Chapter 115

Victor and I had a productive afternoon at the office. I was learning more about effective advertising and human resources issues.

When we were finished, he took me home in plenty of time to prepare for the big Alpha Association party.

I had a simple dinner with Alex before going to my room to get ready. It would take some time. I wanted to look just right.

I chose a more serious dress for this party. It was a boatneck, A-line, calf-length dress made from tan mulberry silk.

Jennifer styled my hair in a bun at the nape of my neck, and my makeup was flawless yet subtle.

“You’re just perfect, Miss,” Jennifer crowed. “No one will be able to find fault with how you look.”

“Thank you, Jennifer.”

I picked up the small tan clutch that was lying on the bed and put my phone inside of it before going downstairs.

I stopped to see Alex while I waited for Victor to pick me up.

“You look stunning, Daisy,” Alex said as he examined me from his bed. “I know you aren’t thrilled about attending this event, but I appreciate you going in my place.”

“It’s not a problem,” I assured him. “You know how I love parties these days.”

I gave him a half smile, trying to hide that I was dreading mixing with the Alphas who made the laws that kept the Beta and Omega population poor and used them to make themselves richer.

I had found that there were good rich Alphas like my father. But I doubted I would find anything to like in the Alpha leaders I would meet tonight.

Yet, I was trying to keep an open mind and not enter the room full of contempt and ready for an argument. It would accomplish nothing.

I needed to get more Alphas to see things my way. To do that, I had to gain their trust and cooperation. To do that, I had to be polite to Alphas I didn’t know or like.

Victor arrived and entered Alex‘s room. “Good evening, Alex. Do you have any instructions or requests for us while we are at this party?”

“I want the other leaders to get to know you and Daisy,” Alex replied. “They have approved you as my successor, but they don’t know you. I want them to see how perfect you are for the job.”

“And I want them to see how smart and creative my darling Daisy is in business,” he continued. “It will make the transitions smoother.”

“We will do our best,” Victor promised.

“Sleep well,” I told Alex on our way out the door.

“I’m nervous,” I told Victor as he helped me into the Lamborghini. “What if they’re all like John Cameron?”

“I’m a little nervous, too,” Victor admitted as he got behind the car's wheel. “But I use that energy to my advantage. It keeps me more alert to everything going on around me.”

“So I should watch everyone?” I asked.

He nodded. “Pay attention to who you’re speaking to, but also be aware of who is listening and watching you. It keeps me from being taken by surprise.”

I thought about what he said for a moment. It was good advice, and I made a mental note to try it tonight.

Victor started the car down the driveway. “Also, it would be a good idea to keep me in sight. That way, you can signal me if you have any problems.”

“I won’t wander far from you if I can help it,” he said. “Do you know what to say when they ask about Alex?”

“I’ll say he is recovering and needs rest,” I replied.

“Very good,” Victor said. “Don’t go into detail now. If Alex’s condition worsens, we will reevaluate our position then.”

Victor pulled into the driveway of a large mansion. It was the home of Ralph Morton, Alex’s second in command at the United Association of Alphas.

It was a beautiful brick home with one wall entirely made of smoked glass. There was a large wooded area behind the house and manicured lawns in front.

We left the Lamborghini with the valet and went inside.

We were only five minutes late, but the party was in full swing, with dozens of Alphas drinking, talking, and enjoying finger foods.

Everyone turned to look at us after the butler announced our names, and we walked into the crowded room.

I clung tightly to Victor’s arm as my heart pounded. It was like wandering into a lion’s den. But Victor wore a smile on his handsome face and began greeting the other guests.

The host and hostess came forward, and he introduced us.

“Daisy, this is Ralph and Sally Morton. Mr. and Mrs. Morton, this is Daisy Wilson, Alex’s daughter.”

“Nice to meet you,” they both mumbled.

Ralph’s gaze raked hotly over my figure, making me blush. He was older than my father, yet the lewd vibes I was getting from him made me uncomfortable.

“He’s a shameless old womanizer,” Diana hissed. “Keep your distance from him, Daisy.”

“I noticed,” I told her. “He’s a horrible womanizer.”

Ralph’s wife saw her husband’s eyes on me. “Why don’t you introduce her around the room?” She suggested to Victor.

“I’d love to,” Victor replied. He led me away and whispered in my ear, “Ralph is known for pursuing young girls. Stay near me tonight.”

“His wife knows it,” I said.

“They have a marriage of convenience,” he replied. “She enjoys his wealth and power enough to look the other way.”

“I couldn’t live like that,” I declared.

Victor escorted me to several groups of Alphas and introduced me to them. All of them asked about Alex.

There were so many names for me to remember that my head was spinning. But a few of them stood out from the rest of the crowd.

When Alex introduced me to one of the older executives at my father’s company, I asked him if he enjoyed his job. I burned with anger and embarrassment when he turned and walked away without saying a word.

Near the buffet table, I waited while Victor spoke to a young man. I blushed when I overheard a nearby group of older Alpha men discussing their mistresses.

I wondered if those women knew about the demeaning way these males spoke about them. It was truly awful.

“Every time she mentions wanting me to take her out in public, I buy her jewelry,” one male said.

“And I’ll bet that costs you a pretty penny,” another said, and they all laughed.

“No. She’s a Beta and wouldn’t know the difference between a diamond and a piece of glass,” he replied. “I save the good jewelry for when I’m in trouble with my wife.”

I couldn’t stand listening to it anymore, so I moved closer to a husband and wife that Victor had introduced me to a few minutes before.

“Hello,” I greeted them pleasantly. “Have you heard of the Wilson Foundation?” I asked.

They nodded.

“It was my mother’s charity, and we are doing exciting things with donations to help the poor. Would you consider contributing?”

The woman rolled her eyes while the man reached for his wallet.

He pulled out a fifty-dollar bill and handed it to me. “There you go,” he said. And they walked away from me too.

I was grateful for his money, but it was the smallest donation I had ever received. However, I knew that couple was almost as wealthy as my father.

The cigar in the man’s hand probably cost more than what he had given me to help others in need. It was disgraceful to be that greedy.

Tears of frustration welled in my eyes, but I blinked them back. What else had I expected from this group of selfish Alphas?

These men made the rules for everybody, yet they cared about nobody but themselves. I shouldn't have expected anything different.

Not wanting to let Alex down, I forced a smile and allowed Victor to escort me around the room while we mingled.

But I couldn’t wait to tell William about my experience with these Alphas. They were precisely the type I had grown to despise while I lived as a Beta.

I grew tired of smiling, and Victor sensed my mood. After another hour, he said we could leave. I was grateful to leave there and looked forward to the drive home in the fresh night air.

“I’m sorry you didn’t have a good time,” Victor said.

“I don’t want to think about it,” I told him. “Nothing happened that was truly surprising.”

“Is William still going to the office with you tomorrow?”

“He’s picking me up after breakfast,” I replied. I couldn’t wait to talk to him.