Chapter 39

“I must go home now,” Victor said as we left the living room. “It’s been a long day. But I’m glad things are working out well for you, Daisy.”

“Thank you, Victor,” I said. “I hope things work out for you too.”

And I meant it. Victor has been very helpful and kind to me lately. If he wasn’t such a selfish, rich Alpha, maybe I would like him.

As we walked to the foyer, William’s father came out of the powder room and spotted us. I felt Victor cringe beside me.

“Hello, Victor,” Mr. James said. He had such a booming voice. “It’s nice to see you. But it’s getting late, and I’m afraid we must be going.”

“That’s too bad,” Victor said. “I’m sorry to have missed your visit and Alex's dinner, but I had other matters to attend to.”

“Have you and Daisy set a date for your wedding?” Mr. James asked Victor as Alex came out of the drawing room.

Victor and I exchanged looks while William looked at the floor.

I wasn’t sure what to say, and I was pretty sure Victor was afraid I would let it slip that our engagement was fake.

And my budding relationship with William was important to me. The topic of my engagement wasn’t something I wanted to discuss at the moment.

“Not yet,” Alex replied for us. “Daisy and Victor are still getting to know each other. After I get Daisy's full approval of the marriage, I’ll be making a formal announcement.”

“We heard you’re giving a fabulous ball for Daisy on her eighteenth birthday,” Mrs. James said. “Everyone’s talking about it.”

“Yes, I am,” Alex replied. “It will be the event of the season. I’m sure your names are on the guest list.”

“You know, with all the handsome, eligible bachelors among the Alphas, you need to be careful, Victor,” Mr. James teased. “Daisy could find another fiancé before your engagement is formally announced.”

Victor's smile faded, and he froze. He was so still that I couldn’t tell if he was still breathing.

But he recovered quickly.

“That sounds like good advice, Morton,” Victor said with a laugh I knew wasn’t genuine. “I realize Daisy is quite a prize, but I’m sure I can keep anyone from stealing her from me.”

Why did Victor's laugh seem forced? He’d been acting strangely since catching me in William’s arms in the garden.

“I would very much like Victor to be my son-in-law,” Alex said. “But Daisy will make the final decision on who she will marry.”

Alex’s words were no surprise to Victor or me. I’m sure they would be repeated many times throughout the alpha community before the ball.

“I don’t think Victor has anything to worry about,” Mrs. James said. “How could Daisy choose another after Victor gallantly saved her from drowning in our pool?”

Ugh. I didn’t want to be reminded of that situation. It was a terrifying experience that I never wanted to repeat or think about.

“Did you hear that, Daisy?” Victor gave us another fake laugh. I knew he was thinking about William, saving me from falling into the pond.

I looked at William, and he was looking at the floor again.

I didn’t think this was the time to mention what happened tonight at the pond. He didn't even want to be an heir to his father's business, so he definitely didn't want to be involved in the whole conversation about Leader selection.

Mrs. James turned to Alex. “I’m glad you will officially announce that Daisy is your daughter and heir. Some people these days have no respect.”

“I’m sorry I neglected to do it as long as I have,” Alex said. “I hadn’t realized anyone would doubt she is my daughter or that anyone would have the nerve to treat her badly.”

“There is something I wanted to speak to you about, Daisy dear,” Mrs. James said. “As much as I enjoyed your choice of bathing attire at the pool party, you should have a ball gown more fitting to your station as an Alpha and Alex‘s daughter.”

“My maid is having a gown made for me,” I replied. “I had one fitting already.” My gown is a pretty shade of green. Jennifer says it’s simple yet very elegant.

Best of all, the design suits me, and I felt comfortable in it. Jennifer truly understands my tastes.

“My, no, that won’t do, my dear.” Mrs. James insisted. “You must select your ball gown and designer carefully. Not just any dressmaker will do.”

Mrs.James had been in the Alpha circle for a life time, I should probably trust her about what Alpha women cared about in a formal event.

Great, something else to worry about when I was hoping I would be able to relax and enjoy myself. My nerves weren’t going to last until the ball was over.

“I think you’re correct, Lily,” Alex agreed. “Do you have any suggestions where we could find a gown lovely enough for my daughter?”

Oh, come on. If it were up to me, I’d wear my jeans and sneakers. Why were rich Alphas obsessed with expensive clothing?

There were so many Beta and Omega families going without necessities. It made me feel guilty to wear something that cost enough to feed a small family for a year.

But I didn’t want to disappoint my father. The ball meant a lot to him. I didn’t want him to think I didn’t appreciate it.

“I know the perfect place,” Mrs. James replied. “There is a designer and dressmaker’s shop just out of town that makes the most exquisite creations. I’ll be getting my ball gown there.”

“I think I know exactly where you are talking about,” I said, giving Victor a sly look.

If only I dared to tell Mrs. James that was where I purchased my wetsuit. But I did agree with her that the shop had fabulous clothes.

“I’ll be sure to see that Daisy gets to the shop to choose her gown in time for the ball,” Alex assured her. “Thank you for your advice, Lily.”

“I’ll give you the name of my hair stylist, too,” Mrs. James added while looking me over. “And, of course, she’ll have jewelry.”

Yikes! I hadn’t realized how much I would be scrutinized at the ball. My stomach began fluttering at the thought.

I hated being the center of attention. Times like this made me wish I was just me again.

“Well, thank you for your hospitality, Alex,” Mr. James said, extending his hand to Alex.

“Yes. We had a lovely time,” Mrs. James agreed.

Alex shook hands with Morton and William, and Mrs. James gave Alex a brief hug before the family started for the front door.

“Thank you for coming,” Alex said. “But you must excuse me. I need to go lie down.” He looked exhausted.

“Of course,” Mrs. James said. “Thank you again for having us.”

With Benson’s help, Alex made his way to his bedroom. I realized it was up to me to see Victor and the James family to their cars.