Chapter 146

“The telephone has been ringing all day, Miss Wilson,” Benson said as we went over last-minute details for the evening’s charity ball.

“Over two dozen individuals who declined your invitation due to other obligations now wish to attend,” he explained. “Even the hosts of another party have canceled their affair and wish to come to your ball.”

“Can we accommodate them all?” I asked, wondering why this many had a change of heart.

Benson assured me they would all fit in the ballroom, or they wouldn’t have been invited in the first place.

It would be a challenge to handle this many last-minute guests, but each person attending paid a five thousand dollar donation to the charity foundation.

How could we turn them down?

“I’m sorry for all the extra work, Benson,” I apologized. “I never dreamed this would happen.”

“It’s quite alright, Miss,” he replied. “It’s all for a good cause.”

I patted him on the back. Benson was an absolute treasure. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I called in the extra footmen and maids early. Everything will be ready when your guests arrive,” he assured me.

I watched those workers place silk-covered chairs around the edge of the ballroom and outside the patio doors while others were erecting extra tables for the buffet.

Benson had things in hand. There was nothing for me to do here.

I glanced up at my parent’s portrait above the fireplace and smiled. The gown my mother wore in the picture was the same one I would be wearing that evening.

It didn’t seem suitable the first time I planned to wear it, but Jennifer had Gisele’s seamstresses insert a tiny bit of gold lace into the Queen Anne neckline that hid my cleavage.

It was now perfect for me, yet it looked almost the same as it did in the portrait.

I couldn’t wait to wear it tonight. I checked on Alex, who was napping, before going upstairs to my room.

A few hours later, I was descending the stairs dressed in my mother’s exquisite ball gown.

Made of peridot green silk, the neckline and hem were embroidered with gold thread and tiny diamonds that caught the light whenever I moved.

The trumpet, or mermaid, skirt of the dress clung to my waist and hips before flaring below my knees. With the gorgeous dress, I wore silk pumps dyed to match the dress, and Jennifer arranged my hair in loose ringlets that floated around my head.

Victor waited for me in the foyer, looking dashing in his white tie and tails. His turquoise eyes seemed to glow in his handsome tanned face as he examined me from head to toe.

“Wow!” he exclaimed. “You get more beautiful every day.”

Even though I blushed, his words made me smile.

“You look pretty great yourself,” I said. “Have you seen Alex?”

“He went to the ballroom with the guests,” Victor replied. “He said if he got there early, he could leave early.”

“You don’t think it’s gonna be too much for him, do you?”

“He knows how much activity he can handle,” Victor replied. “And Benson will be watching over him.”

Victor and I traveled up the long hallway to the ballroom and entered through the heavy wooden doors.

Everyone in the crowded ballroom went silent for a moment as they stared at us. It was a mind-blowing feeling to see both envy and admiration in most of their eyes.

I spotted Alex sitting on a chair near the buffet with Benson hovering nearby. Alex waved and mimed dancing.

I nodded and signaled for the music to begin. Victor and I opened the ball with the first dance.

Twirling around the ballroom in a slow waltz, it felt wonderful to be dancing again. Victor and I laughed into each other's eyes as we let our feet move automatically to the music.

“Your charity ball is a huge success,” Victor said.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” I let Victor twirl me before bringing me back and into his arms.

After the first dance, I gave a short speech thanking everyone for coming to the ball and supporting the charity foundation.

When I was finished, I was surrounded by Alphas wanting to speak to me. It was frightening at first.

My passing the test and becoming the CEO made me one of them in their eyes. And I was one of the few successful females in business.

It was strange to be treated as an equal by these influential Alphas. Many up-and-coming businessmen flocked to me also. As I spoke to them, I earned odd looks from Victor and William.

Why were they looking at me like that?

As soon as I could slip away, I made my way to where they stood, talking to each other.

“What were those looks about?” I asked.

“We were just keeping an eye on you,” Victor replied. “Some of the men you were talking to are users.”

“What do you mean?” I shook my head. I didn’t understand the concern. “We were just talking. They wanted my opinion on some business matters.”

“Some of the men you were talking to have a reputation for getting people to invest in risky ventures,” Victor replied.

“Or they will take advantage of your reputation and credibility to gain the trust of other investors,” William added.

“Many in the business world consider them irresponsible parasites,” Victor explained. “We’re not telling you not to speak to them, but don’t trust them, and don’t give them too much information.”

“Thank you for the warning,” I said. “I’d rather be dancing than talking, anyhow.” I waited to see if they took the hint.

Finally, William presented his hand. “Would you like to dance, Daisy?”

“I’d love to dance.” I took his hand, and we walked out onto the dance floor.

While I did the fox trot with William, I looked around the room and was pleased with myself and how the evening had turned out.

The guests ate, danced, and talked, with laughter dotting most conversations.

It was an enjoyable evening that would help many in need.

I danced with Victor again and waved to Lana and Harry, who were sitting with Alex.

“There was something not quite right about some of those men speaking to me,” I said as we danced.

“You have good instincts, Daisy,” Victor said. “Trust them. And if you’re not sure, please ask me or William if they know anything about someone you don’t quite trust.”

“I will,” I agreed and gave myself to the dance.

When the song was over, I decided to get something to eat and check on Alex. He looked tired, but he also looked like he was enjoying himself.

“You dance so beautifully, Daisy,” Alex said. “I love to watch you on the dance floor.”

I kissed his cheek and greeted Lana and Harry.

“We have another success on our hands, Lana,” I said.

“This was all you,” Lana argued. “You’re doing a wonderful job with the charity. And you look beautiful in your mother’s gown.”

“Your mother would be proud,” Alex said with tears in his eyes. He brushed them away and took my hand. “I’m going to discreetly go to my room soon. I’ll see you in the morning.”

After Alex left the ball, it continued for several more hours. I was overjoyed to have several more chances to dance, and I got more acquainted with some of the board members and their wives.

When the guests finally began to leave, I was ready for bed myself. It had been a wonderful evening, but much had happened in the last two days, and I was exhausted.

Victor and I saw everyone to the door before he left me at the bottom of the staircase.

I was almost too tired to make it to my room, but the thought of my comfortable bed kept me going.

After I undressed and climbed into bed, I noticed there were messages on my cell phone.

Checking the device, I saw all the messages were from Amy. The texts had been sent throughout the evening. The last one was over an hour ago.

Amy must be upset about something and needed me. Even though it was late, I dialed her number. Guilt gnawed at me as I waited for the call to connect.

Did she know about Justin?

But the call went to voicemail.

I had to speak to her. She wouldn’t have sent that many texts unless something was wrong.

I dialed again with the same result. Crap! I would have to wait until morning to find out what was wrong with my best friend.

I said a prayer to the Goddess. “Please let Amy be okay.”