Chapter 14
Three years
Three years since I walked away from the wreckage of what I thought was love, from the fairy tale that turned into a nightmare, from the girl who believed promises meant something
I pulled my gase away from the Manhattan skyline and back to the contracts spread across my mahogany desk. Alcott Luxury Events–my empire, built from nothing but determination and sleepless nights. Every elegant wedding I planned now was A masterpiece of precision, every detail flawless Ironic, really, creating perfect love stories when I stopped believing in them entirely
“Another late night?” Sarah appearest in my doorway with two cups of coffee and that knowing smile she’d perfected over the past three years. Shest stuck with me through the breakdown, the rebuilding, and every small victory since. More than an assistant–she was the closest thing I had to family these days
“The Richardson wedding needs to be perfect,” I said, accepting the coffee gratefully. “Their guest list reads like Forbes‘ top 100”
“Which is exactly why they hired the best.” Sarah settled into the chair across from my desk. “You know, when I first started working for you, I was terrified I’d mess something up. Now look at us–we’re booked solid for the next eighteen months.”
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. The name on the screen made me freeze: Dad
Sarah noticed immediately. She’d learned to read my expressions like a weatherman reads storm clouds.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” she said quietly, slipping out and closing the door.
I stared at the phone for three more rings before answering.
“Vivienne.” His voice hadn’t changed–still that blend of authority and affection that used to make me feel safe. Now it just made me
wary.
“Dad.” I kept my tone neutral, businesslike. “It’s been a while.”
“Too long. I’ve been keeping track of your success, though. What you’ve built is remarkable.”
The compliment should have warmed me. Instead, it put me on guard. Robert Alcott never called just to chat.
“Thank you. I’m sure you didn’t call to discuss my business achievements.”
A soft chuckle. “Still direct as ever. I’ve missed that about you, Viv.”
The nickname hit harder than I expected. Nobody had called me that in three years.
“The RJ Group is expanding,” he continued. “New markets, new opportunities. We could use someone with your expertise.”
“I have my own company.”
“Which is exactly why we need you. Your eye for luxury, your client connections, your understanding of what makes events memorable—imagine what you could do with RJ’s resources behind you.”
I walked to my window, watching the city buzz with evening energy below. “What’s the catch?”
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Chapter 14
“There’s a fashion show next week. High–profile investors, potential new partnerships. It would be perfect for someone with your talents to oversee.”
My stomach tightened. I knew that tone. “Oversee as a planner or attend as family?”
Both. Your reputation would elevate the entire event, and your presence would show that the RJ Group is serious about innovation and excellence.”
Who else will be there?”
A pause that lasted a beat too long. “Various business leaders. The Anderson family from Empire Group, among others.”
didn’t recognize the name, but something in his voice suggested I should. “Dad, if this is about more than just business-”
It’s about opportunity, Vivienne. For you, for your company, for the family. What you do with that opportunity is your choice.”
caught my reflection in the window–tailored blazer, hair swept back in a perfect chignon, the picture of controlled success. The roken girl from three years ago was gone, replaced by someone who could handle whatever game was being played.
I’ll think about it.”
The show is Tuesday evening. I’ll have Jake send you the details.”
ake. My brother, another piece of the life I’d carefully compartmentalized away.
After hanging up, I stood there for a long moment before Sarah knocked and peeked in.
Everything okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
My father wants me to handle a fashion show. High–profile clients, networking opportunities.”
arah’s face lit up immediately. “That sounds incredible! We’ve been wanting to break into fashion events, and with your family’s
onnections…”
It’s more complicated than that.”
Ma’am,” Sarah said gently, settling back into her chair, “you’ve spent three years building walls around yourself. Maybe it’s time to
ee what’s on the other side.”
looked at her–this woman who’d watched me claw my way back from rock bottom, who’d celebrated every victory and weathered very setback. She was right, and we both knew it.
Research the Anderson family and Empire Group,” I said finally. “If I’m doing this, I want to know exactly what we’re walking into.”
We?”
You don’t think I’m facing whatever this is without backup, do you?”
arah grinned. “Now that sounds like the boss I know.”
is she left to start making calls, I turned back to the window. Three years ago, I’d run from complications. Now I was strong enough o walk straight into them.
On my own terms, with my own agenda.
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Time to show my family–and whoever the Andersons were–exactly who Vivienne Alcott had become.
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