Your Design Talent Is Truly Remarkable

"Thank you, Nathanial!" Genevieve chirped, her voice coated in honey.

Evelyn's brow twitched slightly, a shadow of discomfort passing over her features. She swallowed the words that threatened to spill out.

Genevieve, as a Prescott, carried weight. Nathanial, acutely aware of the Prescott family's standing and power, would never dare to publicly humiliate her.

The drive to Serenity Oaks began. Evelyn occupied the back seat, the box containing the precious dress held securely in her lap. Genevieve sat beside her.

Evelyn braced for a journey filled with Genevieve's signature snide remarks and subtle digs. Surprisingly, the entire twenty-minute trip passed in complete silence from her companion.

This unusual quiet from Genevieve puzzled Evelyn.

Was it possible? Had Genevieve genuinely changed? Was she consciously holding back her usual barbs?

What was her game? What plan was simmering behind that calm facade?

Unbeknownst to Evelyn, Genevieve had already formulated a strategy. She was determined to make a stunning entrance, to leave a lasting impression on Beatrice.

Genevieve radiated absolute confidence.

She had once believed the rumors that Beatrice was impossibly difficult to please, a woman with unmeetable standards.

But after witnessing Evelyn's successful negotiation with Beatrice, Genevieve knew those rumors were false.

She now bitterly regretted missing what she saw as a golden opportunity. It galled her that Evelyn, someone she considered far beneath her, had secured Beatrice's order.

Once they arrived, she would project an image of pure professionalism and competence, effortlessly outshining Evelyn.

Then, Beatrice would immediately recognize her as the superior business partner.

They soon reached the vi.

Evelyn carefully exited the car, clutching the gown box. Her sprained ankle was much better, but a dull ache and stiffness remained with each step.

Just as she closed the car door, Genevieve hurried over. "Evelyn, your ankle still isn't right, is it? Let me carry the gown for you."

Without waiting for a response, Genevieve swiftly took the box from Evelyn's hands.

Evelyn gave a slight, noncommittal nod but said nothing.

Upon entering the vi, Beatrice came out promptly to greet them.

She smiled warmly at Evelyn, but a flicker of surprise crossed her face when she noticed Genevieve.

"And you are?" Beatrice inquired, clearly not expecting another guest.

Genevieve immediately offered a bright smile. "Hello, Mrs. Sterling! I'm Genevieve Prescott. We've met briefly at a few social functions—perhaps you remember my parents."

Both the Sterling and Prescott families moved in Crestwood's elite circles, though the Sterlings undeniably occupied a higher tier.

Still, Genevieve was confident that Beatrice, being from a comparable social sphere, would afford her the proper respect.

Beatrice, however, merely gave a curt nod before turning back to Evelyn. "Please, come in, both of you. I've had some coffee prepared."

"Thank you, Mrs. Sterling," Evelyn replied politely.

Once seated, Evelyn opened the dress box, revealing the gown inside.

The dress, meticulously tailored for Beatrice, showcased exquisite craftsmanship. Its intricate details immediately captured her attention.

"Evelyn, your design talent is truly remarkable. This dress is absolutely breathtaking. I adore it!" Beatrice's eyes shone with genuine admiration, her praise utterly sincere.

Evelyn offered a polite smile. "Your insightful suggestions were incredibly inspiring. They elevated the design far beyond my original concept. During production, Nathanial kindly provided the assistance of some experienced designers, which was invaluable. I'm so thrilled you're pleased with it."

Watching Beatrice's evident satisfaction with Evelyn's work, Genevieve was consumed by a wave of irritation.

She cleared her throat softly. "Mrs. Sterling, perhaps I could assist you in trying on the dress? After all, you can only truly appreciate its perfection once you see it on yourself."