Page 46 of Without Fault

I greet him the same way in return as I thank him for the invite, and his eyes land on Mel beside me.

“Is this your plus one?” He holds a hand out to her, and as she takes it, he kisses the back of her hand. I love the way they greet people in his culture.

“Yes, this is Mel Jimenez. She models with me at Magic.”

He takes in her outfit. “I remember from my runway show the other night.” He nods at Mel in approval, and her cheeks redden at the attention.

Vincent introduced the woman he's with as his wife, Nora, and she leans in to kiss both of my cheeks before greeting Mel the same. “Vinnie was wondering who you’d bring tonight.” Nora nudges her husband like she’s teasing him, but his glare doesn't falter.

“May I ask why?” I voice shyly and he looks between Mel and me then shrugs.

“You stood out to me at my show, Ms. Hale. I didn't invite any of your other colleagues, but you've been in the industry long enough to know there'd be opportunities here for your plus one. I wanted to know who you want those opportunities for.” Hegestures towards Mel. He doesn’t say anything else, but he looks at Mel like her being my plus one made him notice her in a new light, and now I’m even happier I brought her.

“Ms.Hale?”

I feel my entire face light up at the sound of that voice. I turn on my heels and force myself not to run to her only because everyone in here would think we’re insane.

“Ms.Sloan?” I keep my voice hushed but say her name as if I were her biggest fan and meeting her for the first time. She laughs and pulls me in for a tight hug. I told Vlaire I was going to be here tonight since it was a no-brainer Vincent invited her and I'm glad she was so willingly to come. I guess the fashion show wasn't too hard on her the other night.

She pulls away but quickly pulls me back in for another hug, and I squeeze her back with a laugh. When she pulls away again, she holds my hand and glances at my hair. “The blonde?Soyour color.” She glances down at my dress, now nodding in approval. “Wow.”

“Right?!” I go still and immediately turn to Vincent. “Oh my goodness, thank you so much for the dress, by the way. It’s beautiful.”

He nods in response, and I swear I see him crack a smile.

“Thankyoufor wearing it tonight.”

I didn’t think I had an option, but either way, I didn’t want one.

“Do take pictures in it tonight.”

I assure him that I will, and after his wife says it was nice meeting us, they walk off.

Mel stands off to the side shyly, but I pull her closer.

“Vlaire this is Mel, Mel this is Vlaire.” They give a quick hug to each other, but Mel is as stiff as a board and barely remembers to bring her arms up for the hug. I stifle a giggle behind my hand at how starstruck she is.

“I’m sorry.” Mel shakes her head but still looks shocked to be standing in the same room as Vlaire. I don’t blame her. Vlaire is royalty by blood to us models, even if she doesn’t model.

“How did you two meet?” Mel glances between the two of us, keeping her focus on Vlaire as I explain.

“We had exchanged interactionson Famoura,andwhen I was in Brazil, her hometown, for a shoot, she offered to show me around.”

Vlaire smiles over at Mel as she elaborates. “I wasn't on social media very much at the time.” She glances at me, and I offer her a reassuring smile, remembering that was around the time her mom passed. “But on the rare day that I logged in, I saw a compilation of her best shows that a fan edited, and she reminded me so much of my mom. I reposted it on my story, and we were practically internet besties until we finally met in Brazil, as she mentioned.”

I feel my heart warm at her words. “I am nowhere near Sloan status,” I voice with a nervous laugh.

“At this rate, I'm sure you'll reach it.” She nods behind me, and just as I turn, a man Vincent is talking to swiftly shifts his gaze aside from me. “I know him very well. It won't be long before he offers you a pretty, multi-billion-dollar contract and sweeps you away from Magic.”

I turn to her, unable to find any words.

“Wait, really?” Mel voices for me, and when Vlaire nods, I will myself to remain calm and badger her for details on what he may have told her later since people are watching.

I notice a few cameramen have gathered around awkwardly,waiting to take a picture. I signal them over with a welcoming smile, and the flash is immediately in my face. When I look over to the side, Vincent is watching with a prideful smile.

Chapter Twelve

Sage

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