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“We need you looking like Princess Diana in the revenge dress after Charles stuck his dick in Camilla.”
“Fumi—”
“No negotiating, it’s happening. Trust me… You’re going to lookhot.”
* * *
She’s not wrong.
Eight hours later, after I grudgingly submit to Fumi’s “glow up” makeover, I walk into the gala feeling like a freaking movie star.
I even stop in the foyer of the Plaza Hotel, where the event is being held, to glance at myself in one of the floor-length, golden-edged mirrors. Heat tingles through my cheeks as I grin.
I meandamn, self.
There’s a hint—maybe much, much more than a hint—of truth to what Fumi said earlier. I don’t really ever dress up. At least, not like this. Not glamorously. But tonight, I’m wearing this stunning, cherry-red Alexander McQueen gown of Fumi’s, which fits me perfectly and might be the most gorgeous dress I’ve ever worn.
Sleeveless, floor-length, with a high neck in front and scooping all the way down to the small of my back, with a slit all the way up to my thigh. I’ve got on matching red, towering heels, and Fumi spent about forty-five minutes turning my straw-straight hair into a flowing, wavy masterpiece that tumbles past my shoulders.
I’ve literally never once dressed like this in my life. And honestly, Ireallylike it.
Fumi took so much time getting me ready that she herself is arriving a little later. So for now I’m flying solo as I float through the doors into the main event hall where the gala is being held.
“My mymy!”
I blush, turning as Taylor waltzes over, looking absolutely stunning in a cream white gown that belongs on a red carpet somewhere, or in a royal palace.
“Ilovethis color on you!”
I grin bashfully. “Thanks. It’s actually Fumi’s.”
“Well, it’s freaking stunning on you. You should wear red more often.”
“Thanks,” I beam. “And oh my God, you look incredible, too.”
Taylor waves a hand. “Meh. I usually hate these things. So does Gabriel. These are more Alistair’s bag. But, you gotta smile for the cameras and kiss some rings here and there, right?”
“Doyou?”
She laughs. “Well, when you make equity partner next year, you’ll find out just how un-fun it really is at the top.”
I blink. Taylor stiffens, making a face before she smiles awkwardly at me.
“I did just say that out loud, didn’t I.”
“I…you can totally take it back.”
She grins. “You should probably pretend you didn’t hear that. But…spoiler alert, we’re fast tracking you. You’recrushingit, Elsa. And with the yearly partnership review coming up in five months, the brothers and I are in full agreement: you should be bumped up to equity.”
My eyes threaten to fall out of their sockets.
“Oh myGod, Taylor! Thank you!”
She grins, hugging me before pulling back. “It’s not charity. You’ve worked your ass off, Elsa. For us, and to get here in the first place. You’ve earned this.”
I swallow, shaking with the adrenaline rush of it all. Equity partner. Like,fuck.
“I—wow. Taylor, thank you so—”
