The words were almost identical to what Coen had told her.
Linsey responded with practiced politeness. “Of course, Mrs. Blakely. I’ll make sure to give it my all.”
For the rest of the day, she tuned out the nasty rumors circulating online and poured every ounce of her focus into her work.
By the next morning, the gown was finally complete.
Per the agreement, she needed to deliver it to Anthea in person. “When you see Anthea later, be sure to pass along my regards,” Coen said, watching intently as Linsey carefully packed the gown.
Linsey gave a quick nod. “Of course, Coen.”
Just then, Cynthia approached with a pleasant smile. In front of Coen, she casually suggested, “Linsey, it might be a hassle going alone. How about I come with you? I could lend a hand.”
Coen glanced at Cynthia and chimed in, “That’s kind of you, Cynthia. Alright, you can join her.”
“Thank you, Coen!” Cynthia chirped, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness.
Linsey’s brow furrowed just a tad, a flicker of unease crossing her face.
However, she bit back whatever comment she might have made. Cynthia, as a member of the Keller family, held a certain sway. Coen, well aware of the Kellers’ prominence and influence, wouldn’t dare risk causing her any public embarrassment.
The drive to Anthea’s villa began. Linsey occupied the back seat, carefully cradling the box containing the precious dress. Cynthia sat right next to her.
Linsey braced herself, fully expecting Cynthia to use the car ride as an opportunity for some more of her snide remarks and petty jabs. To Linsey’s surprise, however, the entire twenty-minute journey passed without a single word from Cynthia.
Cynthia’s uncharacteristic silence puzzled Linsey.
Could it be possible? Had Cynthia actually turned over a new leaf? Was she genuinely refraining from her usual taunts for once? What was she up to? What schemes were brewing beneath that quiet exterior?
Unbeknownst to Linsey, Cynthia had already formulated a plan. She was determined to make a grand entrance, a lasting impression on Anthea.
Cynthia exuded an air of unwavering confidence.
In the past, Cynthia had bought into the rumors that Anthea was notoriously difficult to satisfy, a woman with impossibly high standards.
However, after witnessing Linsey’s successful negotiation with Anthea, Cynthia realized that those rumors were nothing more than baseless gossip.
Cynthia now bitterly regretted missing out on what she perceived as a golden opportunity. She seethed with resentment that Linsey, someone she considered far less capable than herself, had managed to secure Anthea’s order.
Once they got there, she would surely project an image of professionalism and competence, outshining Linsey. At that time, Anthea would immediately recognize her as the more suitable business partner.
In due course, they reached the villa.
Linsey cautiously exited the car, carefully clutching the gown box. Her sprained ankle had significantly improved, but a lingering ache and stiffness persisted as she moved.
Just as she shut the car door, Cynthia hurried over, saying, “Linsey, your ankle is still bothering you, isn’t it? Allow me to carry the gown for you.”
Without pausing for a reply, Cynthia swiftly took the box from Linsey’s grasp.
Linsey offered a neutral glance in response but remained silent.
Upon entering the villa, Anthea promptly emerged to welcome them. She greeted Linsey with a warm smile, but a hint of surprise flickered across her face as her gaze fell upon Cynthia.
“And you are?” Anthea inquired, evidently not anticipating the presence of another guest.
Cynthia promptly offered a smile and introduced herself. “Hello, Mrs. Blakely! My name is Cynthia Keller. We’ve crossed paths briefly at a few social events-perhaps you recall my parents.”
Both the Blakely and the Keller families were prominent figures within Grester’s elite social circles, though the Blakely family undeniably held a more esteemed position.
Nevertheless, Cynthia remained confident that Anthea, belonging to a comparable social stratum, would afford her due respect.
However, Anthea merely offered a curt nod before turning back to Linsey. “Please, come in, both of you. I’ve arranged for some coffee to be prepared.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Blakely,” Linsey responded politely.
After they were seated, Linsey opened the dress box, unveiling the gown within.
The dress, meticulously tailored specifically for Anthea, showcased exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details that captivated her attention.
“Linsey, your design talent is truly remarkable. This dress is absolutely breathtaking. I adore it!” Anthea’s eyes gleamed with genuine admiration, her praise heartfelt and sincere.
Linsey offered a polite smile in return. “Your insightful suggestions were truly inspiring, elevating the design far beyond my initial vision. During the production process, Coen graciously provided the assistance of some seasoned designers, which proved invaluable in bringing the final creation to life. I’m overjoyed that you’re pleased with it.”
Observing Anthea’s evident satisfaction with Linsey’s work, Cynthia was engulfed by a surge of irritation.
Clearing her throat, she interjected, “Mrs. Blakely, perhaps I could assist you in trying on the dress? After all, you can only truly appreciate its perfection once you see it on yourself.”
Anthea’s frown deepened, her voice icy as she rebuked Cynthia. “This creation is Linsey’s masterpiece. If I’m going to have someone help me try it on, it better be her. Your involvement lacks the intimate knowledge of its nuances. Just think about the mess it would cause if handled the wrong way.”
Her words sliced through the air, leaving Cynthia momentarily stunned, her expression crumpling into an uncomfortable mix of surprise and embarrassment.
Yet, unwilling to stir further discord, Cynthia mustered a strained smile. “You’re absolutely right, Mrs. Blakely.”
Dismissing Cynthia with nothing more than a sharp turn of her head, Anthea beckoned Linsey. “Well, it’s about time. Let’s proceed with the fitting.”
“Of course,” Linsey agreed, her tone respectful as she followed Anthea’s lead upstairs.
Trailing behind, two maids handled the exquisite dress with utmost care, their steps measured and silent.
Cynthia was left in the echo of their departure, her cheeks burning with suppressed rage.
That fucking bitch Linsey! No doubt Linsey ran her mouth and trashed her to Anthea earlier!
That damn woman had no idea what was coming-she was going to wish Linsey never pulled this shit!
Meanwhile, upstairs, Linsey and Anthea entered a secluded room.
The maids, with reverent gestures, draped the dress on a stand and discreetly exited, ensuring that Linsey and Anthea had the room to themselves.
Anthea recalled Cynthia’s antics with a mixture of amusement and disdain.
They were so blatantly obvious. Even after all these years, it baffled her that Cynthia still thought her motives were hidden.
Engaging with Cynthia, even briefly, was draining.
Anthea couldn’t help but sympathize with Linsey, who had likely borne the brunt of Cynthia’s scheming far more directly.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.