Chapter 51
She said she was helping me, but the glee and scheming in her eyes were practically spilling over.
I took in Marlowe and Amelia's dramatic performance, a barely noticeable smile tugging at my lips as I nodded along with their words. "Then I'll have to trouble you both."
I lowered my eyes, hiding the mockery in them.
They naturally wouldn't pass up an opportunity handed to them on a silver platter.
But what they didn't know was that this opportunity was bait I'd personally handed over.
And once the fish bit the hook, when to reel in the line would no longer be up to them.
Back in my room, my phone screen lit up with a message from Benjamin.
[Home safe? They didn't give you a hard time, did they?]
A simple message, yet carrying undeniable concern.
I could picture him sending it with slightly furrowed brows.
My fingertip tapped lightly on the screen: [I'm fine.]
After thinking for a moment, I added: [Trying on dresses tomorrow. Can you arrive a bit later?]
After I sent the message, there was a moment of silence on his end before a single line came back.
[Okay. Let me know if you need help anytime.]
Looking at the screen, the irritation stirred up by the White family was somehow quietly smoothed over by his unconditional trust and indulgence.
The next morning, Marlowe and Amelia were unprecedentedly enthusiastic.
When I came downstairs, they were already dressed and ready, makeup flawless, as if attending some important gathering.
Seeing me come down in a simple shirt and pants, a flash of contempt crossed Amelia's eyes, though her voice was warm as she urged, "Ophelia, what took you so long? Hurry and eat breakfast. We can't keep the Wilson family waiting—that would be rude."
I finished breakfast at a leisurely pace while Marlowe and Amelia waited impatiently by the door, craning their necks in anticipation.
Before long, a black Bentley slowly pulled up at the entrance.
Seeing me, Luca immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Ms. Ophelia White, Mr. Wilson has a brief meeting, so he asked me to pick you up first."
The anticipation on Marlowe and Amelia's faces instantly cooled.
Luca acted as if he saw nothing. He opened the rear door for me, his arm slightly blocking the top of the doorframe to prevent me from hitting my head.
That level of attentiveness and respect couldn't be faked.
Amelia's expression grew even uglier.
Marlowe tugged at her, wearing a proper smile, and was about to pull Amelia into the back seat with her.
Just as they were about to touch the car door, Luca, who had been silent, extended his hand and subtly blocked them.
"I'm sorry." Luca's face still wore a professional smile, but his tone carried no warmth. "Mr. Wilson specifically instructed that this car was specially prepared for Ms. Ophelia White. The space and arrangements inside are all according to Ms. Ophelia White's preferences."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Marlowe and Amelia's instantly frozen faces, continuing in that polite tone that left no room for complaint: "As for other members of the White family, Mr. Wilson has also made arrangements. He's arranged another car, right behind us, that will take you both to the designated location."
As he spoke, a regular ride-share car pulled up precisely behind the Bentley.
This slap, delivered silently, was louder than any sharp words.
The smile on Marlowe's face completely crumbled. Looking at the ride-share car in stark contrast to the Bentley, she was so angry her lips trembled.
Amelia's face flushed red as she demanded shrilly, "What do you mean? We're accompanying Ophelia to try on dresses. Why can't we ride in the same car with her?"
Luca bowed slightly, his tone still respectful, but his words cut deep: "These are Mr. Wilson's instructions. Mr. Wilson said that Ms. Ophelia White is of noble status and cannot suffer any grievances, nor can she have her mood disturbed by irrelevant people and matters."
Irrelevant people and matters.
These words were like a sharp blade, precisely cutting through all their pretenses.
Sitting in the spacious, comfortable car, I looked through the tinted window at those two faces twisted with anger and humiliation outside, my lips slowly curving into a cold smile.
Luca closed the car door, shutting out those two venomous stares.
The car drove smoothly away, leaving Marlowe and Amelia's awkward figures far behind.
The dress boutique was located in a quiet standalone villa in the city center. It wasn't open to the public, only accepting appointments from top-tier clients.
The brand's head designer personally came out to greet us. When she saw me, her face immediately lit up with a respectful and enthusiastic smile. To Marlowe and Amelia behind me, she only gave a polite nod.
"Ms. White, it's our honor to have you here. Mr. Wilson has already informed us that today I'll be serving only you. All our latest dress designs are available for you to choose from."
I nodded slightly and let the designer lead me toward the display area.
Marlowe took my arm and pointed at a dress. "Ophelia, look at this one. It's so flattering, and you'd look great in this bright color."
I glanced at the disastrous dress and said nothing.
Amelia also came over. She held up a satin gown with an outdated style against me and commented with feigned expertise: "Ophelia, you're too thin. You can't pull off those sexy styles. I think this more conservative kind suits you better—it can cover up your flaws."
They dismissed all the well-tailored, beautifully designed dresses as worthless, while praising to the skies those styles that were the most demanding and ugliest.
The surrounding staff had all received professional training and now pretended to hear nothing, though their expressions were rather telling.
I found it amusing and didn't bother exposing their clumsy act. Instead, I sat down on the sofa, picked up the lemon water a server brought over, and quietly watched their performance.
"Ophelia, why aren't you trying anything on?" Seeing me unmoved, Amelia grew anxious. "How will you know the effect without trying them? Go on."
Just as I was about to speak, there was a slight commotion at the entrance.
Benjamin had arrived.
He'd changed into casual wear today. Without his suit and tie, he'd shed that sharp edge, appearing gentle and refined, yet still unable to hide that innate noble bearing.