The invitations for the dinner party went out the next day. All of my department heads and their plus ones were invited. I also went over the menu with Benson before going to school.He helped me plan a sumptuous dinner that would show respect for my executives. Even though I had certain expectations, I wanted them to know they were valued and appreciated.Yesterday, Victor spent an hour going over the seating arrangements with me. He knows better than me as to who should be seated next to whom. All the guests should feel comfortable.I personally laid out the place cards this morning, and the best china and silver embossed with the Wilson crest were being used.Alex showed up in the main dining room, where we entertained large parties of guests and admired the work that had been done to make it look beautiful.“Everything looks perfect, sweetheart,” he said. “Your guests are going to love it.”“I hope so.” I linked arms with Alex. “Victor agreed to be my escort tonight, but I still t
“You don’t know what Casey Long wants to tell you?” Victor asked as we rode in the Lamborghini to the Long’s home.“Only that it has something to do with someone trying to take the company away from me,” I replied.“Do you think her husband is in on it?” Victor turned into a cul-de-sac and parked on the far side of the circle.I shrugged. “I have no idea. I’ll find out when she tells me.” I climbed out of the car with my bag of marshmallows.“Why did you bring marshmallows?” Victor grinned.“Because they taste good,” I replied. “Want to try one?”Victor looked at the squishy white masses and shook his head.“You don’t know what you’re missing,” I giggled at the horrified expression on his face.We made our way around the back of Mitch and Casey’s house, where we heard the sounds of talking and laughter.It was great to be invited to an event like this. I felt accepted by these Alphas. Since I had to work with them, it was a good feeling.“Look who’s here,” Victor said as he looked acr
“Daisy, she’s not worth it,” Victor said as he took my hand.But I shook him off and walked over to Karen. “William and I are friends. If you can’t get a boyfriend, don’t blame me. You are spoiled and unpleasant to be around.”“How …how dare you speak to me that way?” Karen sputtered. “You’re nothing. You were raised by Betas, and no self-respecting Alpha wants anything to do with you.”“Yes, I was raised by Betas,” I said. “And I have always avoided spoiled Alphas like you who think of nobody but themselves.”“And the fact that William doesn’t want to date you has nothing to do with me,” I continued. “William told Victor and I that he doesn’t like you. Everyone can see why.”Karen inhaled sharply and glared at me.I got in her face. “And you don’t know William at all if you think he would pursue another man’s fiancée. He has too much honor to do that. But then, honor isn’t something you would understand.”Gisele, her assistants, and the other customers in the store all listened with
“It feels strange leaving school before lunch,” I told Victor as we drove to the office.“We can have something to eat at your desk,” Victor said. “Tell your assistant when we get there what you want.”Principal Jones had temporarily shortened my school day even more, as long as it didn't affect my grades.I would miss having lunch with Amy and William, but he was still permitted to leave school early some days to help me study business matters at the office.Victor and I put in orders for sub sandwiches before my lesson began. I love learning something new, and this topic was fascinating.Today, Victor was beginning to teach me all about the stock market.“Let’s start with what stock shares are,” Victor said. “They are fractional pieces of a company that are sold to investors. The company puts that money to work to grow and improve the business.”“Like Wilson, Inc. has stockholders,” I said.“Correct,” Victor said.I wanted to understand as much as I could. I would rather have first-
“I thought we’d have dinner at Gilded,” Lana said. “I called ahead and made a reservation for a quiet booth.”“That sounds great,” I said. “I love their steak tartare.” I wanted to bring up the scene Lana had witnessed at my office. But explaining it away would involve more lying.Fate had intervened once again when she walked in on us and stopped something from happening between me and Victor that I would have regretted.My first kiss should be with someone I was in love with and who loved me. As incredibly hot and tempting as Victor is, he doesn’t even believe in love.Plus, I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I liked having him in my life and didn’t want to make things weird between us.Lana drove as fast and expertly as her son. We were soon pulling in front of the restaurant, and Lana hesitantly handed over her car keys to the valet.“I hope they don’t scratch my baby,” she mumbled.I smiled at her words, but I would feel the same way if I owned a car as extraordinary as hers.
My excitement grew from the moment I opened my eyes the following morning. I climbed from my bed and went outside onto my balcony to stretch and breathe in deep gulps of the fresh morning air.The sun's warmth shone on my face, and I spun in a circle as I chuckled to myself. It was going to be a wonderful day!After showering, I put on a wraparound dress that fell to just above my knees. With the dress, I wore simple gold jewelry and low-heeled sandals.Jennifer said I look perfect. The outfit was dressy but functional.Alex was in the family dining room having breakfast and coffee when I wandered into the room.“Have a wonderful day, sweetheart,” he said. “I wish I could go with you, but I’m not sure if I’m up to it yet.”I kissed his cheek and sat down to have some toast and scrambled eggs with him. Victor was picking me up before noon, and there wouldn’t be much time for lunch.But I was too excited to eat much and ended up waiting for him by pacing the foyer. I ran outside when I
“You and your daughter must leave right now,” I demanded.“Why?” John said with a sneer. “Don’t you want everyone to hear the truth?”Victor squeezed my hand, and I felt his strength flowing through me. It gave me the extra courage I needed at that moment.“The …the truth is, Mr. Cameron, is that you and your daughter are here only to make trouble,” I said.Despite my anger, I was trying to choose my words carefully. The Camerons were devious enough to spin my words to their advantage.But it was hard to think while arguing in front of all these people. If I started to stutter, my words would become meaningless. Nobody would take stammering seriously.I needed to give in to my anger just enough to let my words flow freely yet remain in control of myself.But Karen seemed intent on making me lose it on her.“How is enlightening these people about your scam causing trouble?” Karen yelled. “The only trouble that’s been caused is by you trying to pull the wool over these good people’s eye
After the triumph at the auction, my entire Sunday was spent studying. I finally put down a book on the use of AI in risk assessment around midnight when I couldn’t hold my eyes open any longer.Still dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, I collapsed onto my bed and slept until it was time to get ready for school Monday morning.When I arrived at school, I spotted Amy sitting on a bench near the tree where we always met. I could tell she was crying as soon as I got out of the car.But when she heard me approaching, she dried her eyes and tried to act normal.I sat down next to her. “What’s going on, Amy?”She shrugged. “I miss Justin. He wasn’t supposed to be gone this long.”“Have you heard from him?” I asked. My concern that he was going to ghost her was growing.“Yeah. We were texting last night,” she replied. “He seems okay, but I have the feeling something is wrong. I just want him to come home.”I didn’t know what to do. I knew what Justin’s problem was, but I didn’t think I should te
I woke to the enticing scent of dark roast coffee. I stretched and realized I had slept more than I thought I would that previous night. The smell of coffee grew stronger, and I felt steam on my nose.Opening my eyes, I saw Amy standing over me, waving a mug under my nose. “Wakey wakey,” she crooned. “It’s your wedding day. Victor expects to see you at the chapel in two hours.”I reached for the mug and took a sip. The coffee was laced with dark chocolate almond milk and a touch of steamed heavy cream.“Mmm, thanks, Amy. It’s just the way I like it,” I said. “This is such a treat.” I stretched again and took another sip.“Enjoy it, but don’t dawdle in bed,” Amy put her makeup bag on the nightstand. “You need to get in the shower and wash your hair. Anna will be here to help us soon.”After waiting for this day to come for so long, I was both ecstatic and a little nervous that something would go wrong.“Is it really going to happen?” I asked my best friend. “Am I really going to be his
Kayla kept her word. The estate that we named Juniper Acres because of the dozens of Juniper trees on the grounds became ours a few days after my talk with her.I liked the small trees. They had a pleasant, fresh, and woodsy scent, and the blue/ green berries were pretty and had many uses.Besides making arrangements for our wedding, Victor and I spent the last three weeks getting our mansion ready for us to move in. It was a labor of love, knowing it was all ours.We painted some of the rooms in different colors that we preferred. I especially liked the shade of yellow that we painted our breakfast room.Like Alex’s mansion, our breakfast room had many windows facing east for plenty of natural sunlight. We would enjoy our mornings together, enjoying our first cup of coffee in the room.The living room now had comfy, overstuffed furniture in light blue and walnut. The carpets and drapes were neutral colors that set off the polished wooden floors.It was an inviting room. I looked forw
Victor called the realtor while I stood beside him with my fingers crossed. There had to be a way to fix the snag, whatever it was. The estate was perfect for us. We couldn’t lose it.I heard the realtor’s voice when she answered his call. “Victor, I’m sorry for giving you bad news.”“What’s the problem?” Victor asked. His voice was calm, but I saw the tension on his face.“The current owners of the Juniper Lane estate are two granddaughters of previous deceased owners. One of the young women refuses to sell to Miss Wilson.”Puzzled, Victor and I looked at each other.“Why?” Victor asked.“She claims Miss Wilson did something to cause her problems in the past,” the realtor responded. “I can’t change her mind. She refuses to sign the papers to finalize the sale.“Does she know the size of the offer we made?” Victor asked as I searched my memory for the identity of the granddaughter.But I couldn’t think of who I had angered that much. I shrugged at Victor and did a palms up.“Who is sh
“I’m sorry,” I said and knelt down to pick up the pieces of broken glass.“That’s alright, Miss Wilson,” Benson said. “Thomas will take care of the mess.” He motioned to a footman. “Let me get you another glass of tea.”“Are you okay, Daisy?” Cassidy asked. “We shouldn’t have shocked you with the news in front of guests.”I shook my head and tried to smile. “No, I’m fine. I was just surprised. Congratulations. I’m happy for both of you.” But was I? I had been an only child since Alex found me.Even though I knew Alex would continue to love me, my only experience with having a sibling wasn’t a positive one. Andrea enjoyed making my life miserable.So, I wasn’t sure how I felt about having a half-sister or brother. However, I was sure Alex and Cassidy wouldn’t treat me like the Smiths, and I’m optimistic the baby wouldn’t be like Andrea.But what would change in my life?“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Alex asked. He looked concerned, and even though I had been shocked, I didn’t want to spo
Victor’s POVDaisy was terrified. I could tell she was afraid her stutter would return. If she was scared enough, it could happen. She needed my love and support.I stepped forward to kiss her cheek and whispered in her ear, “No matter what, I love you. But you can do this. I’m right here with you. Pick one person in the crowd and talk to them.”Daisy gave me a weak smile, and I saw her take a deep, trembling breath. She looked out at the crowd of strange faces, and I knew the instant she saw someone she recognized.It was Amy, standing with Justin, William, and Penny among the sea of reporters. They must have heard about the press conference and come to support us. They were true friends.I sensed Daisy was relaxing, and she began to speak.“When I was seventeen, I worked in a restaurant owned by my best friend’s father. While waiting on customers and bussing tables, I dreamed of going to college and getting my law degree.“I wanted to use that degree to help the werewolf classes who
Victor and I freshened up while trying to think about what we wanted to say. Then we went back downstairs and watched the reporters and news anchors arrive outside the mansion.“There are so many,” I said. “I’ve never seen this many reporters at once before.”“They are coming from other cities to be here,” Shane said. “Your and Victor’s vision for the future is big news. There are rumors that Victor is going to quit the leadership, and you’re moving away from Denhurst.”Findlay snorted. “I heard that rumor, along with several crazier ones. I think the people need to be reassured of your good intentions for everyone.”“I can understand that,” Victor said. “How about you, Daisy?”All I could do was nod. I understood, but I was growing nervous about going out there in front of such a large crowd of reporters and photographers. There were so many. It was like a sea of people forming over the vast front lawn.My hands began to tremble when the estate staff began moving the temporary stage
I cried all the way back to the mansion. Amy remained silent, patting my arm occasionally and handing me tissues when I needed them.She pulled into the driveway and to the front entrance before she spoke.“It looks like Alex has company,” she said. “Who’s limos are they?”I punched the seat. “That one is Lana’s, and the one pulling in next to us is Lily James’s. The nerve of that pushy woman. She followed us!”“But look, Daisy,” Amy pointed toward the front doors. “Victor is here.”I wiped my eyes and saw Victor coming toward me. He opened the car door and took me into his arms.“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he crooned. “Gisele called and told me what happened. So I had Findlay call everyone here for a quick meeting to set them all straight.”I stopped crying and nodded even though I wasn’t sure it would help.“This nonsense will stop now,” Victor took my hand and helped me from the car.We waited for Amy to put the baby in the stroller before going inside.I looked around the foyer, unab
Victor’s mouth opened, but no words came out at first. Then he shook off his surprise.“Are you serious?” he asked.“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks,” I replied.Why did Victor look so shocked? During the few times we had spoken about kids, he said he wanted a family.Tears stung my eyes, and I turned away from him. “Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up.”Victor gently turned me around. “I know you’ve been upset since Amy had the baby, but I didn’t know it was because you want one too.”“When I first held Brendre, I felt such a rush of love that it was all I could think about for days,” I explained. “I never thought much of babies before. I think it's because my adoptive parents rejected me when they had their own baby.”“That makes sense.” Victor took my hand and started walking down the beach again. “Anyone would feel that way.”“Holding Amy’s baby made me realize I very much want to be a mother,” I said. “And I don’t want to wait a long time to start our family.”“What a
Daisy’s POVI couldn't believe Victor was leaving. Couldn’t he stay with me at the beach house for just one day?An emptiness in the pit of my stomach started when he turned to leave. It grew after he went out the door. Through our bond, I felt his painful, churning emotions and wondered if he was finished with me.I couldn’t lose him! I’d return to Denhurst this minute and marry him in any ceremony his mother wanted. The only thing that really mattered about my wedding was Victor must be the groom.I had to stop him from leaving. I needed to know what was on his mind and in his heart.Running out the door after him, I saw him climb into his car and start the engine.“No!” I cried as I jumped in front of the Lamborghini. “Don’t leave me, Victor. I love you!”The Lamborghini’s engine stopped, and Victor leaped out of the driver’s seat. He hurried to my side.“Why won’t you stay with me?” I asked.“I thought you wanted to be here alone,” Victor replied. His body was trembling with emoti