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Novel Catalog
Chapter 98: Pick the Dress
“You’re an idiot! Your family is full of idiots! Kaitlin, how dare you speak to me like that?”
Kaitlin was stunned. She had seen Serina become shy and reserved in the past. Just last time, she had even hidden timidly behind Ainsley. But now… this was different.
“You… last time, you…” Kaitlin stammered, trying to regain her composure.
“What do you want to say?” Ainsley pushed open the door to the equipment room, blocking Kaitlin’s view of Serina as she stepped in front of her.
Kaitlin recoiled, taking a few steps back. She pointed at Serina, her voice trembling. “That’s not right! She was ill last time. I saw it! Or did you do it on purpose?”
Ainsley’s eyes turned cold, her expression unwavering. “Kaitlin, you still haven’t learned your lesson, have you? Serina’s matters have nothing to do with you. Before you act, think about whether the Baldry family can afford the consequences.”
Kaitlin was taken aback. She had expected a different response, but Ainsley was as sharp as ever. Manuel wasn’t someone to repay evil with good, and Serina wasn’t a student anyone could easily bully.
Still furious, Kaitlin couldn’t hold back. “Ainsley, what’s there for you to be so arrogant about? Is it because you’re with Manuel? This time, Manuel didn’t invite us to his birthday, and it’s all because of you, right?”
Ainsley couldn’t help but laugh, the absurdity of Kaitlin’s words too much for her to ignore. “Kaitlin, how dare you? You slandered his sister, and now you think he’ll send you an invitation?”
“Impossible!” Kaitlin’s face flushed with anger. “The noble families in Seattle are all about building connections. It’s because of you that Manuel hates me so much!”
Serina, sensing the tension, gently tugged at Ainsley’s hand. “Manuel told me personally that he wouldn’t invite your family, and I asked him not to. If you have any complaints, take them up with me!”
Kaitlin stood there, speechless for a moment. Her anger boiled over, and she raised her hand, as if to strike Serina. But Serina’s fierce gaze stopped her in her tracks.
“How dare you?” Serina’s voice was filled with venom. “Kaitlin, as for what happened last time, consider this a warning. Don’t think I’ll let it slide. Don’t provoke me again.”
Kaitlin hesitated, fear creeping into her. She lowered her hand, glaring at Serina but too afraid to speak further. “You…”
Ainsley didn’t waste any more time. She grabbed Serina’s hand and led her out.
Kaitlin stood frozen in the equipment room, watching their retreating figures. She could feel the weight of her actions. The incident from before had caused a significant stir within the Baldry family. She knew she couldn’t afford to make any more trouble, at least not so openly.
Shopping at Sunday Mall
Later that day, Ainsley and Serina arrived at the renowned Sunday Mall, a shopping center known for its high-end products and prestigious brands. Among the most famous was Maliyah Roach, the top Italian designer, whose exclusive shop was located on the fourth floor.
The fourth floor wasn’t open to just anyone. Only customers who spent a significant amount on the third floor could enter. Ainsley followed Serina, who had already gained access, into the luxurious boutique.
Inside, the shop gleamed with Maliyah’s most iconic designs—dresses that exuded elegance and style. However, the pieces here were not for everyone. Not only did customers choose the dresses, but the brand also selected their clientele carefully.
The shop manager greeted them and led them to a high-end fitting room, offering delicate cakes and refreshments.
“Ms. Gage, would you like to take a look at Maliyah’s new designs?” the manager asked politely.
Serina smiled, nodding enthusiastically. “Sure.”
Ten stunning dresses were laid out before Serina. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Ainsley. “Ainsley, which one do you like?”
Ainsley pointed to a light pink dress with a crinoline style, though not as long as the typical design. It was elegant and flattering.
“This one,” Ainsley said, her eyes lingering on the dress.
Serina grinned. “Okay, I want this one. Please have it fitted for me and send it to my house,” she instructed the manager.
“Yes, Ms. Gage,” the manager replied promptly.
Turning to Ainsley, Serina asked, “What about you? Do you like any of these?”
Ainsley glanced at the dresses, but none of them caught her interest. The designs were beautiful, but they didn’t align with her style. The dresses were more princess-like, perfect for Serina but not her.
“There’s nothing I like here,” Ainsley said, shaking her head. “Let’s go look somewhere else.”
Serina nodded. “Alright.”
Another Store, Another Choice
They left Maliyah’s boutique and ventured into another shop, one that offered a simpler, more minimalist style of clothing. The dresses were understated but elegant, perfect for Ainsley’s tastes.
As Ainsley walked through the racks, Serina eagerly pointed out a dress. “Ainsley, how about this one? It looks so beautiful!”
Ainsley examined the dress and nodded in agreement. “This one is perfect.”
The shop assistant, sensing their approval, offered to have the dress delivered the next day.
Afterward, they wandered around the third floor, where luxury jewelry shops displayed dazzling collections. Ainsley, feeling the pressure of buying something for Manuel, was overwhelmed by the choices.
“Serina, what do you think Manuel likes?” Ainsley asked casually.
Serina grinned, covering her mouth in a playful gesture. “You.” She paused, then laughed softly. “I mean, Manuel likes anything you give him.”
Ainsley’s cheeks flushed at the answer. Although Serina’s comment was lighthearted, it made her heart skip a beat.
“Ainsley, I’ll go check out something over there,” Serina said, skipping off to another part of the store.
Left alone, Ainsley browsed the jewelry displays but struggled to find the perfect gift. She couldn’t give him something too intimate like a tie, and a watch felt too expensive. A wallet or belt seemed impersonal. What else could she give him?
Then, something caught her eye—a stunning piece in the shop window.
“Excuse me, I’ll take that one,” Ainsley said, pointing at the item.
The Next Day: The Birthday Dilemma
The day before Manuel’s birthday, Ainsley felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Serina had given her an invitation, but she wasn’t sure if Manuel really wanted her to attend.
While at the University of Washington between classes, Kaitlin was chatting with her friends when a student suddenly shouted excitedly, “That man! He’s so handsome!”
Ainsley’s gaze instinctively shifted. Could it be Manuel?
Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly moved toward the source of the commotion, spotting Manuel standing nearby. She approached him, trying to sound casual. “Mr. Gage? I didn’t expect you to be here. Are you looking for Serina?”
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