novelxo Chapter 170
At a luxury boutique.
As soon as Sylvia entered and gave her name, the shop assistant greeted her warmly and escorted her to a plush seating area. An array of gourmet snacks was promptly laid out before her.
"Ms. Lloyd, please give us a moment. I'll bring your gown out for inspection."
"Sure."
Sylvia took a sip of the artisan coffee served to her, savoring its warmth as she began to unwind. But her relaxation was interrupted when a live broadcast of a gala event caught her attention on the screen opposite her. It appeared to be a celebrity endorsed by this brand. Sylvia remembered Rupert's suggestion to keep an eye on the gala's coverage.
Why should she?
She reached for the remote on the coffee table, intending to switch off the screen, but just then, the shop assistant stepped into her line of sight.
"Ms. Lloyd, your gown is here. Could you please take a look?"
"Alright."
Sylvia sighed, setting the remote down and rising from her seat. She walked over to where the gown hung.
Even though she had worn it only once, its beauty still took her breath away.
Holding the hem, the assistant smiled. "This gown is truly perfect for you, Ms. Lloyd. Tailored to your measurements, I doubt anyone else could wear this piece quite like you." Sylvia paused, her fingers brushing the fabric as she looked at the assistant quizzically.
"Tailored to my measurements?"
"Yes, take a look here at the tag." The assistant pointed to the label hanging from the gown's hanger.
Sylvia leaned in and, sure enough, saw her own measurements.
But... how could Warren know her measurements?
After showcasing the gown, the assistant handed Sylvia a form. "Ms. Lloyd, if everything looks good, could you please sign here?"
Snapped out of her thoughts, Sylvia nodded and reached for the pen. As she flipped the page, her eyes landed on a purchase confirmation.
The signature section bore a single name.
Garcia.
The handwriting was bold and elegant, carrying an air of familiarity that tugged at her memory.
Where had she seen it before?
Just as she leaned in for a closer look, the assistant hastily flipped the page back.
"Ms. Lloyd, just sign here, please."
"Alright."
Thinking she was holding up the assistant, Sylvia didn't ask further and quickly signed her name. The assistant carefully placed the gown into a box and handed it to Sylvia. As Sylvia was about to leave, something on the large screen caught her attention.
It was inevitable.
The broadcast was introducing Bridget, who was arm-in-arm with Rupert on the red carpet.
Rupert was dressed in a classic
black-and-white tuxedo, devoid of any accessories. Yet, under the spotlight, his silhouette was striking- broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and long legs, exuding effortless perfection.
Despite his understated attire, he commanded attention the moment he appeared. His cool demeanor and a brief, sweeping gaze over the crowd carried an authority that made reporters hesitate to approach.
Beside him, Bridget was all smiles, clinging to him as if showing off their love.
Sylvia's gaze drifted to Bridget's
gown a sleek black evening dress
-
with a golden-brown voluminous
trailing skirt. Paired with a ruby
necklace, it radiated elegance and nobility.
It seemed Rupert, the notorious workaholic, had an unexpectedly refined eye for selecting gowns.
Just then, a reporter mustered the courage to address Bridget.
"Ms. Simpson, would you and Rupert be open to an interview?"
Bridget's eyes sparkled as she tenderly looked at Rupert. "I'll follow Rupert's lead."
Without much emotion, Rupert gave a slight nod.
Immediately, the live chat exploded.
Everyone knew Rupert disliked public displays and rarely entertained gossip journalists. His concession for Bridget spoke volumes of their affection. Bridget's fans quickly dominated the comments.
[Ah! Rupert is so devoted to Bridget!]
[That's the look of a man completely smitten.]
[Such a beautiful couple, absolutely ship-worthy.]
Sylvia pursed her lips, her expression unchanged, though her grip on the box tightened involuntarily.
The reporter brought the microphone to Bridget and Rupert.
"Tonight, Bailey is wearing the camellia necklace designed by Ms. Simpson. Rupert, what do you think of her design?"
"If Bailey likes it, then it's good."
"We've heard rumors that you acquired a mysterious piece of jewelry at an auction recently. Is that true?"
"Yes."
"Ms. Simpson's birthday is coming up. Do you have any special gifts planned?"