Chapter 41 Special
Elliot chuckled silently, which made Audrey confused again.
"That woman..." Elliot muttered, roughly wiping his face.
The man was sure that Catherine knew his schedule from his mother and he could not refuse in order to protect the Harrington family name, especially Rebecca.
In silence, Audrey observed Elliot's expression and could more or less guess the nature of the man's relationship with Catherine Fairmont. And Audrey knew who the owner of that name was.
After thinking for a moment, Elliot finally said, "Tell her I will go."
Audrey nodded and was about to reply to the received message, but Elliot's sentence stopped her. "But you're coming too."
She looked surprised, her eyebrows furrowed. "Me? But... this is a private event—"
"Catherine invited me through my secretary's number, not my personal number," Elliot replied flatly, staring intently at Audrey. "Therefore, you're coming as part of your responsibility."
Audrey, who did not want to be involved in their relationship, searched for an excuse. "But... I didn't bring suitable attire, Sir. The place Miss Catherine booked is very—"
"Then get ready now. We'll find a suitable outfit for you," Elliot retorted, even more unwilling to be contradicted, while leaving Audrey.
"W-what?!"
In a famous boutique, Audrey felt awkward seeing the luxurious clothing collection elegantly displayed. She rarely entered a place like this, let alone to buy something, although it was undeniable that excitement and curiosity spontaneously arose within her.
"Sir, I don't think this is necessary," Audrey said, whispering slightly, glancing at Elliot who was standing beside her with a serious expression.
Elliot glanced back. "Stop complaining. You have to look appropriate for the event standard that Catherine wants."
A boutique staff member approached with a professional smile. "Ah, Mr. Harrington. It's been a while since you visited here."
Elliot only smiled briefly in return.
"Is there anything we can help you with?" the woman asked kindly.
"I need a formal dress for this woman. Make sure it's suitable for a luxurious dinner party."
The staff member observed Audrey with sparkling eyes. "Oh, of course, Mr. Harrington. Please follow me, Miss."
Audrey looked at Elliot hesitantly, but the man only nodded slightly, telling her to follow the staff member.
She then walked towards the fitting room with hesitant steps. In her hands hung several gowns chosen by the staff member, each looking luxurious and classy.
"Please, Miss. I'm sure one of these will suit you very well," the staff member said with a friendly smile. "Especially for the event you'll be attending with Mr. Harrington."
Audrey smiled faintly, feeling a little awkward. "Thank you. I'll try them on," she said, stepping into the fitting cubicle.
Inside the cubicle, Audrey hung the gowns one by one, her eyes looking at all of them, which seemed expensive with an elegant touch.
However, her attention was immediately drawn to one dark blue gown. The dress was simple but had a cut that suited her taste perfectly—not too revealing but still radiating an impression of grace.
"Let's try this one first," Audrey murmured softly, picking up the dress.
When she put it on, Audrey examined herself in the mirror. The dress fit her body perfectly, accentuating her silhouette without looking excessive. She sighed in relief, feeling this gown could be her best choice.
A soft knock was heard at the cubicle door. "Miss, are you done trying them on?" the staff member asked from outside.
Audrey opened the door slightly, presenting herself in the worn dress.
The staff member immediately smiled broadly. "Goodness, Miss. This gown truly looks amazing on you. I'm sure Mr. Harrington will love it!"
Audrey smiled thinly, although inwardly she felt strange hearing her boss's name mentioned in this context. "Ah, don't exaggerate..."
"I'm being sincere, Miss." The staff member did seem genuine.
"Thank you. I also feel comfortable in this dress," Audrey replied, blushing slightly.
The staff member approached, helping to tidy a small part on the dress's shoulder. "You know, Miss," the staff member suddenly said, her voice quite low as if wanting to share a secret.
"What?" Audrey asked, a little confused by the staff member's tone.
"Mr. Harrington comes to this boutique quite often," the staff member said with a meaningful smile. "However, this is the first time I've seen him bring a woman here. Usually, he only buys for himself."
Audrey was stunned hearing that. Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly controlled her expression. "Oh, is that so?" she answered, trying to sound casual, although her chest was churning.
"Yes!" the staff member continued, her eyes sparkling and enthusiastic. "It seems like you're special in his eyes, Miss!"
"I'm just his secretary. Nothing more." Audrey laughed softly, trying not to listen too much to the comment, even though a strange flutter began to emerge within her.
"In that case, you are a very lucky secretary," the staff member replied before stepping back. "I will inform Mr. Harrington that this gown is ready."
"W-wait!" Audrey called the staff member with a slightly hurried voice. She stepped forward half a step, her hand raised as if asking the staff member to stop.