BookToReadChapter 134 Victoria glanced at her colleagues from the PR department, noting their awkward, forced smiles-the disdain in their eyes was unmistakable.
Violet hadn't just given her a revealing dress; she'd ensured Victoria would stand out in the worst possible way, especially in front of the PR team. Victoria, already strikingly beautiful with a natural allure, now looked even more dazzling in the sultry outfit and bold makeup-she practically stole the spotlight from everyone else.
It was obvious: Violet wanted her to be the target of every jealous glance.
But Victoria refused to let their stares rattle her. With calm confidence, she walked right up to the group. "I'll go over today's assignments," she announced.
She pulled out her neatly organized notes and, unfazed, handed out the responsibilities for the evening. Who was in charge of greeting which VIP, what to avoid, who preferred which cocktail-she had every detail down to a science.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs she worked, something shifted. Beneath the flashy clothes and tic makeup, the real Victoria emerged: poised, competent, and utterly in control. The initial impression-cheap and out of place-began to melt away as her colleagues witnessed her skill in action. Maybe, they thought, the rumors about Victoria just using Mr. Garcia to climb the ladder weren't the whole story. Maybe she wasn't just a pretty face after all.
Once her preparations were done, it was tto wait in the lobby for the guests to arrive. Each woman on the PR team had been assigned a VIP to greet and escort into the event.
Victoria took her place at the very front of the lineup, her presence impossible to ignore.
Every guest who walked in was momentarily caught off guard by her stunning looks. Thankfully, these were seasoned business and political elites-people who'd seen their share of beautiful faces. They simply found their assigned host and moved on, barely giving Victoria's appearance a second thought.
As she watched her colleagues pair off with their guests one by one, Victoria started to feel anxious. The weather wasn't exactly kind, and standing outside in such a thin dress was leaving her chilled to the bone.
Suddenly, a sleek black limousine pulled up to the entrance.
Victoria saw the swarm of reporters with their cameras rush toward it-clearly, someone important had arrived. She didn't bother looking; all she could think about was how much longer she'd have to wait. Her body was starting to go numb.
After another ten minutes or so, a tall, broad-shouldered figure appeared, surrounded by a small entourage making their way toward her.
McNeil arrived, sharp in a perfectly tailored suit, exuding that effortless power and confidence. He was impossible to miss, and of course Victoria noticed him.
She had no intention of speaking to him-there was no reason to-but McNeil strode right up until there was nowhere for her to hide.
"Ms. Turner?" His voice was cold as steel, devoid of warmth. Still, the deep timbre-so familiar, like a fine cabernet-made Victoria's body shiver before she could stop herself.
"Mr. Langford." She kept her tone strictly professional.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMcNeil's eyes flickered downward, taking in the neckline of her dress. The curves he'd once known so intimately were now on display for the world to see.
He swallowed, his jaw tense, a surge of anger rising up inside him.
It wasn't until Victoria met his piercing gaze that she realized: McNeil was her assigned guest for the evening.
Their relationship might be frozen in a stalemate, but work was work.
Victoria didn't, om a didn't let hex personal feelings show feelings show as she unpinned a guest badge and fastened it to his lapel.
Standing this close, she barely reached his chest even in her heels.
As she affixed the badge, their bodies inevitably drew near. She could feel the warm rush of his breath above her head, and the faint scent of cedar from his cologne brought back a thousand memories.
McNeil glanced down, catching another glimpse of her exposed om cleavage. In that moment, & hot wave of frustration surged through him, making his whole body tense with barely contained irritation.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
