Chapter 155

It was great to see Amy so cheerful the next morning. She greeted me on the bench outside the school with a big smile.

“Hey, did you get any sleep last night?” I asked as I slid into the bench next to her.

“After we hung up, I slept like a baby,” she replied. “I can’t wait to see your office. It's the first thing I've had to look forward to in weeks.”

“Your dad is okay with you going with me?”

“Yeah,” she replied. “He’s hoping it snaps me out of my funk over Justin. He said I can hang out with you whenever I want.”

“That’s great,” I said. “You’re welcome to spend time at my office with me whenever you feel like it.”

It was a relief to see Amy in a more cheerful mood, and I was looking forward to the afternoon with her.

Time seemed to slow down after I reported to my homeroom and my school day began. I couldn’t wait for it to be time to leave for my office.

The highlight of my school day was seeing William in werewolf history, where we spoke briefly, and although we couldn’t talk in class, he reassured me he wasn’t angry with a dazzling smile.

After the fourth period, Amy and I met at the office, where we signed out before we left the building.

Joe was waiting for us in the limo at the gate.

Amy’s eyes widened her eyes, and her mouth dropped open. “Is this gigantic land yacht our ride?”

Yep,” I replied and introduced her to Joe, who opened a door for us to climb into the luxurious back seat of the limousine.

The expression on my friend’s face made me struggle to hold back giggles. I remember the first time I rode in this limousine. My sense of awe matched hers.

“This is wild,” Amy gushed as she explored the car. “There’s a TV, comfy seats, and a refrigerator in here! If it has a bathroom, I want to live in this car.”

I couldn’t hold back my laughter.

“I’ve been inside your house. I should have known you would ride in style,” Amy said. Her expression had turned serious.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Don’t you ever feel guilty having so much when others have so little?”

It was time I explained things to Amy as Alex explained them to me. It takes money to make money, and it takes money to help people and support our employees …a lot of money.

“Plus, my giving away everything Alex and I have would only solve the problem for some people short-term. We need permanent, long-term solutions that would help everyone.”

“Like what?” Amy looked skeptical. “I love you, Daisy, but that sounds like an excuse to enjoy the good life.”

I felt a little hurt by her words, but I was determined to make her understand.

“Of course, I enjoy my life much more than I used to,” I admitted. “Who wouldn’t? But I’m working hard to be in a position to help the Beta and Omega population have an equal chance at a better life.”

“Yeah, your charity foundation is helping people, and you need to be rich to get the millions of dollars you raise,” Amy said. “But how is your charity good for Betas and Omegas long term?”

“It doesn’t, but it keeps many people from going hungry, cold, sick, and homeless,” I said.

“Well then ….” Amy began

“What I’m talking about is changing minds and changing the laws that keep Betas and Omegas poor.”

“That’s what we used to talk about doing,” Amy agreed. “But now that you don’t have time to become a lawyer, what’s your plan?”

“You know all Alphas aren’t bad,” I said. “There are Alphas who understand the problems the lower classes face.”

“Sure. I guess there are some good Alphas,” Amy admitted.

Hopefully, she would remember this conversation when Justin told her he was an Alpha.

“Change won’t happen overnight, but I believe that more Alphas hearing about the unfairness of the laws from their own or seeing it with their own eyes will help turn the tide.”

“You may be right,” Amy said. “Some Alpha kids talk about the unfair laws ever since you started the school’s volunteer program.”

“The more who see the problem, the better,” I said.

Amy’s expression turned thoughtful. “And if you are a rich, influential Alpha, more of them may listen to you.”

“Right,” I replied. “The more rich Alphas there are who see the injustices in our system, the better chance there is of changing things.”

“I guess that’s a good plan,” Amy said. “It could be effective. But are you telling me you need them to see you as an equal to make it work?”

“Right again,” I said. “As the CEO of one of the top twenty companies, I talk to many Alphas all the time.”

“And your father is the leader of the United Association of Alphas,” she said. “And your fiancé is the next leader.”

I opened my mouth to object.

“Sorry, your fake fiancé,” Amy whispered.

“Victor and I have a good friendship,” I whispered back. “He would help me with anything I ask.”

“I’m sure he would,” Amy said slyly. “He has the hots for you.”

“He does not,” I hissed, my face bright red. “We’re just good friends.”

“If you say so, but I see how he looks at you.” Amy squealed with surprise when the limo stopped in front of Alex’s building. “Your office is in this gigantic, ritzy building?”

I pointed upward toward the top floors. “Way up there.”

She bounced in the seat. “Let’s go. I wanna check it out.”

The security guards recognized me as we entered the lobby. They called out to me, and one pushed the elevator button for us.

Amy marveled at the speed of the fast-moving elevator, making us laugh when she clung to my hand and claimed the speed made her dizzy.

But when we stepped off the elevator, Amy grew silent.

Receptionists, assistants, and a few executives talking into cell phones greeted me warmly as we passed by on the way to my private office.

She stepped into the room and was stunned by the view from my windows.

“It’s amazing. You can see all the way past the suburbs.” She pressed her nose against the glass. “How do you get anything done? I would want to sit and stare at this view all day.”

I sat down at my desk. “Well, right now, I have to approve some figures so my employees can get paid.”

Amy moved away from the window and began examining the room and furniture. She flopped onto the couch and lay down.

“I have an idea to raise money for your charity,” she said.

“Great. Give me a moment, and I want you to tell me all about it.”

I opened a folder on my computer and double-checked the payroll manager’s work before approving it and sending it on to accounting.

“Okay,” I said to Amy. “What’s your idea?”

“A progressive dinner,” she said. “You could charge the Alphas a bundle to have them move to several different restaurants, one for each course.”

“That does sound like fun,” I said.

Amy rolled onto her side. “I saw it on TV. A bunch of friends in one neighborhood went to each other’s houses for five different courses, but you could do it with restaurants too.”

“After we eat lunch, would you talk to the head of the charity about your idea?” I asked.

“Sure,” Amy replied. “Is she a snooty Alpha?”

I chuckled. “Debbie is a sweetheart. You’ll like her.”

After we dined on takeout, I took Amy to Debbie’s office and explained she was my dearest friend with a good idea for an event.

Then I went back to my office to check on the rental reports.

After an hour, Debbie gave me a call. “I love Amy’s idea and want to put it together for next month.”

“That’s great,” I said. “Let me know what I can do to help.”

“I will,” Debbie replied. “Amy is helping me hash out some details, and then she’ll be back in your office to tell you more.”

“Terrific,” I said. “Thanks, Debbie.”

I had to smile as I hung up the phone. It didn’t take Amy long to join in and help. I was glad. It would be nice to have her in the office with me.

But then a knock on my open office door made me gasp.

“Um, hi, girls,” I said to Megan, Hallie, and Becky. “What brings you here?”

They had to leave before Amy got back. This was her time with me, and I wasn’t sure how these girls would respond to my Beta Bestie.

I crossed my fingers, hoping they would leave quickly.