Olivia’s POV

The phone rang, its shrill tone slicing through the quiet of my office at Sparkvibe Studio. I glanced at the screen and saw the name: Mr. Gardner, the head of Gardner Preserves, one of the top canned food processors in the region. My stomach knotted with a mix of hope and apprehension as I picked up the call, steadying my voice.

“Olivia Thompson speaking,” I said, aiming for a calm and professional tone.

“Miss Thompson?” came Mr. Gardner’s voice, deep and tinged with ...