Chapter 249
Lucia raised an eyebrow, secretly flattered. “Of course. All these years in the Winifred family, I’ve earned a reputation for being kind.”
“If you’re this good to the servants, you must treat your daughter–in–law well too,” Audrey said, standing up: “Since you want to buy me clothes, I can’t really refuse.”
Lucia nearly pierced her palm with her nails.
She thought, ‘Buy her clothes? I came to drag her shopping so she will pay!”
Jenna helped her to her feet, giving a subtle squeeze to signal they should wait until they were outside. Then they could comer Audrey into paying knowing she’d be too embarrassed to refuse in public.
Lucia nodded faintly, adding, “For my sake, let’s not deduct Jenna’s bonus. She’s straightforward, but she only wants what’s best for the family
Audrey gave a vague nod.
She hadn’t actually planned to dock the bonus and just needed to warn the staff not to overstep like Jenna.
Besides, Jenna worked at Winifred Manor. Audrey couldn’t interfere there even if she wanted to.
Audrey had intended to take her own car so she could discuss the script with Brooke on the way, but Lucia insisted they ride together.
The driver followed behind them to the shopping center.
“Audrey,” Lucia Said, grabbing her hand with false sincerity. “Marriage makes a woman realize many things. Money isn’t everything, but you can’t live
without it.
“I truly don’t approve of you and Yann. After all, our family connection could make people gossip about Logan and Yann.”
“Then keep your mouth shut,” Audrey said coolly
Lucia know Audrey was stubborn and sharp–tongued. She couldn’t clash head–on. She had to reason with her gradually.
She continued, “I don’t want people saying I failed to raise you properly, but secrets always come out. What if one day.
Lucia paused, leaning closer to Audrey. “You and Yann have kept this hidden well so far. Why not just keep it that way?”
Audrey yanked her hand back and turned to stare out the car window.
Lucia could tell she was getting nowhere and fell silent, afraid of sparking a fight.
She’d spent days thinking, and Jenna had helped her analyse that forcing Audrey to divorce Yann was probably a lost cause.
Yann had no scandalous rumors and never showed interest in any woman. If they’d gotten together, Audrey must have made the first move
After what she had been through in her first marriage, Audrey knew a normal marriage wouldn’t work.
But with no connections in high society, she’d latched onto Yann, a familiar face. Yann was just fooling around. He’d lose
For now, Lucia’s plan was to keep their marriage secret.
That way, her status as Logan’s wife wouldn’t be threatened.
beventually.
She took Audrey to the boutique where she’d previously picked out dresses but couldn’t afford to buy them, trying them on again right in front of her
“What do you think?” she asked,
Chapter 249
Audrey ignored the question and held up her own dress. “How about this one?”
Lucia checked the tag–6,000 dollars. ‘Of course, she’s choosing the priciest options,’ she thought.
“Isn’t this too mature? I think this one’s better,” she said, pointing to a different dress,
Audrey copied her, checking the tag first, then scoffed. “You’re not refusing to buy it because it’s expensive, are you?”
“I’m not…” Lucia said. ‘I’m not the one who has to foot the bill,’ she thought, biting her tongue.
She added, “I just think this style suits your age better.”
“You said there’d be important guests at the birthday party. As part of the family, I can’t look cheap, right?” Audrey shouldered pest her and headed for an even more expensive section.
Lucia wanted to roll her
reyes.
High–society Ladies rarely wore the same outfit to more than one major event.
Even if they did, they’d wait months and change the accessories to give a fresh impression.
As the birthday boy’s wile, Lucia needed to be the spotlight that day to stay relevant in the social circle.
Audrey was different. She’d never attended such events before.
‘Her closet is full of unworn dresses. She can just pick any and be fine. No need to upstage me, Lucia thought
“Get me the L–size of this dress to try. Audrey said, selecting another outfit and walking toward the fitting room.
Lucia glanced at Jenna, silently urging her to come up with a plan
When Audrey stepped out of the fitting room again, Jenna approached to fix her hair. “Being young is amazing. Your skin is perfect. What skincare products do you use?”
“Lunesse face mask,” Audrey replied, examining herself in the mirror from different angles. “You should give it a try.”
“You use Lunesse too?” the sales assistant exclaimed. “My friends have been talking nonstop about this mask. They say it’s medical–grade and works amazingly, I was hesitant, but seeing your skin, I’m definitely buying it
“What mask is that?” Lucia asked, leaning in. “If it’s really good, I’ll buy some to give as gifts to friends.”
Audrey sent her a link. “I just texted you the link,” she said.
y that earlier dress again. Let me take a photo to get my friends‘ opinions.”
Lucia checked her phone and smiled, nodding
“Audrey, tryb
“Mrs. Lucia Winifred, your friends have such great taste,” Jenna said, already pressing the cheaper dress into Audrey’s hands. Audrey’s eyes flicked between their faces before she turned and went back into the fitting room
In high end boutiques, drinks are usually offered based on customers‘ consumption levels. For clients at Audrey and Lucia champagne is standard.
Lucia ordered two glasses of red wine and walked over as Audrey came out.
red wine or
“Hold this for me,” she said, handing the wing to Jenna. She held up her phone to take photos of Audrey, shuffling her feet to get the right angle, then suddenly bumped into Jenna
The red wine in Jenna’s hand immediately tilted.
Chapter 749
“Look out!” Lucia immediately stepped to shield Audrey
“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Lucia Winifred. I didn’t hold it steady.” Jenna said.
“It’s not y
your fault; I bumped into you,” Lucia said.
Lucia lifted the hem of her dress to check. She didn’t see any red wine stains at first glance, but there could be splatters elsewhere. In cases like this, the dress would have to be bought.
“Let’s not put the store in a tough spot,” Audrey said dryly. “Since you’re all about leading with virtue, we should take both dresses
Lucia finally relaxed at her words.
The two changed out of the outhts and went to select matching jewelry.
Lucia had earlier picked a sea pearl set–stately, elegant, and opulent. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Audrey, clearly still new to wealth, around traditional jewels
Lucia thought, ‘Wearing traditional jewelry at her age makes her look dated and gaudy.
Audrey tried on a necklace, then a bracelet, both clearly pricey.
“Take it slow and tell me what happened,” Audrey said into her phone, inching along the counter as she spoke. “Oh, I get it. Don’t panic just yet.”
The sales assistant stayed close, offering attentive service.
By the time Lucia had finished accessorizing with a full jewelry set and took out her phone to selfie, she realized Audrey was no longer beside her
“Where is she?” she asked.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
