Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(40)

Alex nods, with a thoughtful air. “Sounds like a good plan. You can go ahead.” He stands up and moves back to his chair.

“But you didn’t check out the artists and paintings… What if you don’t like them?”

“It’s irrelevant if I like them or not; if you did your due diligence on them, I trust you.”

The phone rings. As Alex takes the call, I know it’s time for me to leave. I thank him and quickly retire.

Once I leave his office, a huge weight slips from my shoulders. Yes! I made it! I take the stairs down to the investment floor. I feel like hugging everyone, standing on my desk, dancing, and ordering tequilas for everyone. But I’m not Jordan Belfort. I just smile at Andrew, who’s staring and wondering how it went—all of a sudden, he looks cute and inoffensive.

“He approved it. Oh yeah,” I reply, doing a quick happy dance in front of him. “You see this one-point-five million-dollar fund? It’s just the beginning, I’m telling ya.”

“Alright, enough, Williams. I got it. Just bring the cash back.”

“Babe, I’ll bring more than the cash back.” I bite my tongue—that babe was a bit too much, but for now I couldn’t care less. I’m not even eighteen, yet here I am getting my own fund to invest in my biggest passion. I know I would’ve never had such an opportunity if I wasn’t a Van Gatt, but right now, at this precise moment, no one on this floor knows it but me.





The Hamptons, June 8, 2019





Mr. and Mrs. Hasenfratz have decided to host a summer gathering at their beach villa on Long Island—a small celebration before their dear and cherished daughter leaves for a culturally insightful European escapade. Ahem… Right… Though they don’t know how wild it will be, Emma and her squad have every intention of making it pretty insane, naughty, and memorable.

I join them for the weekend—a well-deserved break to chill. As I pictured, I’m finally lying in the pool, a freshly squeezed watermelon juice in one hand, and enjoying Emma’s continual chitchat about her latest conquests. “Laura, Carol, and I will be in Europe for the whole summer. Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”

“I’m actually quite busy these coming months with the internship. I’m investing in artwork to lease to galleries and museums. You know, I’m building up a nice collection. Alex approved my investment plan more easily than I thought.”

“With such determination, you’ll have your own gallery in no time, babygirl.”

“Well, the fund profits will go to Gatt-Dieren Capital. I’m entitled to a percentage, but not everything.”

“I see. Any cute interns or executives around?”

I shake my head in amusement. This Emma will never change. “Except the one you know, I don’t think so.”

“Damn, you’re such a lucky girl to have that hottie as your godfather.” I can’t help but blush at her enthusiasm. “Have you ever thought about…” she lets her words trail off while studying me.

“Thought about?”

“Well, you know… taking advantage of the situation…”

I blink twice in confusion. “What situation?”

“Oh, c’mon! Don’t be that naive. He’s not only handsome, but he also seems to care a lot about you… Maybe you could—”

“What’re you doing after the summer?” I promptly ask, changing the subject.

Emma chuckles, quite amused to see me that embarrassed from her talk. “I’m moving to Bali.”

What? I nearly choke on her answer, my heart skipping a beat. “You can’t be serious. Are you really gonna leave New York for good?”

“It’s just for a couple of months, maybe half a year. I have friends living there, so why not?”

“Half a year? You can’t leave me alone. What am I gonna do here without my bestie?”

“Oh, babygirl, you’re the sweetest. But you’ve got your life all figured out. Your dad must be proud. You’re building an amazing career for yourself. Then you’ve got your college planned at Columbia, and you’ll meet other like-minded people.” Emma sighs. “I need to figure out what I want in life.”

I feel my eyes watering. I want to convince her to stay, to remain here… but I know she craves adrenaline and globe-trotting. It’d be selfish not to encourage her.

“Well, New York without the one and only Emma Hasenfratz won’t be the same, believe me.” I give her a deep, big hug, my heart heavy and in pain. Emma hasn’t left yet, but I’m already missing her. We’ve been through so many adventures over the years, so much gossip, secrets, scandals, and above all, so much laughter. And now my big sister is leaving New York for at least six months. I let out a sigh, containing my tears.

“Would you at least promise to be here for my birthday? It’s December fifth, in case you don’t remember…”

“Babygirl, I won’t miss your eighteenth birthday for anything in this world. Ms. Hasenfratz will host the most exciting and daring party this city has ever had.”





At 1:20 a.m., I wish sleeping were easier. But the talk with Emma hasn’t left my mind since this afternoon. Not the one that she is leaving for Bali. No… Unfortunately, the other one. The one I wanted to avoid. So pathetic, Petra. Of course he’s nice and caring. After all, he’s your godfather…