they dis

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

gh

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

uc

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

'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

uestion. She hadn't expected Cressida to feign innoc

an excuse before one finally surfaced. "I came to

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

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

ling on Amabel's face. "A diamond isn't just a token. It mu

sincere. The look on Cressida's face said it all-she wasn't just pleased, she was deeply touc

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

essida could respond, Amabel's eyes locked onto hers, and she posed a question.

she'd been waiting for the question. "You

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

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

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

e to my tune, and in re

e 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

idn't waver. She had e

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

er mouth to respond, b

ctor of the Palmer fashion collection," Amabel offered, and Cressida's eyes wi

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

hting up with a smile. "Okay," she said, poi

n the sitting room for a while, trying to break the ice, but struggled to find the right words. Despite her efforts to

ing. "Why do you want to know?" She snapped. "Wan

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

ing anything that might annoy her, an

°

gh

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

morn

tries. "How's the dress?" H

like it, but the waistline

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

ying on her lips. She set the ph

*

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

noyance growing. He glanced at Easton through th

pen the door, Cressida came out with the dressing box in her

out giving her a chance to respond, he continued, "Isn't answering e

explain, but he cut her

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