Page 184 of Vexatious Queen

“I thought this was what you wanted. For me to be less…me.” Vicky glanced between us. “Now, you don’t like it. I’m confused. Which is it? Do you want me to be less dramatic and not let everything bother me, or not?”

“I’ve never said that you are dramatic, or that you need to change, Victoria.”

She sighed, her eyes sad as she looked away.

“You don’t need to. Everyone else already has. If you don’t mind, I’m tired, I’d just like to nap until we reach the store.”

She closed her eyes and hugged her purse to her chest. I never thought I’d see the day when I wanted to hug Vicky and tell her that it was going to be okay, but the impossible had happened.

Dad and I continued chatting quietly about business, new acquisitions, and the companies he was considering selling. It didn’t feel as strange as I thought it would. I enjoyed discussing ideas for improving income or expanding into new markets.

The limo slowed, and we pulled down a driveway that looked like a country property rather than a high-end store. It was long and lined with large trees.

“Where are we,” I asked, eyes going wide as we turned the last bend and the foliage opened up to reveal a wide sweeping property. I imagined that during the summer, the flowers and water fountains were the main focus. It was truly spectacular.

“Do you know Donatella Saint Laurent?”

I shook my head, but Vicky sat up like she had been shot out of a cannon.

“What? Did you just say Donatella? The Donatella?”

Dad smiled as Vicky lit up.

“This is one of her many homes that most don’t know about. But I’m an old friend, and she has agreed to let you wear her newest designs. No one else has seen them, but there is a catch,” Dad said as we pulled up to the impressive mansion that looked like it was dropped straight out of a fairytale.

“Oh my god, anything. I’ll do anything,” Vicky said, looking as animated and happy as I’d ever seen her.

Dad chuckled at her enthusiasm.

“I already sent her pictures of my two daughters, and she was so impressed with your beauty that she has arranged a photoshoot. You will be the models for the launch. That means a red-carpet appearance and centerfold images in all the fashion magazines. I couldn’t think of a better way to ensure the world knows what a lucky father I am.”

Vicky all but lunged at Eddie as she squealed, and it hit me then that they had a whole life together. As excited as I was to have my dad in my life, I hadn’t spent as much time as I should’ve thinking about what this must be like for Vicky. It had to be devastating to learn she had a sister, to lose her place in the family, to share the spotlight that was once all her own, to deal with not knowing her biological father.

“I can’t believe you did this. It’s a dream come true. I love her work. She is inspiring, and her designs are always incredible. And…I’ve always wanted to model, but Mama said it would never happen,” Vicky gushed, her words coming out as one long sentence.

“Nonsense, your mother has a nasty habit of filling your head with lies, and the worst of them is that you’re not beautiful just the way you are. I love you.” He looked between us and smiled. “I love both of you so much, know that, and know that you’re both exquisite and deserve the world.”

There was a beat of silence between the three of us, and I thought I saw something soften in Vicky’s eyes.

“Oh my god, there she is.”

I thought Vicky was going to faint as an elegant woman stepped outside and waved.

The driver opened the door, and Vicky practically jumped out, then covered her mouth as she screamed and jogged up the stairs to the famous designer.

“This is amazing, Dad, thank you,” I said, nodding in Vicky’s direction. “I think it was exactly what she needed.”

“I hope you love the idea, too,” he said, and I smiled. “This is not just for Victoria.”

“I do. It’s a really incredible gift.”

“Good.” He patted my hand and then climbed out.

I couldn’t have predicted that by the end of the day I’d be a centerfold model, but smirked as I pictured the guys’ reactions. Marcus followed me out, and we made our way up the stairs.

“You really know my fashion,” Donatella said to Vicky.

“I do. I know every piece, when it was launched, who wore it, and what dumb critic said mean things about it. I love your work.”