"Wait..." Serena said suddenly.
Rachel paused, clutching the photos, and turned to look at her.
Serena's gaze shifted to the mannequin, landing on the stunning red evening gown. Since... this was a gift from Nicholas to Brianna, and Brianna was her friend...
Had she been a bit too ruthless, taking an eight-figure sum from him?
When he knew she needed something, he let her stay at his mansion, even arranged for people to take care of her, and had been running around handling things for her...
The thought of Nicholas brought an image to her mind: his devilishly handsome face, a lazy, casual smile playing on his lips, his collar unbuttoned-the very picture of a seductive charmer.
"It's nothing," Serena said, her fingertips tightening as she looked away. "Send them. We'll stick to the contract."
Payment for goods delivered it was just business. What was there to feel guilty about?
Besides, she had even included a backup gown that was more suited to Brianna's style, saving him from the risk of the main one not fitting and causing an awkward situation. She had already gone above and beyond.
An eight-figure sum for two evening gowns!
It was a great deal!
With that thought, Serena's conscience was clear.
By the time she finished everything, it was already past nine at night.
She rubbed her sore shoulders and her rumbling stomach.
She changed out of her work clothes and picked up her phone, getting ready to leave the studio.
There weren't many messages.
One was from her mother, reminding her to eat on time and take care of herself.
The other was from Nicholas.
It had been sent an hour ago.
Serena first opened Catherine Lancaster's message and sent a reply.
Only then did she tap on Nicholas's message.
Nicholas had only sent a short message: [Tonight... are you still coming home?]
Though they were just a few words that shouldn't convey any tone, Serena somehow sensed a careful, probing question from the man.
She could almost picture him sending that message... holding his phone, looking like a lost puppy with its head hanging low, hesitating over and over before finally hitting send.
A corner of her heart softened.
She sighed.
Nicholas had helped her so much, after all.
And with their plan about to come to a head, she still needed to stay at his mansion for a few more days.
She couldn't keep avoiding him just because of a ridiculous dream.
Serena raised her hand and typed a reply: [Yeah, coming back. On my way.]
After sending the message, she gathered her things and left the YB building. The night air was a bit cool.
As Serena got into her car, she had a nagging feeling that something was missing... She subconsciously glanced around and suddenly realized the Wynn family hadn't come to stake her out today.
She had expected Patrick to keep harassing her, trying to use that fake, worthless appeal to family ties to lure her back to the Wynn family so she could continue to
exploited by them.
She had spent enough time with the Wynn family to know Patrick's character. For the sake of the Wynn Group and to secure his position as the family patriarch, he would never give up, no matter how shameless or humiliating it was.
It was a bit strange.
But having no one bother her was a welcome relief.
Serena drove off into the night.