Chapter 22 According To Her Plans
"Alright. Are you all set to check out how you look?" Emma asked Winter, who was backing the mirror while she helped zip up the girl’s dress.
Winter nodded. The outfit fitted her like a glove, so she was excited to see how amazing she would look. Since arriving at the office with her brother, her brother's words about Emma kept echoing in her mind. Winter turned around, and a gasp escaped her lips as she was stunned by her reflection. "Is that really me?"
Emma chuckled and nodded. "You look amazing, Miss Queen."
"I had no idea this would look so perfect. Of course, you made it, but I didn’t expect to look this fabulous." She spun around and glanced at Emma. "Thanks a lot." She leaned in for a hug, which surprised Emma. As she pulled away, Winter added, "Just to remind you, we’re going to the party together, right?"
"You said that before, but I’m curious why. Isn’t it your grandmother’s birthday? You should definitely get there before I do. I’ll find my way there."
"Don’t be ridiculous. Why would I let my designer show up a minute before me? We’re friends now, and we should definitely go together. I’ll pick you up in a car. What’s your address?"
"Hmm?" Emma was caught off guard.
"Your home address? So I can pick you up and we can head out together."
Emma chuckled lightly. "Oh, I won’t be going home. My dress isn’t ready yet, so I’ll definitely be going straight from the office after working overnight to sort it out."
Winter sighed. "Oh." Instantly, her expression lit up. "But that’s not so bad either. I’ll definitely swing by the office before heading to the hotel. The party doesn’t kick off until noon. But if I get too tired, I’ll send a limo your way. Is that alright?"
A limo?
What was she thinking? Of course, she is a Queen. How could she be surprised?
"That would be nice." Emma nodded. Having a limo pick her up was way better than her tagging along. Emma took a deep breath. "So, we’re all set here. You look like a princess, Winter."
"Thank you, again, Emma. I’m really happy you’re the one who made my dress. I know in my heart that you’re already the winner of this award." She turned around for Emma to unzip her dress. "Oh, before I forget, there are a few things I wanted to ask."
"What’s on your mind?"
"How do you see my brother? Is he nice?"
Emma’s face changed then her eyes lowered.
"Hmm, let me think. Mr. Queen doesn’t mess around with his work. That much I can tell you. He’s nice. At least, I’ve seen him being nice. He’s nothing like what people say about him around here. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing.” She waved it off with her hand. “Just make sure you steal the spotlight at the party. Make sure your dress outshines the one my grandmother will wear. That way, everyone will be looking at you." Winter took both of her hands. "You’re beautiful, Emma. No one should overlook that."
"Thanks, Winter." Emma laughed nervously. She was starting to feel uncomfortable but Winter would be the person to bring her closer to Ezra.
Winter folded the dress into a bag. "I’ll see you tomorrow." She waved goodbye and left the room with the bag containing her outfit.
Ezra sighed as he kept replaying the earlier conversation he had with his sister. Why on earth would he say something like that about a woman? She wasn’t an object; she was a person. He let out a loud groan. His phone started ringing, then he shut the file in front of him and answered it. "What’s going on?"
"I was just checking if you want to grab a drink with me tonight."
Ezra’s brows furrowed. "Scott. Tomorrow is my grandma’s birthday, not my wedding. So, what’s the deal with wanting to drink tonight? Is there something you need to talk about?"
"Did you catch the newspaper this morning?"
"And what’s so important about it?"
"Heather! She was spotted on a date with a guy, and you’re not even fazed?"
He had orchestrated the whole thing. He knew this was the only way to get Ezra Queen to reconnect with Heather. Ezra hated it when his personal matters were made public. If there were still a part of him that cared for Heather, this news would definitely rattle him.
"She was out with the son of the guy I can’t stand. I know love is a ridiculous thing." Speaking of which, he had been trying so hard to move on from that one girl he thought he loved. "...but I don’t hold it against her. Heather can do whatever she wants and love whoever she chooses. I’ve got a lot on my plate tonight, Scott. I’ll catch up with you later." Ezra ended the call. He sighed as he stood up.
He grabbed his suit. Maybe now was the time he actually needed that drink. But he wanted to be alone.
As he headed out, he informed Milan that he would be out and would return tomorrow morning to wrap up his work before the party kicked off. He headed to the garage and drove straight to the club.
As Ezra walked in, two ladies approached him. This always happened whenever he arrived, even if he was with a friend. He wrapped his arms around them as they led him to his private seat. He ordered a beer, hoping to forget about Heather's date with another guy and the things he said about Emma. He planned to drink his worries away.
Ezra squeezed into the elevator with the two women still in his arms. He had arranged for a driver to take him home, and during the ride, he made out with the girls in the backseat. They took turns kissing him while he fumbled for the button to his floor. As he pressed it, they started taking off his shirt, leaving his chest bare, and reaching for his pants to unbuckle.
The elevator dinged, and he was startled when he saw his sister there. "Why are you still here?" Ezra asked. "I thought I told you to spend the night at home."
"Oh my God. You look so miserable," Winter replied, her gaze shifting to the two girls. "Tonight you’re into Asians. Tomorrow, it’ll be Americans," she said, shaking her head.
"Just go to your room or go home!" Ezra shouted.
"Pretend I’m not even here," Winter said and walked over to the couch with her cup of ice cream in hand. She plopped down, grabbed the remote, and turned on the TV, raising the volume. She glanced at her brother as he headed to one of the guest rooms downstairs with the girls. "Looks like the rumors I heard are true. He doesn’t share his bed with them," she muttered under her breath.
Winter turned up the TV volume to the last stage so she wouldn't listen to what they were doing. Her gaze kept drifting to the closed door where her brother was. She was also glancing at the clock. Once it hit twelve, they would be told to leave. She tried to concentrate on the show, and as soon as the clock struck twelve, she heard the door creak open. A smirk appeared on her face when she saw the girls left the room and headed straight for the elevator.
Ezra approached her wearing his robe. "This is exactly why I told you to stay home."
"I get why you're acting like this. Is it about Heather? Or...Emma?"
Ezra scoffed. "This has nothing to do with either of them. But I guess you would have figured it out if you were actually stalking me. Now I see you’re not."
"I told you I’m not stalking you. And I really hope the paparazzi didn’t catch you three coming in here. That would upset mum and dad."
Ezra shook his head. "Make sure you hit the hay early. You need to leave for the mansion in the morning." He started to walk away but paused. He turned back, waiting for his sister to say what was on her mind.
"Would you mind taking a limo to work tomorrow?"
"Why?” He folded his arms, his left brow lifted. “What are you scheming this time?"
"Nothing. I just need to borrow your car. My friends are coming over, and I want to ride with them."
Ezra squinted at her. "There are plenty of cars you could pick from. Why do you want mine?”
"Think about it. Arriving at the party in a limo really gives off a classy vibe. You enjoy the spotlight, don’t you? This will definitely boost your new image along with the fresh outfits you want to showcase. Just picture your name in a magazine, talking about how you showed up at your grandmother’s birthday bash,” she demonstrated with her hand waving the air. “I can totally see Heather getting jealous for letting a guy like you slip away."
Ezra rolled his eyes. He wasn't buying her reasons. "Next time, come up with a better lie. And you always manage to get your way. Fine. You can take the car, and I’ll ride in a limo. Not because of Heather, but because I care about my image." He pointed to himself, then walked away. He went up the stairs and made his way to his room for a bath.
A sly grin spread across Winter’s face. Everything was going according to her plan.