Chapter 285 Terms of Friendship
While they browsed, Hannah didn’t chatter endlessly or hover around. She would
occasionally wander off to look at something else, and only asked Freya for her opinion when she needed it.
Freya ended up really liking two pieces: a trench coat and a dress. Hannah negotiated with the shop staff, and they agreed to let the two of them commission custom versions.
When Hannah came back, Freya asked about the cost. Hannah shook her head and smiled. “We’re using their designs–they’re thrilled. Why would they care about the cost? Honestly. when we walk out wearing their pieces, it might have even more impact than when celebrities do.”
Freya suddenly understood. Still, the designers wouldn’t be allowed to use their photos for publicity–could it really be that simple!
Hannah saw the doubt on her face and added, “I promised to bring more friends here. We’ll just pay a little extra. That’ll be enough.”
“Oh, I see.” With their design fees added in, it was probably more profitable than selling the clothes normally. Plus, if they brought in more clients, the designers stood to earn even
more.
Freya suspected she was one of those “more friends” Hannah had promised to bring–but she liked the two pieces too much to care.
After that store, the two of them made their way to the next floor up, stopping by a few other shops. Some sold bags, others sold clothes. Some matched Freya’s taste; others didn’t at all. She picked out a few things here and there and paid without the slightest hesitation.
Watching how casually she spent, Hannah got a better sense of Louis’s current financial
status.
“Freya, didn’t you get kind of a small haul today? Feels like you haven’t been shopping in a while.”
“I haven’t. My husband’s been saying the same thing–he keeps telling me to buy more. But my tastes have changed. I’ve become picky. Gotta take it slow. Not like anyone’s criticizing
outfits these days anyway.”
my
Freya picked up a bag, gave it a once–over, and put it back. She nudged Hannah. “You don’t have to stick to me. Go check out your stuff–I’m being super picky right now, no idea how
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Chapter 285 Terms of Friendship
long it’ll take me to settle on anything.”
By noon, the two of them headed to a restaurant Hannah had chosen. It was trendy and low- key–a real hidden gem. Hannah clearly had good taste.
After spending the whole morning together, Hannah suddenly said over lunch, “You’ve changed a lot.”
“Hm?” Freya looked up and smiled. “Well, people go through things. Change is inevitable,
“You’re way better than before. You used to seem so stressed and so… detached. But now you feel grounded.” Hannah said something she normally wouldn’t have shared.
“To be honest, I never really liked this circle of people. That’s why I didn’t want to reach out to you. I’m not into people whose motives I can’t figure out–and you used to be like that. But my brothers kept pushing me to become friends with you. They’re the ones holding the funding for my next project, so I had no choice.
She laughed. “But now that I’ve come, I see you’ve really changed. If you’d been like this earlier, we probably would’ve been friends already.”
Freya had already sensed all morning that Hannah felt different from the others. “Do you hang out with that group just for networking?”
“Of course. They’re not at the core of their families‘ power, but sometimes they have useful. intel. And since they don’t do business themselves, they’re pretty easy to read. Feed them a few perks and you can get what you need. Very convenient.”
Freya suddenly felt like she’d been a bit naive. But she could tell Hannah was opening up to build trust. “Have you ever gotten anything worthwhile from them?”
“Plenty. I never hurt them or did anything shady–I just needed some information to help myself. Sometimes I even toss them a few benefits in return. Win–win.”
Hannah winked at her. “You’re kind of cute now, you know? Way more real than you used to be. I know what you’re thinking–she’s being so direct because she wants something. And you’re right. I do want to be friends with you. The way you are now? You’re smarter. You’re worth the effort.”
Freya didn’t say anything. Hannah went on, “But don’t get weirded out. This is jus people like us operate. I’m not gonna hurt you. I wouldn’t dare. I’ll treat you like a friend. If you need help with something small, I’ve got you. Bigger stuff? Depends on the situation. Fair enough?”
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Chapter 285 Terms of Friendship
“You’re blunt, I’ll give you that. Alright–you’ve got yourself a friend.” Freya lifted her glass of juice and clinked it against Hannah’s.
