Chapter 584
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Stella’s call of “Claire” wasn’t particularly loud, but it was enough for everyone who needed to hear it–including the other customers in the boutique who had been glancing in Claire’s direction.
Cherise heard the name and a flicker of confusion flashed through her eyes, though it vanished in an instant. She was simply curious–how did Stella know her mother?
Then again, it wasn’t entirely surprising. Back in the day, her mother had been quite well–known in Betrico–not just for her beauty, but also for her character and intelligence.
“Claire, is it really you?” Stella, afraid the woman in front of her hadn’t heard, called out again.
“You two know each other?” Xenia, standing beside Claire, looked at Stella and asked.
There was a certain familiarity in the way Stella had called out, as if they were old acquaintances. Not just Xenia–many of the customers and boutique employees had the same impression.
Claire had just been checking whether the dress fit her well and if it was too ostentatious. Only now did she leisurely turn her head to look at Stella.
At that moment, she seemed to pause slightly before responding, “You? Do we know each other? You do seem familiar…but I can’t quite place you. My apologies.”
As soon as Claire said that, it felt like a major misunderstanding had just unfolded. The onlookers, who had been expecting a dramatic reunion between two elegant women, chuckled quietly.
“See? She doesn’t even recognize her. I thought they knew each other.”
“Who’s that woman in the black dress? I’ve never seen her in Betrico before, but she’s gorgeous and so classy. The young lady in front of her–I know her, that’s Cherise. They’re both stunning.”
“No idea, but I recognize the woman in the pink dress. I’ve seen her on TV recently–she’s a translator.”
Since this was a high–end boutique filled with well–mannered people of status, no one continued to gawk. Instead, they returned to browsing their selections.
However, Lydia cast a glance at her Aunt Stella, sensing that something about her seemed off. ‘So, this woman named Claire -whose grace and beauty are on par with Cherise–who exactly is she?‘ Lydia pondered.
Stella hadn’t expected Claire to forget who she was, let alone be laughed at by the onlookers. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she stepped forward.
“Claire, have you really forgotten me? I’m Stella from Betrico University. Back when the Betrico High School Alliance went to Gavoria for the oral competition, you represented Broania University’s top students and competed alongside me.
We even stayed in the same dorm for a whole week.
In the end, we passed all the rigorous assessments and won first prize together, bringing the award back to Clusia.
At the time, many Clusia media outlets interviewed us, calling you the campus belle of Broania University and me the campus belle of Betrico University.
The two top beauties of Clusia joining forces in Gavoria to bring honor to our country–surely you remember that?”
After saying all this, Stella eagerly looked at Claire, waiting for a response.
Claire thought for a moment before suddenly realizing, “Oh, the oral competition, first prize–I remember now.
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14:24 Fri, 21 Feb
Chapter 584
The High School Alliance, held in Gavoria, right? Yeah, I remember. It was packed, absolutely crowded with people, Of course, I remember that.”
Hearing this, Stella visibly relaxed, feeling much better now that Claire finally seemed to recall something.
However, in the very next second, Claire continued, “I remember the oral competition, and I do remember winning the award…but to be honest, I really don’t remember you.
Oh dear, I’m so sorry about that, big sis. You do look a bit older than me–hope you don’t mind me calling you that? Well, but I guess I’m not that young myself anymore. It’s just that time has been kind to me–baby face, lots of collagen, keeps me looking youthful. That’s why I tend to forget trivial little things like this. My apologies.
Why don’t you say a few more things? Maybe if I listen carefully, I’ll recall something else?”
At this, Xenia looked like she couldn’t hold it in anymore. She turned around, her body shaking uncontrollably. It wasn’t hard to guess what was happening–she was desperately trying to hold back her laughter. She was struggling so much that she had to pinch her thigh to keep herself in check.
Cherise, on the other hand, didn’t show anything on her face, but deep down, she found her mother absolutely hilarious. From the way Claire spoke, she definitely didn’t seem like someone who had actually forgotten Stella.
Seeing how much Claire had said, Stella felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She quickly tried to change the subject.
But before she could speak, Cherise beat her to it. “Mom, do you like this dress? If you do, let’s go ahead and pay for it.” Xenia quickly chimed in, “Yeah, Claire, no need to say anything. You must like this one. Let me handle it.
Waiter, please wrap this up, along with the new arrivals in her size for this season. I’ll give you an address and would appreciate it if you could arrange delivery.”
“Claire, Cherise, you two should take another look to see if there’s anything else you like.”
“Alright, let’s go take a look. There are bags and shoes over there,” Cherise said to Claire before the mother and daughter walked hand in hand toward the display of shoes and bags.
Stella had wanted to say something to steer the conversation, but when the words were on the tip of her tongue, she paused and decided against it. She didn’t want to risk any further awkwardness.
Lydia had been watching everything closely. She didn’t step in to help Stella but instead stood silently, observing with a small smile. Every now and then, she would lower her head to smile quietly or press her lips together as if she found everything rather amusing.
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