Lisa hesitated, searching for a polite way to phrase it.
It wasn't that she looked down on Jocelyn, but for an actress of her minor standing, dropping a fortune on a single dress seemed financially reckless.
"The gown is still here, but our VIP clients have placed a twenty-four-hour hold on it. If they decide to pass on it tomorrow, you're welcome to come in for a fitting."
Jocelyn's expression darkened. "Was it those two women who just left?"
Lisa didn't give a verbal confirmation, but her silence was answer enough.
What Lisa didn't expect was for Jocelyn to act so recklessly. The actress spun on her heels and sprinted out the door.
"Wait! Both of you, wait!"
Jocelyn actually managed to flag them down.
Claire and Ophelia paused on the sidewalk, turning to face the breathless woman.
"Hello. Can we help you?" Claire found the woman oddly familiar. She had probably seen her on television.
Growing up, Claire's academic schedule had been merciless, leaving her with zero time to relax.
Octavia, however, used to lounge in the living room watching dramas, surrounded by platters of fresh fruit and expensive pastries prepared by the maids.
Naturally, Claire had never been allowed to touch them.
Octavia had claimed she was teaching her appetite control.
It was sickening to think how cruelly Claire had been treated while living in the lap of the James family's wealth.
As Claire studied Jocelyn, Jocelyn was busy assessing her right back.
Her immediate thought was that this girl was drop-dead gorgeous. Was she a new industry plant?
No, if a face like that had debuted, Jocelyn would have heard about it.
Given how obsequious Lisa had been, this girl was likely some billionaire's pampered heiress.
Realizing this, Jocelyn immediately adopted a submissive, charming posture.
"I'm so sorry for the intrusion. My last name is Hunter, I'm an actress. I have a very important gala to attend the day after tomorrow..."
Before she could launch into her sob
story, Claire cut her off cleanly. "I
apologize,
but please just
tel
sn
what you want. We're on a tight schedule."
They weren't actually in a rush, but Claire had no intention of wasting breath on a stranger.
"I want to purchase that pearl-embellished gown. Lisa mentioned you placed a hold on it."
"Have you fully committed to buying it?"
Claire glanced at Ophelia. She didn't know the first thing about high-society fashion protocols; Ophelia was the one running the show.
Ophelia hadn't anticipated anyone being brazen enough to accost them on the street.
She looked the young woman up and down. "We've placed a hold until tomorrow. If we decide against it, you can come in for a fitting then."
"However..." Ophelia paused, her tone laced with subtle warning.
The girl was an actress and probably made decent money, but that gown featured master-level craftsmanship and imported silks. It was the crowning jewel of a renowned designer.
In short, the price tag was astronomical.
"That pearl-embellished gown is undeniably stunning, but it comes with an incredibly steep price."
She offered the polite warning to save the girl from future embarrassment.
Jocelyn misinterpreted the caution as a direct insult to her bank account. "That's completely fine. I absolutely adore it."
She might not have the cash, but her sugar daddy had deep pockets.
She was entirely confident he wouldn't mind splurging to keep her happy.
"Then come back tomorrow." Ophelia thought her niece looked breathtaking in that dress.
Even if Claire didn't wear it to the birthday gala, it would be perfect for a future event.
She had zero intention of handing it over.
Jocelyn's brows knitted together.
don't have time to come by
tomorrow. Could you do me a kuge favor and just release the hold right now?
FindNovel.net
She shifted her gaze back to Claire. This girl was prettier than her and had a flawless figure.
If Claire actually wore that gown, she would look utterly mesmerizing.
Jocelyn hated admitting defeat to a prettier woman, and the thought of surrendering
the dress made her stomach twist with jealousy.