Chapter 135

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 think it should be you. It’s your house and your company.”

“No, it’s your company now. I will help you and Victor greet your guests in the foyer,” he insisted. “But me attending the meal would water down the message that you are in charge.”

“Are you truly content to let me take over?” I asked. “You’ve put most of your life into growing the business.”

“Daisy, I want to retire,” he replied. “I want to do as I wish before my time is done. For that to happen, I need you to take over the business.”

“Okay,” I said around the thump in my throat. I understood and vowed to make sure he got that retirement, even for a short time.

With everything under control, I went upstairs to take a bath to try to relax. But as I sat in the warm water, random thoughts of disaster swirled through my mind.

I climbed from the tub, wrapped a towel around my wet body, and called Victor. He answered on the third ring.

“What if nobody comes?” I said before he could speak. “What if they all ignore their invitations and don’t show up? I can’t fire them for blowing off my party, but I’ll be humiliated.”

Victor chuckled. “You worry too much. Being invited to the Wilson mansion is a big deal for these people. They will be there.”

“You mean because of my father?”

“Partly, but mostly because they want to get to know you and what kind of boss you’ll be. They want the company to thrive and to keep their jobs.”

“You’re probably right,” I admitted. “Everything is giving me a panic attack lately.”

“Take a few deep breaths, make yourself even more gorgeous than you are, and I’ll see you in about an hour,” Victor said and hung up.

I dried off and pulled on a robe before examining the dress Jennifer and I had chosen. It was one of my mother’s cocktail dresses.

It was made of exquisite earthy-gold colored silk with a jewel neckline and a swirly calf-length hemline. It was both professional and feminine.

My gold and pearl jewelry paired perfectly with the dress, along with gold ankle-strap sandals.

Jennifer arrived to do my hair and makeup before I got dressed.

“You look marvelous,” Jennifer said.“Your mother’s clothes look fantastic on you.”

Examining myself in the full-length mirror, I had to agree. I couldn’t believe the attractive young woman I saw was me.

When I went downstairs, Alex met me in the foyer. He looked handsome in one of his usual expensive suits.

“Are you sure you don’t want to attend the party?” I asked.

“I’m positive,” he assured me. “Formal clothes are too much bother for me these days.”

“You could wear anything you want, and they wouldn’t care,” I said.

Our eyes went to the front door when Victor walked in. He looked magnificent in a white tie and tails. It perfectly set off his dark-haired good looks.

I blushed when his eyes raked over me.

“You look stunning,” he said. His eyes told me he meant it, making my confidence rise.

“I remember Joanna wearing that dress,” Alex said. “She claimed it was lucky because events went well when she wore it.”

I imagined my mother wearing the dress and standing next to Alex in this very foyer as they waited for their guests to arrive and smiled. “I hope it’s lucky for me too.”

The three of us put our smiles in place when Benson announced the first guests' arrival.

“I’m so glad you could make it,” I told my rental properties manager and his wife. “Please have a drink and make yourselves at home.”

Waitpersons began to float around the vast room with trays of wine and canapés as the guests started to stream into the mansion.

My fear of nobody showing up was put to rest. Everyone had arrived on time. It was a good sign. I was feeling optimistic about the results of the dinner.

The guests were pleasantly surprised to see Alex. He briefly chatted with each of them and explained he had other plans for the evening.

“But Daisy will see to it that you all enjoy your evening,” he said. “When you get to know her, you’ll find she is the best of my darling Joanna and myself.”

“Then you are positive she can handle being CEO?” the assets manager asked.

“I have one hundred percent confidence in Daisy,” he replied. “She will take the company in new directions that will make every department even more profitable.”

“Which will provide us with larger bonuses,” the manager said as he smiled at me.

Benson announced dinner, and Victor and I led our guests to the formal dining room while Alex slipped away from the crowd.

It felt weird when Victor seated me at the head of the table. It was where my father sat at our engagement party.

“It’s your place now. You've earned it,” Victor whispered. I loved how he knew me so well.

After everyone was seated, I signaled to Benson to begin serving the meal.

Crudités and salmon dip were followed by thick slices of rare prime rib, dripping with juices, served with mushrooms stuffed with crab, and baked new potatoes.

Everyone ate, drank extraordinary wine, and talked about their families. I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would, especially when they included me in their conversations.

Before dessert was served, I gave my prepared speech. I ended it with a few sentences meant to inspire them.

“I want to work with all of you for the benefit of everyone,” I announced. “Together, we will make the company more successful than ever.”

I was surprised and overjoyed when most responded with applause. Some even got to their feet and cheered.

Victor squeezed my hand when I was finished and sat down.

“You were born to lead,” he said. “That was fantastic. You delivered the speech perfectly.”

“Thanks,” I blushed. I had to admit public speaking was getting much more manageable. The way people responded to me made a difference.

After chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake or tiramisu, the guests took turns crowding around me.

Victor and I were invited to their homes for parties and future sporting events. They seemed eager to become closer to me.

My second in command, Mitch Long, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, invited me to a picnic at his home the following afternoon.

“I know it’s short notice, Miss Wilson, but my wife and I would be honored to have you attend our picnic tomorrow afternoon,” he said as his wife, Casey, smiled at me.

How could I refuse?

“I’d love to attend your picnic,” I responded.

“Wonderful,” he said. “Mr. Klein is also invited.”

“Thank you. I’ll be there,” Victor replied.

Casey Long leaned close to my ear. “We should speak alone tomorrow. There are things you need to know, things being planned to take the company away from you.”

My smile froze on my face, and I nodded. “Thank you. That sounds like an excellent idea.” I said, not indicating what she had said to anyone else in the room.

I had my first spy. I couldn’t wait to hear what she had to tell me.