Chapter 112

“The teal cocktail dress will do nicely,” I told Jennifer as she helped me prepare for the evening with Victor.

The dress was one of the most attractive I owned. The irregular hemline and sweetheart neckline made me feel more feminine and pretty.

“Did you want to wear your hair up or down?” Jennifer asked. “You should wear your gold and pearl jewelry with the dress.

“How about if you arrange my hair long to one side,” I replied. “I haven’t worn it that way in a while. And I agree with your choice of jewelry.”

“I’ll use the peach makeup palette,” Jennifer added. “It brings out your eyes the best.”

After I was ready, I went downstairs to Alex’s room. I met Benson just outside the door and instructed him not to let Alex see the news tonight in case footage of my press conference was aired.

I didn’t want him to know about the difficulties with the press and the board. It would upset him.

Fortunately, he hadn’t had the TV on much in his room since he came home from the hospital.

“You look lovely,” Alex told me when I entered the room.

“Victor is taking me out to dinner as a reward for doing well at the office today,” I said, pleased my words weren't a fib.

“Have a good time, darling,” Alex said. “It makes me happy to see you enjoying your life. It’s important to keep a balance of work and fun.”

I smiled. “I’m glad you understand. I do enjoy dancing.”

“Just like your mother,” Alex said. “She loved to be on the dance floor.”

Victor entered the room. “ Hello, Alex. Daisy, you look fantastic.”

“Where are you taking her?” Alex asked.

“We have a reservation in thirty minutes at Moonglow,” Victor replied.

“Wonderful! I haven’t been there since Daisy was born,” Alex said with a little smile. “You’re in for a treat, Daisy. Moonglow is a fabulous place.”

I was thrilled. I’ve heard of Moonglow, but I’ve never been there. It was the most famous restaurant/dance club in the city.

All the rich and famous went there to dine on delicacies, drink champagne, and dance the night away.

“You two get going and have a great time,” Alex said.

We told Alex good night and left.

“Have you been to Moonglow before?” I asked Victor on our way into the city.

“Until recently, I was a regular,” Victor confessed. “It’s one of my favorite places.”

“I’ll bet it impresses all your girlfriends.” I blushed when he gave me a sideways look and a smug grin. Why did I say that? It sounded like I was jealous or something.

We were quiet for the rest of the drive. But I couldn’t help exclaiming when I saw Moonglow’s large neon sign.

We were there!

This would be one of the most exciting nights of my life. I was glad Jennifer helped me look my best. Even the exterior appeared glamorous, with marble columns at the entrance and a red carpet on the sidewalk.

We left the Lamborghini with the valet and went inside.

The luxurious interior took my breath away. Marble floors, azure velvet drapes, crystal chandeliers, and glittering golden accents made it unbelievably beautiful.

We were shown to a table covered with azure and gold linen near the dance floor, and I was seated by a host dressed in matching livery.

I felt like royalty and couldn't stop smiling.

After speaking to Victor, the host brought us a bottle of champagne in a silver ice bucket and two glasses. He then placed menus before us and left after asking Victor if he wanted him to pour.

Victor declined. I fidgeted with my hands while Victor poured two glasses of sparkling liquid.

“Don’t worry, Daisy,” Victor said. “It’s non-alcoholic, sparkling grape juice. I know you don’t drink, and I don’t want to tonight. Try it.”

I picked up the glass and took a sip. He was right. The white grape juice was lightly sweet and refreshing without a hint of alcohol.

“It’s delicious,” I said and took another sip before examining the menu.

A waiter arrived to take our order. Victor insisted I order first.

“I’ll start with the pâté,” I said. “The venison carpaccio sounds wonderful for my entree with the saffron and black truffle wild rice.”

Victor nodded his approval and ordered the same, except he ordered beluga caviar instead of the pâté for his appetizer.

“They have the most scrumptious chocolate-diamond ice cream,” Victor told me before the waiter left.

“Then I’d like to try it, please,” I told the waiter. I’d never heard of chocolate diamonds, but I knew all about ice cream.

“Make it two,” Victor told the waiter.

“Excellent, sir,” the waiter said with a bow and left for the kitchen.

I looked around the restaurant and was surprised to see it wasn’t at full capacity. But then, it was a little early.

The tables on both sides of us had reserved signs on them, so more diners must be on their way.

Moments after our appetizers arrived, three diners were led to the table to our left, closest to me. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was William and his parents.

“I sense Mark is near,” Diana whispered in my mind.

“Yes. He and his parents are at the next table,” I told her. “But we must stay calm. We are in public, and the world thinks we are happily engaged to Victor.”

William noticed us and came over to speak for a moment. “What a pleasant surprise. Don’t you love this place?”

“It’s my first time here, and I think it’s spectacular,” I said.

“That was quite the press conference you held today,” William said.

I made a sour face. “Oh, no, was it on the news?”

William nodded. “It was the first story on the evening news. I thought you did a fantastic job, Daisy.”

“Thanks, but I was terribly nervous.”

William watched as more diners were led to the table on our other side.

I froze when I saw it was John Cameron with a woman who had to be his wife and a girl about my age.

The girl was beautiful, with golden blonde hair and delicate features. But her light blue eyes were ice cold. She must be one of those spoiled Alpha teens who attended a private school.

John nodded to Victor and William, but he glared at me. His dislike for me was like a physical touch.

“I’d bet he’s the one who is causing the problems for Daisy,” William said as he leaned over our table.

“I believe so, too,” Victor agreed.

“William,” his mother called over her shoulder. “The waiter won’t take our order until you sit with us.”

“Yes, mother. Talk to you guys later.” William returned to his parent’s table.

Mr. and Mrs. James saw us and gave us a wave before going back to examining their menus.

Victor noticed my unease with the situation.

He came around the table and asked. “Daisy, would you care to dance?”

“I would love to,” I said and gave him my hand.

The music playing was suitable for a waltz, and Victor and I expertly twirled around the floor.

Halfway through the dance, I noticed William dancing with the young girl who sat with John Cameron.

I could feel Diana getting more and more restless inside me.

“Diana, you must stay calm,” I insisted. “We are in public and cannot show any jealousy toward William. I must remind you again that we are publicly engaged to Victor.”

“I know. But it’s galling to watch him hold another female in his arms.”

“I understand, but please stay calm.”

“What’s the matter?” Victor asked. “You missed a step. It’s not like you.”

“Diana is upset because William is dancing with another girl,” I whispered.

“That’s Karen Cameron, John Cameron’s daughter,” Victor explained. “She’s very spoiled and not his type. He is probably dancing with her at his parent’s request.”

Diana growled low, and it came out of my mouth.

I put a hand over my lips. “That wasn’t me growling,” I insisted.

Victor chuckled. “So, I’m not the only one who occasionally has trouble controlling their wolf.”

Victor then stared right into my eyes and continued with a question “But Daisy, are you jealous?”