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After all, Ari had bought her a beautiful gown. And still sent it even after a bitter fight, with no strings attached. Maybe she was different from Elle. Maybe Ari wasn’t trying to claim her but instead, protect her and let her flourish.

Her heart began to race.Was she really going to do this?

23

ARI

“I knowthis plan will not only bring a number of fiscal benefits, but will increase our reputation as the most caring and competent in the industry,” Ari concluded.

Jess clicked onto the next slide and the presentation was complete.

The room filled with silence as Ari stood in waiting.

Sydney nodded, “This is exactly what we were looking for.”

“Something fresh, innovative, and special,” Mark added.

“That special Ariel Graves touch,” Tara concluded.

Ari couldn’t stop herself from beaming, “Thank you.”

The partners exchanged looks and Sydney spoke, “We promoted you because you had something unique to offer and none of us were quite sure what that looked like. But the picture you’ve painted demonstrates a prosperous future.”

Ari nodded, “If you’re all on board, I’d like to circulate the presentation to the other agents and offer to handle their clients who they feel could deserve another shot but that their current agents don’t have time to offer.”

Mark made a note in his journal, “Absolutely. Remind them that as much as we are always hesitant to shuffle clients, this is a chance to bring the agency more revenue and prestige.”

Ari nodded to Jess to make a note for her later.

“And would you be willing to share any resources on finding artists like this? As far as I know, no other agency has an objective quite like this. I’d like to set our agents up to find forgotten talent in every corner,” Sydney added.

Ari smiled, “Definitely, Jess has already put together a list and would be happy to circulate it.”

The partners stood, invigorated, each shaking Ari’s hand as they made their way to the door.

“Well done, Ariel,” Sydney said with a wink as she shook Ari’s hand.

Once all three had left the conference room, Ari gave Jess a pat on the back.

“You’ve done great work, Jess,” she added, “Do me a favor, pick out a few of those locations and set them aside just for me. I don’t want to give them everything.”

Jess nodded and smiled, “Understood. And, congratulations.”

Ari headed out of the room and stopped, “You’re heading out soon, right? You’ll be at the Gala?”

Checking her watch, Jess shrugged, “I’ll be there but I’m going to get going on those emails.”

Ari nodded, wondering for a moment if she should stay and help. But, showing up for the Gala was part of her job. A number of clients would be there, including some she hoped to bring into her plan.

“I’ll see you there, then,” Ari said as she headed back to her office and grabbed her back.

* * *

Several hours later, after a hair and makeup appointment, Ari arrived at the Gala. The event photographers’ cameras were snapping pictures as soon as the elevator doors swung open.

Normally camera shy, Ari was immediately ready to pose. Cass had convinced her to wear a tuxedo instead of a gown. She had pointed out that it was the outfit that had made Ari the most confident in and that she would look hot in it.

And, Cass had been right. Ari’s suit jacket broadened her shoulder while her trousers showed just a hint of the red heel. It had been a perfect match to the gown Cass had settled on.