Chapter 216
At the same time, on the other side of the mall, a white sports car pulled up slowly at the entrance.
Allegra, arm linked with Marshall's, stepped out of the car.
Today, the two had come out specifically for a date.
The wedding date was drawing closer, and there were still many things left to prepare.
Marshall looked down at the person beside him, his voice gentle. "Should we look at wedding supplies first today?"
Allegra nodded obediently. "Sure."
They'd only walked a few steps when Allegra suddenly stopped.
She seemed to remember something and bit her lip lightly. "Marshall…"
"What's wrong?"
Allegra hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "Can we stop by the antiques section first?"
Marshall was slightly taken aback. "To buy antiques?"
Allegra nodded, her eyes carrying a trace of earnestness. "Your mother has always loved collecting antiques. I want to pick out a gift for her."
She lowered her lashes, her voice soft. "Even though she still has some reservations about me, I believe that as long as I'm sincere with her, one day she'll accept me."
At the mention of Tatum, Allegra's chest tightened a little.
These past few days, no matter how hard she tried to please her, the woman remained distant and indifferent.
Every time she thought about it, she felt wronged.
Just yesterday, her mother had comforted her, saying elders valued sincerity above all else.
Since Tatum liked antiques, she'd cater to that preference.
Once the gift was given, the relationship would naturally warm up over time.
Thinking this, Allegra felt more certain of her plan.
Marshall looked at her quietly, a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes.
He'd always known his mother wasn't entirely pleased with this marriage.
Yet Allegra had never complained. Instead, she'd been trying her best to improve the relationship.
Her thoughtfulness made him feel even more guilty.
He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Allegra, I'm sorry you have to go through this."
Allegra immediately shook her head, a soft smile appearing on her face. "As long as I can be with you, none of this matters."
Marshall's heart softened.
The next second, he lowered his head and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
Allegra froze for a moment. Then, her ears flushed bright red.
She instinctively touched the spot he'd just kissed, her heart racing uncontrollably.
The gloom that had been weighing on her because of Tatum dissipated considerably in that instant.
She secretly curved her lips into a smile.
It seemed today's suggestion had been the right move after all.
Whether or not they actually ended up buying an antique didn't matter that much.
At least now, Marshall cared about her even more because of this gesture.
Thinking this, her smile grew even sweeter. "Let's go."
Marshall took her hand. "We'll pick something out together."
Allegra smiled and nodded. "Okay."
The two walked side by side toward the antiques exhibition area on the basement level.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Lucinda's figure had already appeared deep within the antiques hall.
The distance between them was closing.
The antiques exhibition area was located at the far end of the basement level. Unlike the bustling floors above, this space was entirely different.
The air carried a faint scent of sandalwood. Both sides of the hall displayed porcelain, calligraphy, paintings, and bronze artifacts. The lighting was soft, and each piece was individually placed in a temperature-controlled display case.
After purchasing a few antiques, Lucinda strolled leisurely through the hall.
She'd come today mainly to inspect the area and see if there were any other quality pieces worth acquiring.
She was dressed simply today—a cream-colored knit dress with a light trench coat draped over it. Her long hair hung loosely over her shoulders. She wore no flashy jewelry, only a minimalist watch on her wrist.
The simpler the outfit, the more it accentuated her refined, elegant presence.
As she walked, she listened to the manager's report.
"Ms. Wipere, this section has been reorganized. The pieces you requested be stored separately have all been retrieved."
Lucinda nodded lightly. "Good. I'll take a look."
The manager tactfully stepped aside.
Lucinda paused in front of a row of porcelain, her gaze carefully sweeping over each piece.
On the other side, Allegra and Marshall had also arrived at the antiques section.
As soon as they stepped into the hall, Allegra was still scanning for a suitable gift when her peripheral vision suddenly caught a familiar figure.
She stopped in her tracks.
"What's wrong?" Marshall followed her line of sight.
The next second, he froze as well.
Not far away, a young woman stood quietly in front of a display case.
She was just standing there—no elaborate styling, no ostentatious gestures—yet her entire presence was like a painting.
Soft light fell across her, her skin so fair it seemed to glow. Her profile was so flawless it was impossible to find fault.
Marshall's gaze lingered involuntarily for a few seconds.
Allegra's smile stiffened instantly.
She followed Marshall's gaze, her heart sinking heavily.
Even though she hated Lucinda, she had to admit it.
Today, Lucinda was so beautiful it was impossible to look away.
And precisely because of that, the jealousy in her heart grew wildly.
Why?
Why did everyone revolve around her?
Why could she just stand there and draw everyone's eyes?
Especially…
Allegra saw that even Marshall was looking at her, and anger flared up inside her.
She subtly stepped into Marshall's line of sight, lowering her voice. "Lucinda really is something."
Marshall snapped back to attention. "What do you mean?"
Allegra let out a feigned sigh of helplessness. "A place like this isn't somewhere ordinary people can just walk into."
She looked at Lucinda, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes. "Lucinda doesn't have a job or stable income right now. Given her previous situation, forget buying antiques—she probably couldn't even afford to step through the door here. Yet now she can shop in a place like this…"
She trailed off, then shook her head lightly. "I wonder… which rich man she's latched onto now."
The moment those words left her mouth, Marshall's brow furrowed.
He'd never had a good impression of Lucinda to begin with. Now, hearing this, his distaste deepened.
The brief flicker of admiration he'd felt at her appearance vanished instantly.
He coldly withdrew his gaze. "No matter how pretty the exterior, it can't change a person's character. Living off someone else—she'll never amount to anything respectable."
He turned to Allegra. "Don't learn from her. A person should be grounded and self-reliant."
Allegra immediately put on an obedient smile. "Of course not. I know what I should and shouldn't do."
Marshall nodded with satisfaction, his gaze toward her softening.
Allegra quietly let out a breath of relief.
Just as she'd thought—as long as she tore Lucinda down, Marshall would appreciate her even more.
Thinking this, the corner of her mouth curved into a faint smile.