Chapter 71
In the designer women’s boutique at the mall, Jared reclined candy on the couch.
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shirley, this is your first time joining me at a big event. You’ll need to look your absolute best reflects on me, after all,” he sald
The boutique had granted them the ultimate privilege a privatepping session with its doors closed to all other customers. After slipping into the designer gowns, Shirley couldn’t help but twil in front of the mirror, taking inher reflection. She wasn’t that small–town woman from a humble background anymore.
Clad in luxury labels, she could hide het insecurities. Her dream and only ambition was to marry into wealth.
When Shirley approached Jared in a striking violei gown, she asked, “Mr. Ford, how do I look?
Jared glanced up, but his mind remained fixed on the times he’d bought Yvonne here instead. She would have looked infinitely more beautiful in this gown.
“Yeah, pickout some jewelry to match,” he replied.
IL Yvonne was jealous because she suspected something between him and Shirley, then seeing everything that rightfully belonged to her being given to Shirley would surely push her over the edge.
“Okay.”
Shirley could barely contain her excitement. She’d always known she would eventually replace Yvonne as Jared’s chosen one! After completing their purchases, Jared and Shirley stepped out of the boutique just as Luther came into view, standing inside another designer women’s boutique..
He was texting Yvonne. “Ms. Jamison, I’d like you to accompany me to tonight’s charity gala Would you share your dress size? I’d like to select a gown for you. I have no ulterior motives, I assure you.”
Luther had no idea what Yvonne was busy with at that moment. He was just using every opportunity he could to win her over. “Mr. Feland, I’ve received my own Invitation. I won’t be needing a plus–one.”
Her rejection was straightforward.
“Mr. Feland, your evening gown is all ready.”
Luther took the bag and turned, spotting Jared and Shirley.
“Mr. Ford, what a surprise. I see you’ve got your plus one for tomorrow night. No need for any competition between us, then,” he said, even though Yvonne had just turned him down
He held his phone deliberately, making sure Jared saw Yvonne’s name on the screen. It was a clear challenge.
Jared didn’t see the messages, but the jab hit its mark. His expression darkened. The battle lines had barely been drawn, yet Jealousy already burned in his eyes.
On the night of the charity gala, Jared arrived early with Shirley, making their way down the red carpet. Inside, he stood with a glass in hand, his thoughts elsewhere as he waited.
“Shirley, stay close to me,” he said.
Shirley’s heart swelled with happiness.
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Chapter 7
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Jared needed Yvonne to see them together and get jealous.
Later, Luther appeared on the red carpet. He was alone, without a plus–one in sight. Though uneasy, Jared felt a faint but Sundeniable relief. So, Yvonne hadn’t chosen Luther after all.
Luther arrived at the charity gala but didn’t bother to greet Jared Chests continued to stream in, one after another.
By the entrance, Yvonne emerged from her car onto the red carpen her white crystal heels. While the other women wore bold, dazzling gowns, she stood out in a soft green ombré fringe gOWEL
Her long, wavy hair framed her slender neck, swaying gently as she moved, and her delicate diamond jewelry sparkled under the light.
All eyes turned to Yvonne at once. She looked stunning, effortlessly radiant, Step by step, she moved forward, untouched by the night’s dazzling excess.
When Shirley caught sight of her, completely unprepared, she couldn’t help but feel overdressed by comparison. Draped in the most expensive designer clothes and jewels, she suddenly seemed to be trying too hard.
Arush of shame swept over her, she couldn’t shake the sharp sting of being outshone. The unspoken judgment of the crowd felt heavy around her.
Isabel had given Yvonne that evening gown, insisting the latter couldn’t afford to go unnoticed.
Chapter 72
