Chapter 18
“Work with me on this,” Ella whispered swiftly into Jaden’s ear.
He felt a warm breath tickling his ear, causing a tantalizing itch like a kitten’s paw gently scratching at his heart
She was incredibly close, her soft lips brushing against his earlobe, leaving a faint trace of lipstick. Her scent of jasmine lingered in the air, enveloping him and causing his heart to race uncontrollably. He tried to maintain his composure.
“Grace, my
family’s issues are none of your business. Better mind your own matters!” Ella said.
“Actually, if you were a little nicer to me, like carrying my bags or shining my shoes, I might put in a good word with Harry for you. Maybe then he’d help you out, all for my sake Grace emphasized for my sake deliberately.
Ella couldn’t help but laugh at Grace’s audacity. Just then, “actor” Jaden took his cue
“Why don’t you buy me another suit? I like that one.” He pointed to a suit in the store window
Ella’s lips twitched, and she declared loudly, though with a hint of forced bravado, “Just a suit! I’ll buy it i
She pulled Jaden into the store. As expected, Grace followed.
for
you. Whatever you want!
“This is perfect. I’ll also pick out a couple for Harry. Aren’t you guys interested in that suit? Why not try it on?” Grace asked
That looks like it won’t fit she hedged.
“Miss, how about I take it down for you to try? It’s a limited edition, the only one in the whole country!”
“We’ll try it… let’s just try it…” Her lack of confidence seemed to encourage Grace even more.
Grace kept egging all that, is it?
them on. Any hint of hesitation from Ella was met with a snide remark. “You can’t afford it, can you? I guess Willow Group isn’t
Jaden emerged from the dressing room after trying on the clothes. He was the perfect model–like a mannequin come to life.
The silver gray suit, meticulously handcrafted, fit him perfectly, accentuating his figure. It lent Jaden an air of elegance and sophistication that was almost surreal, making him look impeccably groomed and dignified. Standing there silently, no one could guess at his cognitive challenges.
His clear eyes met hers as he gave her a slight smile. “I like this one. Can I have in?”
“How much is it? Ella asked.
This suit costs 6.5 million dollars, and it comes with a complimentary leather belt, the salesperson said.
“That expensive? Are there no discounts?”
“I’m sorry, but this is a limited edition piece. There’s only one in the country, handmade by a renowned Cranland designer
“I think the waist doesn’t quite fit; it’s not suitable. Please take it off.”
“I don’t want to. I want this one,” Jaden insisted.
“I told you to take it off, can’t you hear? Don’t you know the situation at home? Spending & million dollars on a suit–do you realize how many orders we could produce with that money? Why can’t you understand? Ella didn’t hold back; she started to forcefully remove the suit from him. The sales assistant’s expression changed.
“Be careful if you damage it, you’ll have to buy it, Grace chimed in smugly, her arms crossed, her smile stretching uncontrollably to her ears.
Ella deliberately looked frustrated. “Then you buy it, buy it for Harry
Grace’s smile froze.
The sales assistant then turned enthusiastically to her. “Miss, would you like to have a look at it?
“This… it doesn’t quite fit, Grace responded.
“No worries, if it doesn’t fit, we can send it back to Cranland for alterations”
“Don’t bother explaining so much to her, she can’t afford it?” Ella quipped.
Grace could handle losing face in front of anyone, but not in front of Ellat Her goal in stealing Harry was precisely to knock Ella off her pedestal. She couldn’t stand Ella’s haughtiness and wanted nothing more than to see her humbled. Now, presented with a prine opportunity to embarrass
Chapter 18
her, Grace couldn’t let it slip by.
“Who says I can’t afford it Charge it!” Grace declared confidently, whipping out a premium credit card.
The sales assistant eagerly processed the transaction, and soon a beautifully wrapped gift box was handed to Grace.
“Do you need this delivered the sales asked.
“No need. I’ll carry it myself. I’m going to give it to Harry personally!” she announced proudly,
Ella watched, internally satisfied. It was fortunate she had returned her earlier purchases; otherwise, deceiving Grace wouldn’t have been so straightforward. She feigned frustration and indignation, which only made Grace laugh harder:
Grace. feeling bold, suggested, “Why don’t we shop a bit more? It’s nice to look, even if you don’t buy.”
“Who said I’m not buying! I didn’t buy the suit because it didn’t fit, not because I couldn’t afford it” Ella responded heatedly.
She continued to tag along with Grace, with Jaden purposely selecting the most expensive items, vocally insisting on purchasing them, only to be scolded by Ella. This prompted Ella to taunt Grace about her own ability to afford them.
o flaunt her wealth. She
Caught up in her display of affluence, Grace was initially hesitant but soon didn’t need any provocation from Ella to impulsively purchased anything Ella expressed interest in but couldn’t afford
After playing the provocateur all afternoon, Ella was tired. She stretched and yawned.
“Grace, you really are something else. I can’t compete! I concede defeat for today and will take my y leave.”
“Some people, Grace remarked condescendingly as Ella began to leave, just run away. What’s so great about Ms. Willow of the Willow family, after all? Fortune turns, and you won’t always be on top, will you?”
Ella walked toward Grace, who instinctively flinched,
“What are you doing? You’re not going to hit me, are you! I’m pregnant! Grace’s voice trembled. Her mind told her not to be afraid, but her body couldn’t help reacting. It was a primal reaction to a perceived threat
“Don’t be so nervous.” Ella said as she casually patted Grace on the shoulder, smiling warmly. “Did you know? All those items you bought are limited edition-you can exchange them but can’t return them,
“So what I bought them and I never planned on returning them. Don’t underestimate me!”
“Of course. Now that you’ve hitched your wagon to the Rhys family, and Harry has made it, you’ve made it too! Just a friendly reminder, your dear Harry is probably in the hospital right now, missing half a finger. You might want to check on him”“”“
Grace was taken aback. “How do you know that? Did you do it” Her first reaction was to accuse Ella of retaliation.
“Yes, I did it. Today I managed to cost him a finger, and who knows what might happen tomorrow. She deliberately glanced ominously at Grace’s
might belly, causing her to step back in fear.
“Also, I’m really not struggling with orders, I’ve already solved that issue. Harry’s clumsy tactics are beneath me! And honestly, your influence isn’t worth much, so don’t get too full of yourself,” With that, Ella, in high spirits, took Jaden’s hand and walked away
They hadn’t gone far when they heard Grace’s phone ring behind them.
Lucy’s voice came through loudly. “Grace, are you out of your mind spending so much money! You don’t earn a dime yet you spend so much; who can afford to keep you? If you don’t return those items and get the money back today, don’t come back!”
“Lucy……. those things can’t be returned, but I didn’t buy them for myself; they were all for you and Harry…….”
*shut up! I juu want the money!”
Ella turned her head, her smile broadening as she watched Grace’s pale face. Her mood couldn’t have been better. She thought, These wretched lovers, completely trapped!‘ She wasn’t going to let anyone off the hook!
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