Chapter 133
Victoria slipped on the dress and stepped in front of the full-length mirror-then finally noticed what was off.
The gown had a plunging neckline and an open back. In other words, it was nothing short of scandalous.
And on Victoria’s flawless figure, the effect was breathtaking. If she dared to dip her chin, that dramatic V would draw every eye in the room.
“Oh my God—”
Yasmine was stunned. She’d always known Ms. Turner was beautiful, but Victoria usually dressed so conservatively that showing a hint of collarbone was about as daring as she got.
Even as a woman, Yasmine found herself swallowing hard at the sight of Victoria’s
curves.
With a figure like that, what man at the event wouldn’t have a nosebleed just looking at her?
Victoria frowned. How was she supposed to walk out in this?
She knew Violet had done this on purpose-trying to set her up for embarrassment in front of everyone.
“Ms. Turner, maybe you should change into something else?” Yasmine suggested, her tone nervous. It all just felt a little too much too bold, too sexy, too attention- grabbing.
But Victoria just picked up her purse and looked at the reflection—at that
unfamiliar, impossibly alluring woman staring back at her. She smiled, the corners of her mouth curling up.
“No, this is fine,” she said softly.
Violet wanted to make her a spectacle? Well, so be it. With a body like hers, why should she hide? She was Victoria now-herself, not someone’s wife.
Her mind flashed back to her marriage with McNeil. She’d never even gotten to wear a wedding dress, never attended a grand party, never had an occasion for beautiful clothes.
Her days had all been the same loose sweats, waiting at home for him, tending to his needs, hair a mess as she pored over reports and ran his numbers. When McNeil came home, she’d still be barefaced, and even after years of marriage, she’d never worn anything remotely sexy to bed.
She’d almost forgotten that she was once the darling of Northriver University-the campus queen, admired by thousands.
Yasmine couldn’t believe that the woman who always dressed like a nun was now stepping out in a dress like this. Hurriedly, she moved to help Victoria with the hem.
When Victoria descended the spiral staircase, the white gown hugged her curves, every step radiating confidence and grace.
Haley happened to walk by and froze, stunned.
My God, Miss Turner really had grown up. She was even more dazzling now than Edith ever was.
At the door, Victoria waited until Yasmine brought the car around, then slid in with effortless elegance.
The ribbon-cutting was at the Panorama Peak Hotel. Even before eight o’clock, the entrance was packed with luxury cars and camera crews, reporters jostling for the best spot.
“We’ll go around back,” Victoria instructed, sending Yasmine to the side entrance. The last thing she wanted was to walk the red carpet and draw every eye.
After all, the press wasn’t here for her-they wanted Violet, McNeil, Curtis, and all the business bigwigs.
If she guessed right, Simms and Yulia would show up too. Like McNeil, they were all backing Violet.
When the coast was clear, Victoria slipped out of the town car, gathering her skirt and sneaking through the staff entrance.
She found her colleagues from PR waiting inside.
The moment they saw Victoria, jaws dropped.
“Oh my God, what is Ms. Turner wearing?” someone whispered. “They told us to dress for the cameras, but we’re all in the same style and look at that neckline! She must’ve had it altered on purpose.”
“Seriously though, she looks incredible. Her chest is gorgeous-I mean, even I want to touch it “
“Maybe she’s dressed like that because all the CEOs are coming tonight. Trying to make a statement.”
“She’s really showing off, isn’t she?” someone giggled.
The room buzzed with gossip and admiration-Victoria just smiled, unbothered, ready for whatever the night would bring.