Chapter 18 Ms. Miller, You Not Taking a Seat? Chapter 18 Ms. Miller, You Not Taking a Seat? Violet prepped for the day, picking a sharp blue suit-professional yet distinctive. She checked herself in the mirror, flashing a quick "you got this" gesture. For Mabel, she'd fight tooth and nail to help Victor land this proxy contract! The dinner was set at Prestige Club. Victor brought two lawyers: Violet and Sean. He knew Violet's stomach couldn't handle much, so he'd brought Sean, the team's resident heavyweight drinker. In the Braxton Group side, besides Tony, there were two from the investment team and a deputy finance director-core players in the company. Mr. Gray, heard a lot about you," Tony said, shaking his hand before sizing up Violet and Sean. 'ictor beamed with confidence. "These are my top two lawyers. This is Violet Miller, and this is Sean Woods." 'iolet's nerves were jangling, but she kept her cool. "Good to meet you, Mr. Hart. I'm Violet." 'ony nodded slightly. "Heh, young and promising. Ms. Miller, you can't be much over twenty, right?" 'iolet smiled, unfazed. "Mr. Hart, I'm twenty-six." 'ictor chimed in, hyping his protégé. "Top of her class at NYU Law, stayed for her master's, and she's on track for mid-level certification next year." twenty-six-year-old mid-level lawyer? Impressive. ony gave her an extra glance. 'ictor and Tony steered the dinner conversation, while Charlie Cross, from the investment team, grinned and called over a waiter. "Everyone good with drinks? fis eyes lingered on Violet. "Can you handle a drink, Ms. Miller?" ictor started to cover for her, but Violet cut in, her voice steady. "I'm not much of a drinker, but I'm thrilled to meet you all tonight. Hope you won't mind if I'm lightweight." Damn, Violet's going all in, Victor thought. harlie laughed. "Love the attitude! Doesn't matter how much you drink-just have fun." Jolet stuck out her tongue mentally and thought, "Yeah, I'm in for it tonight." lean glanced at her, giving a subtle thumbs-up under the table. Violet forced a smile. No choice-she was desperate to climb the ladder. The more money she had, the more leverage she'd have to stand up to her family. The appetizers arrived, and Violet accepted a full glass of liquor from Charlie-about two shots' worth. Victor shot her a look, his eyes screaming, "You're gonna regret this." She caught his meaning-he was calling her reckless. Victor raised his glass first, toasting the table, and Charlie turned to Violet with a grin. "To our beautiful star lawyer!" Violet wasn't new to this game. A little teasing about her looks was par for the course at these dinners. 14:49 Left Me Hanging at the City Hall? I Married Your Uncle 14.2 Chapter 18 Ms. Miller, You Not Taking a Seat? She lifted her glass without hesitation. "Mr. Cross, I should be toasting you." She took a big swig, her crisp confidence earning a nod from Charlie. "Mr. Gray, you've got a gem here!" Victor's lips twitched. "Ms. Miller's a star in her field. Don't let her age fool you-she's the sharpest young lawyer on our team." Violet had forgotten her antacids, and her stomach churned. She forced a smile. "All thanks to you giving me a shot and trusting me." Another investment guy, middle aged, stood up. "Young and talented? I've gotta toast Ms. Miller too!" Violet sighed inwardly, standing and raising her glass again. Just then, Tony's phone lit up with an incoming call, his face tightening. He raised a hand, silencing the table. Violet's hand froze, glass in midair. Whose call was this important? The man next to Tony craned his neck, glanced at the screen, and paled slightly. Yeah, we're dining with Monarch Law," Tony said into the phone. "At Prestige Club. You coming?" le stood abruptly. "You're already at the entrance? I'll come get you!" langing up, Tony shot Victor a loaded look. Monarch Law had hit the jackpot-their CEO was here by chance. Mr. Gray, I'm stepping out to grab someone." 'ictor's heart raced. From Tony's tone, this was a big deal! Alright, I'll come with you!" iolet sat back down, uneasy, and thought, "Who's showing up?" lot Nathan, surely-he'd mentioned dinner yesterday. nd Wayne? No way. A dinner like this was beneath him. Sean, I'm hitting the restroom," Violet whispered. You okay?" Sean asked quietly. Fine," she shook her head. "Just drank too fast-stomach's acting up." Jolet excused herself to the Braxton Group folks and slipped out, Moments later, Tony and Victor escorted Wayne in. fis sharp eyes scanned the room, his brow lifting slightly. Where was she? The Braxton team stood in unison. "Mr. Braxton!" sean, jaw dropping, recognized him from magazine covers. "Mr. Braxton!" Holy crap, the living legend of the Braxton family! Tony offered Wayne the head seat, but he waved it off casually. "I'll sit here. This taken?" 14:49 Left Me Hanging at the City Hall? I Married Your Uncle 14.4% Chapter 18 Ms. Miller, You Not Taking a Seat? He pointed to Violet's spot. Tony hesitated. "Uh, no, sir" "Ms. Miller's in the restroom, right? When she's back, she can sit next to Mr. Woods." The arrangement left Violet and Wayne separated by Sean. Wayne's deep eyes flickered, unreadable. "No need for the hassle." He pointed at Sean. "Slide over one. Ms. Miller can take the middle." Tony's jaw nearly hit the floor. He'd deliberately spaced things out, knowing Wayne avoided women. What was going on? Then it clicked-Tony had only mentioned Violet's last name. Wayne probably didn't know she was a woman. Here's hoping Violet played it smart and didn't tick off the boss. Violet popped an antacid, chugged some water from a waiter, and felt her stomach settle. But when she pushed open the door, she froze. Why was the last person she expected sitting in her seat? Victor spotted his star pupil lingering at the door. "Violet, don't just stand there-come sit!" But where? Violet stared at the lone empty seat, dazed. Help! The only spot was next to Wayne! Wayne quirked his lips almost imperceptibly. "Ms. Miller, You Not Taking a Seat?" (0) (0)