Grant swallowed once, his dismissive laugh dying before he could finish a sentence.

“Caroline runs a small boutique decorating firm on Mill Street.”

“Seabrook Living is the lead architectural firm on three major coastal contracts this year,” Arthur corrected, turning back to Caroline.

“In fact, our board made her studio’s design approval a requirement for any developer bidding on the north wharf project.”

Grant stared at Arthur Vance, his mouth opening slightly before he caught himself.

Holloway Holdings had spent six months preparing a fifteen-million-dollar bid for that exact north wharf contract.