Page 20 of Scarred Sacrifice
Penny stands and gestures for me to make my way up the steps. It’s like something out of a fairy tale. I’m half expecting a fairy godmother to appear at any moment. Penny walks at my side as we make our way to the top of the extravagant entrance. A waiter is stood there holding a tray filled with glasses of champagne, and as I take one, I subtly nod my thanks. I knowIsabella said to act like I’m owed all this because of how rich I’m supposed to be, but I can’t bring myself to be a dick.
As we step into the huge, marbled entrance hall, I see plenty of people already here stood in groups talking, and not so subtly looking over in my direction.
“Miss Valentina Fox,” a man loudly announces as I enter.
I look around, feeling pretty sure that my eyes are wide like a deer caught in the headlights. The few that weren’t looking my way now certainly are. I hold myself together, resisting the urge to shift uncomfortably under everyone’s scrutiny. I don’t make it far before the man himself strides towards me, a smile playing on his face. He holds his hands out to pull me into his embrace like we are old friends, and I can’t help but stiffen at his touch. At least I remember to do the kiss on each cheek thing. His hands squeeze my shoulder slightly. Man, I would love nothing more than to knee him in the nuts right now.
He steps back. “Miss Fox, I cannot tell you how happy I am that you agreed to attend this weekend.” Henry grins.
I force a smile onto my face. “Oh, Mr. Sparks, please. There was no way I was going to miss it,” I reply, knowing full well he had no idea who I was, or should I say, supposed to be until his people told him as I entered.
“Miss Fox, please. It’s Henry,” he states.
“Well, then, please call me Valentina,” I say in return. His eyes spark with some unknown emotion before shamelessly roaming over my body. I clear my throat and look around. “I must say this building is spectacular,” I state in an effort to distract him. I do not want his attention.
He lets out a soft laugh. “Yes, you will get to see it in all its splendour tomorrow, but for tonight, it’s just a casual meet. Let you all unwind and get to know one another. Food will be served in approximately thirty minutes. Then you can all return to yourrooms for a well-rested night before the fun really begins,” he states proudly.
I nod. He’s not an ugly man. He clearly keeps fit, and if it wasn’t for the fact I know exactly how fucking evil he really is, I would find him slightly attractive.
“I am looking forward to it,” I say forcing a warm smile to my lips. I look to the side and see Penny stood with her back to the wall, along with the other personal assistants. They are all just stood there, looking straight ahead, waiting to be summoned.
“Come. Let me introduce you to some of my business associates,” he says, moving to my side. He places his hand on my lower back and leads me to a small group of men. They all part when they hear him clear his throat, turning their attention on us. I grin at each of them. They all look to be over fifty. “Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to Miss Valentina Fox. She has taken the toy industry by storm,” Henry states with a wink at me.
I let a light chuckle escape me and playfully roll my eyes, while I’m mentally ramming my fist in his face.
“Toys, eh? Always did say playing with dolls were the only thing women were good at.” A balding man with an overhanging belly snorts. “No, really. I admire it when a woman likes to play boss.” He winks. I don’t hide my distaste for his comment.
“Gerald,” Henry scolds in a mocking tone, as he fights his own amusement at Gerald’s comments. Fucking prick.
“Oh, come on, Henry. I’m just playing,” he scoffs. “You know, just a little joke, sweetheart.” He chuckles and his patronising tone is slicing through my last nerve.
“Of course.” I grin. “I know you mean no harm. I mean, you’re right. I am a woman. What do I know about business?” I mock with a sarcastic tone. I take a sip of my drink as they all chuckle. “However, there is one thing I know, that clearly all ofyou don’t.” I pause. “I know how to get your wives off,” I state sharply.
“I beg your pardon,” Gerald splutters angrily, while the others all practically gasp in horror at my crude comeback.
I let out a playful chuckle. “Vibrators, Gerald. Your wife’s pleasure is my business,” I add, enjoying his face turning beet red.
Henry throws his head back and lets out a roaring laugh. “Excellent. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you lost for words, Gerald.” The other men laugh but shift uncomfortably. “Smart cookie, this one. You better watch it.” Henry laughs.
Gerald shifts on his feet. “If you will excuse me, I need a refreshment,” he says quietly before walking away.
The other men all make their excuses and walk away, leaving me and Henry alone. “Not the best first impression,” I state honestly.
“Ignore them. They’re a little sensitive to those sorts of things.” He winks, his eyes lazily drinking me in. “I, on the other hand, embrace a woman that knows what she wants,” he says sleazily. I have to fight the urge to gag and stab him in the throat. Thankfully, another name is announced. “If you will excuse me,” he states before walking over to the person that has just arrived.
I move around the room, nodding in greeting to others as I pass. “Now I must meet the woman that got Gerald’s Y-fronts in a twist,” a woman’s voice states from behind me. I turn around to see an older lady in her late sixties stood there, smiling up at me. Her sharp eyes assess me.
I smile. “Valentina Fox,” I say, holding out my hand.
“Oh, I know who you are. Within five minutes of you being here, you are already the hot gossip; the woman that sells sex toys.” She grins.
“Ah. Well, they’re not wrong,” I confirm.
“I’m Lady Davenport, but you can call me Edna.” She grins. “You, my dear, are different. I can tell that already.”
My spine straightens. “I’m not different. Just the same as everyone else here,” I say, shaking my head.
“Oh, you are. You are not like these pompous assholes.” She tuts. I cough, choking on my champagne. She gives me a side glance, smirking. “Let me tell you something I tell everyone else here. My dear Ernest earned every single penny working hard and treating people right. He didn’t steal it, and he didn’t sell out his workers. He treated every single one of them right. God rest his soul, he was a good man.” She sighs.
