked quickly. “But unusual. The Sinclairs are notoriously private. No
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25 The Mysterious Sinclair Commission
one gets invited to their estate.”
Cherry bit her lip. “Maybe they saw the hospital video and are Team Hazel?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Yes, I’m sure billionaire defense contractors spend their time following socialite drama.”
“You never know,” Cherry shrugged. “Rich people are weird.”
I sank into my chair, suddenly exhausted. “Should I turn it down? It feels like stepping into the unknown.”
Vera’s face softened. “Hazel, what’s the worst that could happen? You’re already the ‘fallen socialite‘ and ‘deposed wife‘ according to tabloids. This could change everything for your brand.”
She was right. I had nothing left to lose.
“Fine,” I nodded firmly. “I’ll go. But if I disappear tomorrow, you know who to blame.”
Cherry giggled nervously. “I’ll call the police if you don’t text by noon.”
“Make it 11,” I corrected with a half–smile.
The next morning, my phone rang precisely at 9:45 AM.
“Ms. Shaw? Your transportation has arrived.”
I peered through the blinds of my apartment. Parked outside was a sleek, black car that looked more like a presidential vehicle than a taxi.
Cherry arrived minutes later, breathless with excitement. “Is that—‘
“Our ride, apparently,” I confirmed, grabbing my portfolio and bag.
When we stepped outside, the driver—a tall man in an immaculate uniform–opened the rear door with a slight bow. “Ms. Shaw, Ms. Chen. Welcome.”
I hesitated before sliding into the most luxurious car interior I’d ever seen. Cherry followed, her eyes wide with wonder.
“This is a Hongqi L5,” she whispered to me. “They’re like a million dollars and custom–made. Not even available outside China except for diplomats and-”
“Special clients, the driver finished with a small smile in the rearview mirror. “Mr. Sinclair appreciates fine craftsmanship, much like yourself, Ms. Shaw.”
The car glided away from the curb, the engine so quiet I could barely hear it. The windows were tinted to near opacity, making it impossible for anyone to see in–or for us to see out clearly.
Cherry clutched my arm. “This is both the coolest and scariest thing that’s ever happened to
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25 The Mysterious Sinclair Commission
me.”
I nodded mutely, suddenly aware of how strange this situation was. We were headed to an unmapped location in a diplomatic–level vehicle to meet a family so powerful they apparently existed outside normal society.
“How long is the drive?” I asked the driver, trying to sound casual.
“Approximately forty minutes, Ms. Shaw. There are refreshments in the console if you require anything.”
Cherry immediately investigated, finding a hidden compartment with chilled water, pastries, and fresh fruit.
“Wow,” she mouthed silently to me, taking a delicate sip of water.
As the city gave way to lush countryside, I tried to calm my nerves by preparing mentally. I opened my tablet and reviewed my portfolio, considering which designs might appeal to an older, wealthy woman with highly exclusive tastes.
“You’re nervous,” Cherry observed quietly.
“Wouldn’t you be?” I replied. “This commission could make or break us.”
Cherry nodded sympathetically. “Just be yourself. Your designs speak for themselves.”
I wished I had her confidence. After everything with Alistair and Ivy, my self–assurance had taken a serious hit. Part of me still wondered if this was some elaborate prank–that we’d arrive only to find Alistair and Ivy laughing at how desperate I was for a big client.
The car turned onto a narrow road flanked by dense trees. After passing through an imposing gate with armed guards, we continued up a winding driveway. The trees eventually gave way to reveal an estate that took my breath away.
It wasn’t just a mansion–it was practically a palace, sprawling across manicured grounds with architectural elements that seemed to blend ancient Chinese design with modern luxury. Fountains dotted the circular driveway, and uniformed staff stood at attention near the
entrance.
“We have arrived,” the driver announced, pulling to a smooth stop before the grand entrance.
Cherry grabbed my hand. “Hazel, this is real. This is happening.”
I squeezed back, suddenly grateful for her presence. “Let’s not embarrass ourselves.”
As the driver opened our door, a distinguished older man in formal attire descended the steps to greet us.
“Ms. Shaw, Ms. Chen,” he bowed slightly. “I am Walter Reed. Welcome to Sinclair Estate.”
I stepped out, clutching my portfolio like a shield. “Thank you for inviting us.”
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25 The Mysterious Sinclair Commission
“The pleasure is ours,” he replied smoothly. “Mrs. Sinclair has been looking forward to meeting you. And Mr. Sebastian Sinclair will join you shortly.”
As Walter led us up the grand steps, I felt a strange sensation–like I was crossing a threshold into a different world entirely. Whatever lay beyond those massive doors would change everything. I was certain of it.
I glanced at Cherry, who looked as awestruck as I felt. With a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and followed Walter into the mysterious domain of the Sinclair family, leaving behind the familiar world I knew–and stepping into something entirely unknown.
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