VII

"It's PERFECT!" Zoe cried out causing everyone to let out a sigh of relief. Sydney let out a deep breath smiling before Zoe dashed off to answer her buzzing phone. Looking in the reflection she ran her fingers over the tight fitting silk. It was a royal blue, strapless hugging around the bust before flowing down past her ankles with a small train.

"You look beautiful Winters" A voice came from behind her causing her to look over her shoulder only to chuckle at the sight of Michael leaning against the door frame. He was still dressed in his fitting suit, waiting to be attended to, so he didn't poke himself with a pin.

"If only Andrew could see Zoe's big day" He spoke sadly causing her to give him a pained smile. She knew that the two friends were more like brothers, when he heard of Andrew's death he remained composed and assisted Sydney with the press, the family and the company. Their friendship had grown stronger when Sydney found him one evening drunk in front of an empty bottle of whiskey, to mourn his friend.

"Michael! Get out!" Zoe screeched as she started to swat at his shoulders causing him to quickly flee. Laughing Sydney walked behind the curtain, allowing Blaire to unzip her dress and carefully store it away. Sydney often wondered how Blaire had so much patience with her younger sister, who was so picky when it came to the fashion for this wedding.

After another long two hours of listening to Zoe fuss about her gown and the other bridesmaids, Sydney was able to sneak away and return home. Opening the door to be greeted by Walter, Sydney was soon ambushed by her personal stylists. Sydney had learnt to never argue with them as she took a short scented bath, before was glued to a chair in nothing but her bathrobe.

"Miss Winters!" Meg's voice called out from downstairs as Sydney briefly opened one eye before quickly shutting it to the growl of her makeup artist.

"Upstairs Meg" She informed, as her ears heard the door open.

"I have you're speech prepared for the fundraiser tonight" She informed handing over her Ipad, even though Sydney's eyes were closed.

"Everything's arranged?" She questioned.

"Seating chart is all fixed, though Mrs. Rivitern was causing troubles as she usually does" Meg whined causing Sydney to chuckle as her head was angled backwards.

"What is it this time? Not close enough to wealthy bachelors for her daughters? Why do we even invite her again?" Sydney sighed turning to look at Meg, before the makeup stylist snatched her chin back to an appropriate angle.

"Not close enough to the Hamilton's. She's trying to win a wedding invite to the wedding of the century" Meg informed causing Sydney to scoff.

"That wedding is big enough as it is. Zoe doesn't need the hassle of that meddlesome woman. Keep her away as much as you can" Sydney instructed. Meg struggled not to laugh at the instructions before nodding and stealing back the Ipad to change up the final details.

Sydney had hoped to go through tonight speech in more detail with Meg, before the stylists kicked her out of the room. There was no room for errors; Sydney was going to be in the lime light tonight at the Hamilton Annual Fundraiser. As her hair was being curled and styled over her shoulder's Sydney began to get nervous. She had never had to do the speech before, this was big thing, and tonight would really show her off to the world as CEO.

"This is stupid!" Sydney spoke to herself. She had been CEO long enough that it shouldn't still scare her, yet this was the big night. Clutching the robe in her hands, she wanted nothing more than to dive into her bed and pull up the covers to hide.

"Miss. Winters?" A soft voice came from behind her door as she went to turn only to pause and coughed, inhaling hairspray.

"Yes" She wheezed giving the stylist a playful shove, he quickly apologised before leaving with a smirk on his face. Antony stuck his head through the doorway and soon entered once he saw that she was decent in her robe.

"Doc is downstairs waiting" He informed as she scrambled to find her watch.

"WHAT TIME IS IT?" She panicked only to let out a sigh of relief. The fundraiser started in an hour, unlike Andrew Sydney didn't believe in the idea of being fashionably late. She'd prefer to be there early to ensure everything was in order before greeting the many guests that night.

"Thank you Antony, I will be downstairs in a few minutes" She breathed as he walked out struggling not to grin. Looking at her closest door she just stared at the dress gawking at her. Slowly walking towards it she slowly eased herself into the dress. It was deep scarlet with a modest v neckline and clung tightly to her waist flowing to the floor.

"Need a hand?" Meg questioned sticking her head into the room making Sydney jump. Turning her back to her, she zipped the back of her dressed, before smoothing her hair back into place.

"Thank you Meg"

Sydney quickly slipped into her heels before following her downstairs where Doc stood with the limo door opened. Re-reading the speech as many times as she could within the car ride, her nervous still hadn't settled, that she didn't even notice Doc opening the car door for her. Giving a quick breath in and out she accepted his hand to get out of the car. The flashing of lights and reporters held back by red velvet rope and security was now part of the normal for her. Smiling and waving she posed for a few pictures before noticing her favourite reporter in the crowd.

"Miss. Winters! Over here!" They all cried out.

"We are behind schedule Miss. Winters" Meg whispered into Sydney's ear causing her to straighten her back and return to her business mode. Holding the edge of her dress she made her way up the steps with Meg, Doc and Antony following several paces behind her.

"Good Evening Miss. Winters" The doorman greeted as they synchronised opening the door. Allowing her feet to guide her into the direction of the large function room she paused at the top of the stairs before beaming brightly. Everything was perfect, this years theme colours of red, silver and black made the room pop. Sydney had to hand it to Meg; she was extremely patient with dealing with the plans that Sydney kept constantly changing.

"Perfect" Sydney smiled under her breath as guests began arriving. Standing and greeting every guest that walked into the fundraiser, Sydney's smile began to hurt, her hand sore from the amount of strong gripped handshakes. Meg stood constantly behind her informing her of guest's names and their positions in society or the company if Sydney forgot. Yet her memory served her well. Feeling a tap Sydney turned to see Meg hold out a glass of champagne to her.

"Thank heavens" She smiled before dosing it down, the sweetened texture burning her throat. She needed a touch of liquid courage to get through the night, as she was able to avoid several guests.

"Mrs. Hamilton I'm so glad to see you" Sydney smiled happily as she found the head table and embraced the woman who chuckled towards her.

"How many times have I asked you to call me Juliet? We are family" She chuckled as they kissed each other's cheek in greeting. Her time was cut short with the family as everyone at the fundraiser wanted to talk to 'Sydney Winters'. It seemed to be a very successful night and the time for speeches drew closer after everyone had finished the main course. Gulping Sydney didn't think she would ever be ready, as she accepts David Gregson's hand to guide her up the stairs onto the stage.

"Ladies and Gentleman it's wonderful to have you all here tonight. I am proud to introduce you to the CEO of Hamilton Incorporated Sydney Winters." Mr. Gregson introduced, as the round of applause grew louder, deafening to Sydney's ears as she took hold of the microphone of him.

"Thank you Mr. Gregson. I'd firstly like to start off with thank you for all the wonderful donations you have given this evening. We've managed to raise over two and half millions dollars for St. Jude's Children Research Hospital." She informed as the crowd chatted happily to their neighbours applauding the success. Across the room Sydney caught Antony's eye as she gave him a brightened smile as he wiped away a tear.

Sydney had personally chosen St. Jude's Children Research Hospital this year since she knew Antony's daughter was extremely sick. A silent understanding was exchanged between them as the applause died down Sydney smiled again.

"This year has been one of many challenges and trials and for all my time I've worked at Hamilton Incorporated I'd never actually thought I would be the one standing here presenting the speech tonight. I used to be the one who wrote them." She chuckled along with the crowd in hoping to lighten the mood, her palms were sweating but luckily no one knew.

"It hasn't been easy adapting to the large shoes I've needed to fill since the tragic crash just over a year and a half ago." She added, as the room grew quiet in remembrance however it was broken as the members of the board scoffed loudly from their table. Not only did they receive a harsh glare from Sydney and the Hamilton family, but majority of the guests glared in their direction as they tried to sink lower into their seats embarrassed.

"If you will all join me to raise your glasses in a toast. A toast to the future but most of all ----" Sydney tried to cut her speech short after the short embarrassment of the board only to gasp. Her eyes widened whilst the flute of champagne in her hand slipped, crashing on the floor. The room grew silent frowning at what could have possibly frighten her, seeing her pale face they all turned to see who was standing in the door frame. Standing dressed to kill in a black tux, hair slightly longer with a devilish smirk on his face stood the one and only Andrew Hamilton........