Chapter 15
Meanwhile, across town, Paisley was wrapping up her morning in the studio, handling a few last–minute tasks. As lunchtime rolled around, her phone burred with a message from Emery inviting her to lunch.
Checking the time. Paisley decided to leave the remaining work to Lucy and drove over to meet her friend.
Emery, a renowned gown designer with her boutique in Harrowfell’s exclusive shopping mall, had become one of Paisley’s closest friends. The store was the epitome of elegance, frequented by the city’s elite. The gowns Emery designed were works of art, each piece a testament to her extraordinary skill.
By the time Paisley arrived, the boutique was bustling with clients. Wanting to avoid interrupting her friend’s work, Paisley paused at the entrance and quickly sem her a text.
Emery’s response came almost instantly Babe. I’m with a VIP right now. Wait for me in the lounge |
Before Paisley could even reply, a second message popped up: [Oh, and by the way, the gown I made for you is ready. It’s so beautiful that I’ve displayed it in the main area. Go take a look when you can ]
more stunning than
Paisley smiled softly, her heart warming at the thought Over the years. Emery had crafted countless gowns for her, each one mos the last
Emery’s boutique was expansive. An entire section of the store was dedicated to showcasing her most exquisite creations, a gallery of her best work -each gown an embodiment of craftsmanship and luxury,
At the very heart of the room stood Paisley’s gown, draped perfectly on a display mannequin, its flowing fabric catching the light like liquid silk. It was a masterpiece, designed with an understated elegance that whispered of quiet luxury and high society.
Before it stood a mother and daughter. The mother, her tone laced with a mix of pride and possessiveness, said. “My daughter really loves this gown. I don’t care what it costs, I’ll buy it.”
The familiar voice was unmistakable. It made Paisley’s pulse quicken. She froze, her eyes narrowing her lips curling into a subtle, knowing smile. “Sorry, ma’am, this gown is asuston creation by Ms. Collins for another client. I’m afraid we can’t sell it, the receptionist explained politely, her voice calm, though her eyes were tireful.
She gestured toward the other displays with a practiced smile, adding, Terhaps you’d like to browse our ready–to–wear collection instead?” The mother, Christina, scoffed. Her voice dripped with superiority, her gaze sweeping arrogantly over the room. “Do you know who my daughter is! These gown won’t do for her. You’re wasting my time.”
The receptionist, ever composed, had dealt with this kind of situation many times before and met Christina’s condescending glare with a calm smile. “If the ready–made gowns aren’t to your liking, I can arrange an appointment with one of our designers. We can schedule a custom creation for you!
“Can you get us. Ms. Collins?” Brittany asked, her voice laced with both admiration and expectation.
store were talented, none
Most customers who came to this boutique were here for one reason–Emery Collins. While other designers in the st carried the prestige or allure of Emery’s name.
The receptionist smiled apologetically. “Certainly, Ms. Collins is available, but her schedule is booked solid. She’s fully booked until October next
Christina’s lips twisted into a disdainful sneer. “A year Just to
Just to make one gown?”
Brittany was also not happy about the wait. She had eyes only for the gown in the display case, clearly entranced by its beauty. “Mom, I don’t want to wait. I want this one, she insisted, her voice firm.
Christina, seeing her daughter’s resolve, nodded with finality. “We’ll take it. Name your price.
gown is not for sale, ma’am
The receptionist’s smile remained, but it tightened with a polite refusal. Tm afraid this go Christina, now visibly irritated, leaned forward, her tone now sharper. “Who does this gown belong to Contact her. Find out what she paid for it. I’ll pay double, just to have it
Paisley could no longer contain the batter laugh thas escaped her lips. I never thought I’d see the day when my biological mother would be so
1/2
Chapter 15
“Back then, she wouldn’t even buy me any decent clothes for school. But of course, it all makes sense. Christina wouldn’t s for Brittany? The sky’s the limit:
spend a dime on me, but
Christina, growing more impatient by the second, urged, Thurry up. Go call her. We’ll take it today. Name your price. Whatever it is, I’ll pay it
A few months ago, Christina wouldn’t have dared to speak like this. But things were different now.
In her mind, the Sullivan family now stood under the prestigious shadow of Vanderbilt Group, with Dominick–the heir to the Vanderbilt fortune -firmly backing Brittany
On top of that, Brittany was about to star as the female lead in a blockbuster project, ensuring her future social and financial worth would skyrocket. Christina’s confidence, fueled by these prospects, was unshakable.
The receptionist was visibly caught in a dilemma, unsure of how to handle the situation. She started to turn, perhaps to consult Emery, when a familiar voice cut through the air, calm and authoritative. “No need to contact anyone. I’m right here.”
