The sun dipped below the horizon, painting The Cliffs in a warm, golden hue that promised a delightful evening. The cozy breakfast room couldn’t accommodate the addition of Lara, Katherine, and Seven. Without hesitation, Kasra informed the kitchen staff to move dinner to the formal dining room, a venue spacious enough to seat thirty comfortably. Meanwhile, Harper, still in their midst, received an eager invitation from Sana and Kian to join the gathering.

  As the appointed hour approached, a steady stream of family and guests filtered into the formal dining room. At the head of the grand, elongated table, Sadra and Ami settled in, their faces radiating warmth and welcome. To their right, Kasra and Lara sat beside each other, while Kian sat next to Harper, who seemed both thrilled and slightly apprehensive. Across from them, Sana took her place beside Seven, flanked by a famished Katherine, who had skipped her lunch. Further down the table, Kimi nestled between Katherine and Kayan, completing the seating arrangements.

  Ami’s sharp gaze swept the space, landing on Harper with a twinkle of intrigue. “Kian, who did you invite for dinner this evening? Why don’t you introduce her to us?”

  Kian’s handsome features lit up. “Mom, this is Harper Lange.”

  Ami’s brows arched, pleasantly surprised. “Harper! We’ve heard so much about you. Sana’s always saying your design ideas resonate with hers. We’re excited to see the transformation of the east wing. Thank you for stepping in while Sana is indisposed. I hope we haven’t caused you too much trouble.”

  Under the unexpected spotlight, Harper beamed bashfully. “Mrs. Shahi, it’s truly no trouble at all. Collaborating with Sana on the east wing project has been a joy.”

  Ami’s smile deepened, radiating maternal affection. “Harper, please call me Aunt Ami, alright?”

  “Of course, Aunt Ami,” Harper replied, her apprehension slowly melting away.

  Seizing the opportunity, Ami pressed on. “Were you classmates with Sana?”

  “Yes, we met at Harvard,” Harper admitted, her expression softening with the memory. “We bonded over our shared passion for architecture and design. Coincidentally, we’re both Virginians and neighbors in the same apartment building. We leaned on each other during the pandemic lockdown. I’ve always seen her as my lil’ sister since I’m two years older.”

  “What do your parents do?” Ami asked, her voice light, though Harper sensed a hint of polite scrutiny.

  “My mother teaches music, and my father teaches art—both are professors at George Mason University,” Harper answered with a tentative edge.

  Ami’s eyes gleamed with understanding as she ventured a guess. “I assume your mother named you?”

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  Harper giggled, disarmed by Ami’s charm. “Yes, she did! To her disappointment, I didn’t inherit her musical talent, only my father’s artistic ability. Serves her right for giving me a boy’s name!”

  Laughter erupted around the table, further easing the atmosphere.

  Ami, drawn to Harper’s bubbly personality, continued her questions. “What was your undergrad major?”

  “Architecture, with a minor in interior design,” Harper said, a hint of pride in her winsome voice.

  “Impressive! So, you started your own firm after earning your MBA?” Ami’s question encouraged Harper to share more.

  Harper hesitated, her current career uncertainty weighing on her. “I’m freelancing, still deciding whether to start my own firm or join a larger one. Regardless, building my portfolio is crucial.”

  Kian, sharp as a tack, interjected. “Harper, how about joining my firm? I’ve seen your work on the east wing project, and you have a solid foundation in architecture and design. If you’re considering a major firm, why not get a taste of it with me?”

  Harper perked up, her pulse quickening. “What’s the name of your firm?”

  “Prime Dynamics,” he murmured, exuding casual confidence.

  Her surprise quickly turned to excitement. “P–Prime Dynamics? Your firm is Prime Dynamics?”

  “Mmhmm,” Kian confirmed, his tone cool as a cucumber. “So, would you consider joining us?”

  “Could I? I’ve been freelancing for about a year and have landed only a few projects close to the scale of the east wing, but Prime Dynamics is the crème de la crème!” Harper exclaimed, her heart racing.

  Kian’s grin widened, pleased by her enthusiasm. “For a recent grad, managing projects of such scale is quite an accomplishment. Working at Prime would expose you to much more, and you could expand your horizons. With your MBA, you could climb the corporate ladder or even establish your own brand.”

  Gratitude flooded Harper, a warm sense of validation settling in. “Thank you, Kian! Joining a prestigious firm like Prime is every architect’s dream! This means the world to me.”

  Kian felt a swell of satisfaction as their conversation unfolded. “How soon do you think you could finish the east wing? Ideally, I’d like to wrap it up before you officially join Prime.”

  After some contemplation, Harper estimated, “Today is the 21st. I should be able to finish everything, including the lower basement, by the end of the month.”

  “Let’s set your official start date for December 1st. You can take November to tie up loose ends or simply breathe,” Kian suggested in his usual calm, measured tone.

  Harper was beyond ecstatic. “That sounds perfect!”

  Kian’s thoughts matched her emotions, though he kept them from showing. “I’ll have legal prepare a contract and bring it to you when it’s ready. Please send me your resume and let me know what kind of remuneration package you have in mind.”

  “I’ll send my CV when I get home; it’s not on my iPad,” Harper said.

  “Great. I look forward to it,” Kian replied, pleased with how things were developing.

  As their conversation settled, the quick-witted Sana chimed in. “Kian, are you assigning a mentor for Harps?”

  Kian shot a grateful look at his perceptive sister. “She’s a good seedling. I’ll personally mentor her.”

  Sana arched a brow, a mischievous giggle escaping her lips. “Good things come to those who wait, right, Harps?”

  Harper nodded enthusiastically, her smile stretching from ear to ear. “I’m truly honored to have you as my mentor, Teacher Kian. I’ll work hard to make you proud!”

  “I’m looking forward to that,” Kian remarked, lifting his glass to her, and she mirrored the gesture.

  “Cheers.” Their glasses clinked together, sealing the beginning of their mentor-mentee relationship.

  Baby steps, Kian! Baby steps! Don’t scare the girl away!