“I know. I can change the game, Jules. Do you know how many high-end designers burn excess inventory every year rather than let the ‘wrong’ clientele have it at a discount? They’ll want to show up on this site—they won’t take it for granted that people will buy whatever crap that shows up just because it has a label. They’ll want to be on the front page, the top designers list, all that. We’ll have a VIP mailing list for special clients who want early access to new items. And that’s another thing: we don’t call them customers. They’re clients.”

“I get the picture. How do I fit into it? I don’t have a background in web design or business.”

He pooh-poohed that with a shrug. “The whole point of entry-level is that you’d go up from there.”

She took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. This was way too much to take in after the way her day had started. Think. “It’s really exciting, Simon, but you’re a creative director, not—”

He shook his head. “I’ve been Vivian’s right-hand man for more years than I care to count. I’ve seen every aspect of this industry. Trust me on this one: I can pull off a start-up.”

“But Vivian…” Jules whispered, imagining her face when she got the news. He’d been her go-to guy forever, and for him to waltz out the door on the same day Jules was fired…

“If I wait for Vivian to give me the go-ahead, I’ll be stuck here forever. I’m ready to move on. She’s not the only one with vision.” He took a deep breath. “I won’t lie to you. This is a huge undertaking, and it’s risky. Bringing people together, mixing new blood with established talent, trying to figure out what sells as fast as possible. But Georg wants it. And he’s making sure that Vincent Wright wants it too.”

Vincent Wright. The CEO from the Boxing Day luncheon who was into Broadway musicals. This had to be a dream.

“We’ve got more venture capital from Delton Wright, full backing.” He leaned forward. “I want you to be a part of it too. I’ve seen your work ethic; I’ve seen how fast you learn. As soon as I knew it was going to come together, I thought of you.”

That sounded more polite than plausible, but he did appear sincere. “Thanks.”