Page 12 of Clashing with the Ice Queen

The night was just beginning, and the chandeliers reflected light across the walls of the private bar in Manhattan. Cassandra stood near the polished counter, her long blonde hair falling down her shoulders like silk. She looked around, taking in the scene. There was chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the laughter that was expected at a New York City event.

It was a late Saturday night, and the fashion gala hosted by Vivienne Blackwood had brought out a mix of elite designers, models, and socialites. Cassandra’s blue eyes sparkled under the light as she tried very hard to maintain the energy to be extroverted in her older age.

“Cassandra!” Vivienne’s voice rang out, cutting through the large room. She approached with a confident stride learned from years of attending fashion shows. She had a warm smile on her face and was dressed in a fancy silver gown. As always, her presence demanded attention.

“Vivienne, it looks wonderful in here,” Cassandra replied. Memories returned of the time when they’d crossed the line from colleagues to something more intimate. They’d shared amoment, and it had been an interesting night. Power meeting power. As she met Vivienne’s gaze, a thought resurfaced…that night hadn’t been as fabulous as one might imagine. Sexually, they just hadn’t been compatible.

“You always know how to throw the best parties,” Cassandra continued, sipping her margarita to distract from the redness on her cheeks. She couldn’t deny the chemistry that had existed between them, but when she thought back to their encounter, she remembered how weirdly similar they’d felt. Both of them were powerful women used to leading in life. There had been no spark of contrast.

Vivienne laughed and tossed her dark hair back. “Well, darling, you know how I adore the spotlight. But tonight is about bringing us all together.” She leaned in closer, her voice a whisper. “And as always, you clean up rather nicely.”

Cassandra chuckled, surprised by the compliment. The conversation flowed easily between them, both women accustomed to the charm required in their industry.

“Tell me, do you remember when we…?” Vivienne started.

Cassandra cleared her throat. “Yes, I remember.” She managed a lighthearted smile, but her tone shifted slightly as she continued, “We’re just a little too alike, Vivienne. Don’t you think?”

Vivienne tilted her head, a puzzled look crossing her face. “Yes…but what do you mean by that? I wonder if it’s the same way I analyzed it.”

Cassandra felt strangely vulnerable. Was Vivienne Blackwood really going to lay her thoughts out now? “You know,” she said, taking another sip of her drink. “We’re both in charge, we both thrive on leadership.”

The loud chatter of the event faded for a moment as Vivienne considered her words. Then she straightened, one eyebrowarched defiantly. “So, you mean to say you prefer a little bit of chaos in your life?”

“Maybe chaos isn’t the right word,” Cassandra replied carefully.

“But you must tell me! How have you been since...well, since Nadine James took your client?” Vivienne asked, her expression turning more serious.

Cassandra sighed, the mention of Nadine bringing an edge to the night’s pleasant mood. “Super pissed, to say the least,” Cassandra admitted, rolling her eyes a bit for effect. “But I did get her to apologize for that. As much as she pisses me off, I can’t deny that she’s talented and has networking power.”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Networking power?”

“Absolutely!” Cassandra laughed, glancing at the bustling crowd. “It’s like ever since I noticed her, I see her everywhere. It’s as if she’s always lurking around every event. I swear, she might as well be my shadow!”

Or my submissive?

As she spoke, the crowd shifted, and there, entering confidently through the large entrance, was Nadine James herself. Her shoulder-length dark hair stood out, at least to Cassandra. She wore an eye-catching gold dress that shimmered under the lights. Cassandra couldn’t help but admire her impeccable timing.

“Speak of the devil,” Cassandra muttered, her eyes widening. “Was she invited?”

Vivienne shook her head, a grin forming. “Not formally. I heard she managed to charm her way in.”

Cassandra chuckled, the irony of it all hitting her like a wave. “Of course she did,” she said, crossing her arms with a smirk. “Nadine has a way of getting what she wants. Should we be worried she’ll take over the whole event?”

“Oh, I doubt that!” Vivienne laughed lightly. “But she’ll definitely add some spice to the evening.”

As Nadine waved and greeted various guests, Cassandra felt a combination of annoyance and admiration. There was something magnetic about her, a kind of energy that drew people in. Cassandra knew that as she mingled, secrets and laughter would follow her. It was infuriating, but also fascinating.

“Are you going to go talk to her?” Vivienne asked, her eyes showing mischief.

“Not yet,” Cassandra replied, though she felt something pulling her in Nadine’s direction. “I need to gather my thoughts. Besides, if I approach her now, she’ll think I’m intimidated…or worse, that I care!”

Vivienne shook her head, still amused by Cassandra’s annoyance. “Cassandra, you’re a force all on your own. Just remember, you don’t have to compete with her. You’re in different leagues.”

“True,” Cassandra said, taking another sip from her drink. “But it’s hard not to feel that way when she’s practically everywhere I turn!”

As they stood there, watching the high-end fashion elites socialize around them, Cassandra decided to approach Nadine. Maybe this was a sign that Cassandra could choose a professional collaboration that could benefit them both. After all, in the world of fashion, cooperation could be just as powerful as competition.

But for now, she would enjoy the event, celebrate the creativity in the room, and let the evening play out. After all, there were plenty of moments left in the night, and a little intrigue was always good for business.

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