103. Natalie

Chapter 103

Natalie

Wealth and celebritytend to go hand in hand, so even though I’m the furthest thing from a celebrity, and I dislike being in the spotlight, I take a deep breath to prepare myself for it anyway.

I wish Luke was here.

I look out my car window at the section of red carpet rolled out in front of the Mazzanti Enterprises building. Along the building, behind the carpet, are giant free-standing banners with the Mazzanti logo, the name of the charity organization that will be speaking tonight, and then the emblem for Marie’s House, making sure all the photos shared from tonight have the proper branding.

Marie’s House is the main recipient of tonight’s donations, and hopefully the sum will allow them to start work on a second location.

For the first one, they remodeled an old hotel into no-cost transitional housing for women and families. It was the love project of Marie Mazzanti, mother of the Vincent Mazzanti, the man who currently runs Mazzanti Enterprises and was formally known as Mr. Sin before his now wife, Sasha, ran his PR campaign and transitioned him to an upstanding businessman.

I’ve met Vincent and Sasha a few times over the years, typically at events like this, where a table costs five figures. But for a family once rumored to be in the mafia, they do a lot of good. And I’m looking forward to being more involved in their future projects.

So, with that, thinking of the greater good, I straighten my shoulders and tell my driver I’m ready.

I could have driven myself, but I plan to partake in the bar tonight, and it’s easier to get through this part being dropped off.

While the driver circles the car to open my door, I smooth my hands down my embellished skirt.

As I told Luke, the theme for tonight is black and white, and I chose the latter because I’ve been waiting for a reason to wear this dress.

The scoop neckline covers my cleavage, and the long sleeves are conservative, but the bright white material is covered in thousands of tiny crystals, and the way it clings to my body is anything but conservative. Not to mention the only thing breaking up the glittering fabric is the slit that runs halfway up my thigh.

I finished the look with white silk pumps and white enamel jewelry.

It’s almost bridal but more winter royalty than anything else.

And if I’m honest, I’m excited to hear Luke call me a Princess while wearing it.

The driver opens my door, and I climb out of the back seat.