they dis

ng for Cressida to come out-her patience was wearing thin. She tiptoed to the entra

gh

her way inside. But just as she'd found her listening spot, the door swung open, cat

uc

s she stared at Amabel sprawled on the floor. She covered her mout

's gown with an unnecessary brush of her hands. When she straighten

She had spotted someone's presence through the lens and deliberately flung o

nocence despite the obvious embarrassment on her face. "I...was..." she stammered, her mind racing fo

oft snicker escaping her lips. "I wasn't eavesdropping," she claim

r expression unreadable. "You could've just kno

on. With a swift motion, she wrapped her arm around Cressida'

," she said, shi

*

Cressida turned, her eyes meeting Amabel's as she walked back to her. "I hope you won't min

ift. "Thanks, Ma," she said softly. Amabel encouraged her to open

ow

, her voice filled with admiration. She carefully placed the necklace back in the box an

l's face. "A diamond isn't just a token – it must be so expensive." She

essida's face said it all-she wasn't just pleased, she was deeply touched. Amabel f

essida's hand, guiding her to sit in the armchair as she settled beside her. The two c

sida could respond, Amabel's eyes locked onto hers, and she posed another questio

she'd been waiting for the question. "You

her tone curious. "You're marrying Alaric-shouldn't you be more concerned about b

ed on her face and in her tone. "But Alaric made it clear from the start that I'm just a means

each other, so if I'm his tool, I'll become his puppet master. I want fame, a

... You're clever," she said, impressed by Cressida's strategic thinking. She hadn't expected som

e to my tune, and in re

he confirmed, her words tumbling out in eagerness. "Don't worry

pausing briefly, expecting Cressida's shock or surprise. But Cressida's expression remained calm, unfazed by the re

dn't waver-she had anti

Amabel continued, her voice laced with disdain. "He's desperate and will stop a

er mouth to respond, b

r of the Palmer fashion collection," Amabel offered, and Cressida's eyes widened

the director?!

lix will compensate you with more. Trust me, you won't regret this. These offers are just a taste of what

"Thank you, Mother," she gushed, her voice overflowing with feigned excitement. As she p

her smile genuine. "Of course," she

*

days

s and a jewelry box. "Good day, Ma," he greeted, bowing slig

e boxes. "Your wedding dress and jewelry. He said you'd like to chec

ng up with a smile. "Okay," she said, pointing

itting with Cressida in the sitting room for a while, trying to break the ice, but struggled to find the right words. Despite her

g. "Why do you want to know?" She snapped. "Asking

ense moments, she hissed and turned away, her eyes flashing wit

ntasized about getting close enough to tear her apart, to slap some sense in

anything that might annoy her, and make s

gh

the dress that didn't fit quite right. She shed the garment and reached f

morn

sked, his voice urgent-

like it, but the waistline

'll be there to pick you up soon." He said, an

g on her lips. She set the phone as

led her number, but she didn't answer. He tried again, the

noyance growing. He glanced at Easton through th

Cressida came out. Cressida. As she slid into the vehicle, Alaric's gaze

tinued, "Isn't answering each other's calls pr

explain, but Alaric cut h

king the rules. Let's make this the l

rsed, and she nodd

er curiosity getting the better of her. "You claimed to be

business, and for it to be profitable, every detail matters. Investing time and effort is