Chapter 472
Chapter 472:
He pulled her into a fierce embrace, arms wrapped so tightly around her that she felt the faint ache in her ribs. Then, just like that, he was gone.
Helena wasted no time. She slipped into her gown, adjusted the fabric, and with her skirt trailing like whispered silk, stepped out of the room. The moment she emerged, the boutique lit up. “Wow, ma’am, that dress looks absolutely perfect on you!” gasped a sales assistant, her eyes wide with admiration.
Natalie turned, and her face lit up with pride.
The gown—an understated yet lavish champagne gold—hugged Helena’s figure with effortless grace. The color kissed her complexion like sunlight on porcelain, drawing out her natural glow.
There was no denying it: Helena didn’t just wear the dress. She owned it. Her elegance, quiet yet commanding, made it seem as though the gown had been crafted with only her in mind.
Compliments floated through the air like perfume—genuine, warm, admiring. Everyone was enchanted. Everyone, that is, except Liliana. Behind her courteous smile, jealousy flickered like a shadow.
Liliana had arrived just moments earlier. Upon learning from Martha about Natalie and Helena’s shopping trip, Liliana headed to the same mall, feigned a chance encounter, and seized the opportunity to stay by Natalie’s side.
Now, she placed a light hand on Natalie’s arm, her voice bright and saccharine. “Mom, Helena’s figure is amazing—she makes every gown look like it was made for her. I, on the other hand, am just too plain. You had to have one custom-ordered just for me three months in advance p>
The words were dipped in honey but laced with venom—a veiled attempt to highlight Natalie’s attention toward her.
But Helena wasn’t listening. Her mind was still back with Alden. Natalie, far too seasoned a businesswoman to care for petty jabs, didn’t catch the subtext, either.
She simply smiled. “Your figure’s not as good as Helena’s, but the custom gown I ordered for you will flatter your shape beautifully p>
Liliana’s smile faltered for the briefest second. Her lips twitched, and her eyes stiffened.
The boutique staff all glanced at her figure, which made her feel uncomfortable.
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“Mom, I think this dress is the one. Let’s take it,” Helena said, eager to wrap things up.
Her heels pinched slightly, but she didn’t mention it. The last thing she needed was for Natalie to fuss and drag her into a shoe store.
Just then, Liliana’s gaze sharpened. She’d caught something. With a syrupy giggle, she slipped her arm through Natalie’s again and cooed, “Mom, Helena really has such amazing taste. She looks stunning, doesn’t she p>
Natalie, pleased to see both girls loved the dress, nodded with a soft smile.
But her phone buzzed. An urgent call. A contract that needed immediate handling.
She was unsure, but Helena quickly urged her to go.
Natalie gave her daughter an apologetic look, promised to make it up to her, and then hurried off.