Chapter 23
Vic stood behind Tachina as she applied a light coat of lipstick at the vanity. She was already flawless and didn’t need makeup in Vic’s opinion, but she insisted she would feel more ‘polished’. He had been watching her quietly for the last ten minutes, taking in every detail of her preparation.
Her dress was white, which was a direct contrast to her tawny skin. It hugged her curves like it had been made specifically for her. Sleek satin draped down her legs, and the sleeveless bodice hugged her, showcasing her smooth, bare shoulders. Her hair was in an elegant updo style.
She looked powerful and radiant. She was the kind of woman men would go off and fight wars for.
He should have been focusing on the evening ahead. Introductions, presentations—but he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
She paused, then turned slightly toward him. She must have felt his eyes on her.
“You are staring,” she murmured.
“I can’t help it,” he admitted. “You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.”
She gave an unladylike snort. Her shoulders rose with a breath that seemed too tight.
Or maybe it was the contraption she wore underneath her dress that was making it difficult for her to breathe.
She was trying to hide her nerves, but he’d spent enough time with her to notice the small tells.
The way her fingers fidgeted, shallow breaths, and her too-straight posture.
“You are going to do fine,” he said gently. “They are just not ready for you.”
“I’m scared, Vic.” She tried to smile, but her voice trembled.
“Of what?” He stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He remained careful of her dress, not wanting to wrinkle it.
“What if they don’t take me seriously? What if they—”
“Stop. Your work speaks for itself. You came up with this vision. You designed it. I was the lucky one who was able to hire you so we can execute it,” he said, firm on that.
“Are you sure?” She leaned back against him.
He brushed his lips on her bare shoulder that was driving him insane. A shiver passed through her. As much as he wished to take this dress off her at the moment, they didn’t have time. It would have to wait until tonight when they returned home.
“I’m positive.”
A soft laugh escaped her. That was what he wanted. The tension in her shoulders melted slightly.
“I have something for you,” he said.
She stepped away from him with a curious look in her eyes. Vic went over to the dresser and picked up a small black velvet box he had placed there earlier. Inside lay a diamond necklace. A delicate silver chain with a teardrop diamond pendant that sparkled.
“Oh, Vic.” Tachina’s eyes widened. She shook her head. “It’s too much.”
“It was my grandmother’s,” he interrupted quietly. “It’s been in my family for decades, and she left it to me in her will when she passed. I want you to wear it. Tonight and hopefully many more nights.”
“You are trusting me with that?” Tachina stared at it.
“I trust you with my and my children’s lives. A necklace can be replaced.” He wasn’t going to tell her how much it cost when his grandmother had purchased it. By today’s standards, this flawless diamond necklace would cost six figures.
She inhaled sharply and spun around. He fastened it behind her neck, and when she turned to look into the mirror again, she gasped. The diamond seemed made for her. The pendant rested just above her collarbone, catching the light with every movement she made.
His grandmother would’ve loved her. His mother…well, tonight would decide who she would choose.
They left the house shortly after, chauffeured in a luxury black SUV. Alissa was staying with Kian while they went to the mayor’s dinner. Vic held her hand the entire ride, not because she needed it, but because he wanted to.
The Renaissance Hotel glittered with elegance when they arrived. Guests in gowns and tuxedos swept inside. Photographers flashed cameras. Valet attendants moved briskly to park vehicles.
Vic stepped out first and offered his hand to her. When Tachina stepped from the SUV, heads turned. Conversations paused as people stared in awe.
His woman was damn beautiful.
Tachina stood a little straighter, confidence feeding off how the world looked at her.
Inside, the ballroom was vast. High ceilings with golden light, tables set with black linens and towering floral arrangements. City and industry leaders mingled with drinks in hand. A grand stage and podium were set at the front, backed by large digital screens with project placeholders.
The event was formal, refined, and press-heavy.
Tachina’s presentation came midway through the dinner.
After speeches from the mayor and a few city council members, it was her turn.
Vic watched her walk to the stage with his heart pounding as if it were him going up there.
The screen behind her lit up with her designs. She spoke with clarity and purpose.
She talked confidently about her work. All eyes were on her, and not one side conversation was spoken as she presented. When she was finished, the applause was thunderous.
Vic stood and clapped until his palms stung. Pride surged through him with an intensity that took his breath away.
“You did wonderful,” he said when she came back to his side. He kissed her cheek.
“This was more nerve-racking than the last time I presented the Artisan.” She giggled.
He reached for her glass of water on the table and handed it to her.
“Thanks.” She almost downed the entire thing before she set the glass back on the table. She glanced around and blew out a deep breath.
“Time to mingle,” he murmured.
She nodded and slid her hand in his. They walked through the banquet hall together.
They shook hands and spoke with guests. The entire time, he couldn’t stop staring at her.
She was damn sexy in that dress, but it was more than that.
She walked with the poise of a woman who knew she was about to make a difference in the city.
A group of admirers called her over to take a photo with the mayor. She squeezed Vic’s hand and went with them. He stayed behind as she disappeared into the cluster of photographers.
“A few questions, Mr. Maxwell?” someone asked from beside him.
A young reporter stepped forward with a small microphone in one hand and a cellphone in the other. “You’re the primary land developer for the Artisan Avenue, correct?”
“Correct.” Vic nodded.
“Well, we’ve heard a few rumors circulating regarding conflicts of interest. Something about personal relationships influencing the decision on designers for this project. Care to comment on whether or not the decision to use Form and Function Studios was swayed due to personal relations?”
This was the work of one person.
Sydney.
Vic’s mood cooled instantly.
“Let me be extremely clear. The designer was chosen based on merit, design innovation, sustainability, and public benefit. Any personal attacks circulating regarding this build are nothing more than bitter attempts from someone with no professional involvement and even less credibility.”
The reporter blinked and appeared nervous, but Vic didn’t stop.
“If you’re looking for a headline, here’s one: The city deserves development that puts community first.”
“So you are denying the allegations?”
“Absolutely,” Vic said. “And I suggest you focus on the facts instead of gossip from someone who has no stake in this city’s growth.”
“Umm…thank you for your time,” the reporter stammered. He quickly turned and practically ran away from Vic.
He blew out a deep breath and tried to calm his nerves. He glanced around the room and noticed someone was missing.
Sydney was no where to be found. How peculiar. This would definitely be her type of event to attend.
Good.
A shift in the crowd pulled his attention. His mother stood by one of the ornate columns, dressed elegantly in a floor-length navy gown. She seemed nervous, which was rare for her. When she met his eyes, she approached him slowly.
“Victor.” She studied him and swallowed hard. “Can we talk?”
Part of him wanted to refuse, but he found himself nodding.
They stepped into the hallway and located a small alcove near a decorative staircase. It was away from the main foyer of the ballroom. Nancy inhaled and paused before she spoke.
“I owe you an apology and I owe Tachina an even bigger one,” she said.
Vic stared at her quietly.
“I’ve been watching you tonight,” she continued.
Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of vulnerability in it that he was not used to hearing when she spoke.
“The way you look at her. The way she looks at you. That woman loves you. Your son is thriving because of how much the two of you love him. I was blind to not see it.”
He stayed quiet and appreciated her honesty.
“I listened to Sydney because I’ve known her for years. I trusted her more than what I was seeing with my own eyes.” Her voice cracked. Her blue eyes were filled with regret. “That was a mistake, and it’s one I regret deeply.”
“It hurt.” Vic exhaled slowly.
“I know.” She nodded, tears forming in her eyes. “I want to make it right.”
Footsteps echoed down the hall. Tachina emerged from the bathroom, adjusting her dress slightly. When she saw them, she froze with uncertainty in her eyes. He motioned for her to join them.
She hesitated before approaching.
Nancy turned to her. The tears in her eyes teetered on her lashes.
“Tachina, I’m truly sorry for my behavior. It was never my intention to hurt you. I let someone else’s insecurity influence my judgment. That is not who I truly am. Please forgive me,” Nancy said.
Shock registered on Tachina’s face. She was rendered speechless for a moment.
“Thank you, Mrs. Maxwell,” Tachina stammered. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. I know better than to listen to gossip. A woman of my age shouldn’t be gossiping. I do apologize, and if there is anything I can do to make up for it, please let me know.” Nancy sniffed.
“You don’t need to do anything. I am just glad the air is cleared. I would never do anything to hurt or take advantage of Vic,” Tachina said.
“I know that now, but I guess I should have known before. You’ve always been kind to me and my husband when you are around.” Nancy offered a tearful smile. “I would love for you, Kian, and Victor to come over sometime this week for dinner. If that’s something you are comfortable with.”
“Yes, I’d like that,” Tachina replied.
Vic wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her to him.
“There is something you can do,” Vic interjected. Tachina may be letting her off easy, but he wasn’t going to forget how his mother could have stopped everything Sydney had done.
“Vic…” Tachina sighed.
He held up his hand. It wasn’t much he was going to ask for. He turned to his mother.
“You need to put out a statement. One that shows your support of Tachina’s designs and vision. Ultimately, if Sydney got her way in destroying Tachina’s designs, that would have affected our business and our money. We would have much to lose if the backers would have changed their mind,” he said.
Nancy nodded. Understanding bloomed in her eyes. Of course she understood the money aspect. Their company would come under fire, too.
“Consider it done.” Nancy stood to her full height. Her chin tilted up, and it was easy to see she was already thinking of what to say. “I’ll make sure a few of my groups will also utilize their contacts as well.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you, Mrs. Maxwell, that would mean so much.” Tachina smiled.
A staff member stepped in, calling Nancy away to speak with a council member. She excused herself before leaving Vic and Tachina alone.
“Did that really just happen?” Tachina muttered.
“Apparently, my mother saw the error of her ways.” He pressed a kiss to her lips and a hand to her stomach.
They would continue to combat Sydney’s smear campaign until no one paid any attention to her.
Hopefully, after the other night, she would not even speak of Tachina or even utter the Maxwell name.
He gaze dropped to his hand on her flat belly.
He couldn’t wait for the day where it was round. He looked forward to those days.
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
“Good. The nausea isn’t as bad right now.” She smiled.
“If any of this gets to be too much, just say the word and we’re leaving.” He meant that. He didn’t want her to overwork herself. The stress couldn’t be good for her or the baby.
“I’m fine right now. Thank you, though. For everything, and you did not have to make your mother agree to putting out a statement.” She smiled again. She stood up taller and kissed his lips.
Her beauty captivated him. He had sort of hoped she would say she was ready right now. He ached to scoop her up and take her back home.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you, too, and yes, I did. It is only right.” He bent down and captured another quick kiss.
They couldn’t stay hidden away all night. He took her hand in his and led her down the hallway.
They walked through the hotel, hand in hand.
He quietly absorbed what had just happened.
Vic honestly hadn’t thought his mother would come around so fast, but then again, threatened with losing a son and grandchildren would cut her deep.
Legacy was family. The future of your name.
That had always been important to his parents.
At the entrance to the ballroom, a photographer approached, calling out their names.
“Excuse me. Can we get a few photos? For tomorrow’s paper? The developer and the designer,” he said.
Vic glanced at Tachina. She nodded. They moved into position, her hip against his, her hand on his chest while his arm wrapped around her waist. Cameras flashed. A few observers whispered loudly enough for him to hear what they were saying.
“What a beautiful couple.”
“They look powerful together.”
“She’s the designer? Brilliant.”
A few more photographers snapped pictures as well. Another reporter approached, a young Black woman.
“Ms. Winston, can I get an interview?” the young lady asked.
“Go ahead. I’ll be right here.” Vic stepped back and released Tachina.
She moved forward and spoke passionately about the project, community, and design. The reporter was from one of the local colleges who had snuck in to try to interview Tachina who was all smiles after hearing the young lady’s story.
Vic watched, his hands in his pockets, a sense of pride in his chest. This was what a partnership looked like.
This was what love looked like.
This was what two people who counterbalanced each other looked like.
Vic was happy to be in the background while Tachina shined. That was where she belonged.