Chapter 23
Logan hesitated only a moment before agreeing. In his mind, it was a trivial favor.
3S vouchers
Hearing his assent, Isabella’s face lit up with pure delight. “Thank you, Logan. It’s so good to know I can still count on you.”
After his car pulled away, Isabella hummed happily to herself, already mentally preparing for the gala.
In high spirits, she walked back into the house where Samuel was finishing his breakfast. “Ready to go, Samuel? I will take you to school.”
Samuel nodded, grabbing his backpack and following her out. But the moment the car drove beyond the Eliot mansion gates, Samuel spoke up. “Isabella, you said you could do anything my mom could do. Right?”
A cold knot of apprehension formed in Isabella’s stomach. But admitting she was inferior to Eliana was out of the question. She gripped the steering wheel tighter, forcing a bright smile. “Of course I can. Are you stuck on something again?”
Samuel’s expression was doubtful, but he had no one else to turn to. “It’s my schoolwork. I keep getting everything wrong, and Melvin and the others just laugh at me.
“Isabella, you have to help me get it all right this time. I don’t want them laughing anymore. You have to help me!”
Schoolwork again. A flash of pure irritation shot through Isabella. She suppressed it, taking the worksheets Samuel handed her.
A single glance at the problems was enough to make her head swim. It looked like complete gibberish. “Isabella, I’m going to be late. Hurry up!” Samuel whined, tugging at her sleeve.
Staring at the incomprehensible pages, Isabella made a decision. She pulled out her phone, snapped pictures of every problem, and quickly uploaded them to an online homework–help forum.
Once done, she pasted on a confident smile. “Don’t you worry, sweetie. You’ll get a perfect score today. But let’s save the lesson for this afternoon, okay? For now, how about you play hooky with me? Come help me pick out a dress for the gala
“Really? Yay!” The promise of skipping school, for any reason, was irresistible. Samuel agreed instantly.
Isabella started the car, a new plan forming. Her own funds were limited. Buying a suitable gown on her budget was impossible, and she didn’t want to ask Logan for money, at least not for this.
But with Samuel in tow, it was different. What high–end boutique in the city wouldn’t recognize the Eliot name? Who wouldn’t extend a little credit to the young Eliot heir?
Smiling to herself, she drove straight to the most exclusive designer boutique in the city.
Inside the boutique, Isabella, with Samuel in hand, made a beeline for the most exclusive, custom–design section.
The sales associate, taking in Isabella’s confident air and, more importantly, recognizing the impeccable quality of the child’s clothing, assumed she was dealing with a wealthy client. She ushered them into the private VIP area with deferential smiles and a slight bow.
A person working in such a place had sharp eyes. She could tell at a glance that Samuel’s outfit was top–tier. As for Isabella’s attire. Well, it was harder to place, but that hardly mattered. Anyone who could bring a child dressed like that through the door was undoubtedly someone of means.
Convinced of this, the associate was exceptionally patient, presenting gown after gown. Until Isabella’s gaze landed on the one displayed in a locked glass case.
1/2
25 am
Chapter 23
31 vouchers
The dress was breathtaking Even on a mannequin, it commanded reverence. The seams were embroidered with silver thread coated in a glossy finish, making the whole gown shimmer with an inner light.
The fabric was a blend of delicate silk and a more structured material, creating an effect that was both ethereal and regally elegant Isabella’s eyes locked onto it, unable to look away.
“My apologies, Ms. Hewitt, the associate said quickly, noticing her fixation. “That particular gown is a custom commission. It’s not for sale. Mr. Turner had it made for his date to the gala. Our manager placed it in the case to prevent any accidents”
Mr. Turner? Isabella asked, a sharp pang of envy slicing through her. “Nathan Turner? The one who just expanded his business back here? The associate nodded. “Yes, that’s him.
And do you know who his date is?” The question slipped out, laced with a jealousy she couldn’t quite mask.
Oh, I really wouldn’t know, the associate stammered, eager to change the subject. “But Ms. Hewitt, we have several other exquisite pieces that are truly our treasures. Please, come this way. Someone of your obvious stature deserves only the best.”
Pleased by the flattery, Isabella followed and browsed the other offerings. They were indeed stunning, the kind of high- fashion she hadn’t been able to afford in years.
After trying on a few, she settled on a champagne–colored gown. Looking at her reflection, she was thoroughly satisfied.
The associate was delighted, showering her with praise. Even Samuel clapped his little hands. “Isabella, you’re so pretty!”
Then this is the one, Isabella declared.
Beaming, the associate gestured. “An excellent choice! Right this way for payment, Ms. Hewitt.”
At the counter, when the associate announced the price–over one million–Isabella’s expression didn’t flicker. Instead, she calmly reached over and unpinned the Summit Preschool student ID card from Samuel’s backpack.
“Samuel, let me borrow this for a second, okay?” she cooed. “We’ll say this dress is a gift from you. Later, I’ll buy you that rainbow cotton candy. Deal?”
Samuel’s eyes went wide. “Really? Can I take it to school?” “Of course,” Isabella smiled, waving the ID card. “So, is it okay if I use this?” “Sure!” Samuel agreed.
Isabella turned back to the associate, her posture radiating confidence. “You know the Eliot Group? Logan Eliot?” The associate nodded vigorously. In her line of work, knowing the top–tier families was essential.
“This is Logan Eliot’s son, Samuel Eliot. This is his school ID.” The associate immediately crouched down, her voice dripping with sweetness. “Oh, young Master Eliot! What an honor to have you visit.”
Isabella placed the ID card on the counter. “You can hold onto this as collateral. I’ll take the dress now. The Eliot family’s credit should cover it, don’t you think?”
9/2
AD
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.
