Victoria''s grip on her phone tightened for a moment.


    Still, she answered in an even tone, "Alright."


    Then, silently, she set her phone down.


    Ailie sat in her office, reying Victoria''s words in her mind, but no matter how long she mulled it over, she couldn''t make sense of them.


    Just then, Jack knocked on the door, holding a stack of schedules.


    "What''s this?” she asked, eyeing him suspiciously as she took the papers.


    "Staff roster and seating chart for the day after tomorrow."


    Ailie nced at the sheets and was so exasperated she couldn''t even find the energy toin.


    Front-of-house lead: Victoria.


    Master of ceremonies: Victoria.


    And for the list of VIPS Victoria was assigned to greet, the name McNeil stood out.


    Damn it, Violet Marchand was definitely doing this on purpose.


    Ailie picked up her phone several times, tempted to call Victoria, but figured Victoria had probably seen the list by now.


    If ever there was a way to get under someone''s skin, this was it.


    Violet really was ruthless-why hadn''t the universe struck her down yet?


    "Did you bring these to Mr. Garcia yet?" Ailie asked, barely containing her frustration. Jack, oblivious to her mood, shook his head.


    "Not yet."


    "I''ll take them."


    Snatching two copies of the staffing n, Ailie bolted out of the office and sped toward Victoria''s workspace. She pushed the door open, only to find the office empty.


    On her way back, she passed Violet''s office just in time to hear Victoria''s voice from inside.


    "Ms. Marchand, you wanted to see me?"


    Victoria stood facing Violet, poised andposed, her posture straight and self- assured.


    Violet, sitting quietly in a leather chair, looked every inch the consummate executive in her sharp suit, hermanding presence filling the room. Now, with her new office and title, Violet seemed even more formidable.


    Victoria was dressed professionally too, but the soft knit dress beneath her zer gave her a gentler air. The real showstopper, though, was her breathtaking beauty, outshining Violet no matter the setting.


    As Violet looked at the stunning woman before her, a flicker of admiration crossed her eyes.


    "I''ve arranged for you to serve as temporary head of PR tomorrow. I trust that''s not a problem. Victoria, you''re always so striking-honestly, you''d be an asset anywhere. The executives from high society adore a beautiful face, and you''re ourpany''s best choice."


    Victoria smiled politely. "Thank you for your confidence, Ms. Marchand. If there''s nothing else, I''ll get back to work."


    Violet tapped her fingers on the desk. "Wait, my assistant should be here any minute."


    Victoria wasn''t sure what Violet was getting at, but since Violet insisted, she had no choice but to stand there in her heels for over ten minutes before Georgia finally arrived, a rectangr box in her arms.


    Violet folded her arms and nced calmly at Victoria. "Go ahead-open it."


    Victoria hesitated. "What is it?"


    "A dress," Violet replied. "Ms. Turner, with your figure, I asked Georgia to pick out something that would fit you perfectly. Make sure you wear it for the event the day after tomorrow-all the PR staff will be in matching attire."


    Victoria doubted Violet was acting out of goodwill. The moment her fingers touched the box, Violet suddenly rose from her seat.


    "Georgia, I just remembered—I have a management meeting to attend. Ms. Turner, you''re dismissed."


    Victoria''s lips curled slightly in amusement. Violet reminded her, "Don''t forget your uniform, Ms. Turner."


    Without a word, Victoria took the box and left.


    Ailie had been lurking outside Violet''s office for so long her legs ached. Atst,


    she saw Victoria emerge.


    "What did she want?" Ailie asked.


    Victoria nced at the box in her hands. "She gave me a dress."


    "Ugh-"


    All the way home that night, Victoria never bothered to open the box.


    There was really no need.


    It wasn''t until the morning of thepanyunch event, as she was heading out


    the door, that she finally remembered Violet''s dress. She opened the box to find a long white gown—nothing shy, but clearly expensive.


    Even Yasmine, catching sight of it, widened her eyes in surprise. The fabric was exquisite; this was no ordinary dress.