Chapter 79
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In the entire fashion design world, only one designer was known for this type of double–sided embroidery, boldly placing their own mark in the most prominent position–the mysterious “King“.
This enigmatic figure had only four pieces on the market to date. Yet each of these creations had garnered top awards and commanded astronomically high prices. One piece, titled “Sunshine“, had even been exceptionally acquired by a museum in Mandorium for their collection.
Most designers would milk their success for all it’s worth cashing in and soaking up the limelight, but not King. He remained as elusive as ever, producing work at a glacial pace and keeping their true identity shrouded in mystery. Until now, no one had ever caught a glimpse of the enigmatic King.
Eleanor’s hands shook as she held the dress. “Ross, this must have cost a fortune.”
The Anderson family was an average blue–collar family. A gown like this was way out of their league.
“I can’t keep this. You need to take it back,” Eleanor insisted, trying to push the dress into Ross‘ arms. A sinking feeling hit her
as she realized that bespoke pieces like this probably couldn’t be returned to some fancy boutique.
Ross watched Eleanor with amusement. She was handling the dress like it might burst into flames at any moment.
“Keep it,” he said with a reassuring smile. “It’s not expensive.”
Eleanor didn’t believe him for a second. “That’s impossible.” This was a King’s creation, after all.
King’s work was so coveted that even a scrap of fabric from his studio could fetch astronomical prices. There was no way it could be cheap.
Ross sighed, seeing her disbelief, “It’s true, Ellie. When have I ever lied to you? As luck would have it, I know someone who works at King’s studio. I can ask them to get a piece of clothing from King.”
“Really?” Eleanor blinked in surprise. King’s clothing production was famously limited. The thought of Ross casually snagging one seemed impossible.
“For real? You’re not pulling my leg?” Eleanor still sounded skeptical.
Ross smiled, his
eyes
filled with affection. “Of course it’s true.”
“Well, okay then…” Eleanor hugged the gift box, thinking it through. Actually, it wasn’t impossible. In her previous life as a famous actress, she had dealings with many high–end design studios. They often had imperfect items or prototypes that were sold at a discount or given away. So, getting clothes through a studio employee wasn’t entirely far–fetched.
However, the dress looked dazzling, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Eleanor couldn’t spot any flaws. On the contrary, it seemed perfect.
Eleanor couldn’t help but admire King’s attention to detail. Even a dress that seemed flawless to her was imperfect in his eyes. This, she realized, was the mark of a true artist.
“I’ll take it, Ross. Thank you so much,” she said with genuine warmth.
Ross beamed, thrilled by her enthusiasm for the dress.
Their moment was shattered by an irritated voice from the doorway. “Ellie, you coming or what? Samuel’s going to eat all the lobster!” It was Felix.
Eleanor frowned, glancing at the sudden intruder. “What are you doing out here?” she asked, clearly annoyed.
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09:59
Wed, Nov
Chapter 79
Felix snorted, the smell of garlic shrimp clinging to him, “Why did I come out? You’ve been out here for ages without coming back in. As your big brother, of course I had to check on my little sister.” He emphasized “big brother” and “little sister” with exaggerated care.
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Bouncing on his toes, Felix eyed Ross warily, his gaze brimming with hostility. He thought bitterly, ‘Ellie always lights up when she sees him. Humph. I just can’t see what’s so great about this guy. Always smiling like that, looking like some sly old fox. Just looking at him irritates me.”
Ross ignored Felix’s animosity, turning to Eleanor with a gentle smile. “Ellie, you should go inside. I’ll come see you another day when we both have more time.”
But Eleanor didn’t move. She stood there clutching her box, looking at Ross with reluctance to part. Her reluctance to part was palpable.
“Won’t you come in for a bit, Ross?” Eleanor asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Ross glanced at Felix, who was already glaring daggers at him. Asmirk played on his lips. “Not this time. I’ve got things to do. But hey, you have my number. Give me a call if you miss me.”
“But…” Eleanor began, only to be cut off as Felix started nudging her inside.
“Come on, what’s with the ‘but‘?” Felix urged. “You have been talking forever and haven’t eaten yet. Aren’t you hungry? If we don’t get back soon, the lobster will be all gone.”
When Eleanor looked back, Ross had already vanished. ‘He seems so busy,’ she thought to herself.
*****
Back at the manor, Eleanor sensed an air of anticipation, as if everyone had been waiting for her. Andrew, in particular, stood with his arms crossed, his face dark and brooding. The empty plate before him suggested he hadn’t touched his food.
As Eleanor entered, his expression softened momentarily. “Come, have something to eat,” he said, his tone gentler than his appearance suggested.
“Okay.” Eleanor nodded, her eyes drawn to her plate. It was heaped with succulent lobster meat glistening invitingly. A warm feeling bloomed in her chest as she assumed Andrew had done it for her. “Thanks, Andrew,” she said softly.
The words had barely left her lips when Felix shot up from his chair. “I peeled those!” he exclaimed, thrusting his hands forward. “Look at my fingers. They’re raw!” His extended digits were indeed an angry red.
Guilt washed over Eleanor. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Thank you, Felix.”
Suddenly, the faint scent of garlic she’d noticed on him made sense.
Felix pouted angrily, his knife and fork scraping against the plate with an ear–piercing screech. “Humph! Some heartless woman has her eyes full of other men out there. She finally comes home, not only ignoring her hardworking brother but also crediting his efforts to someone else. Where’s the justice?”
Eleanor choked on a piece of shrimp, coughing violently.
Andrew, who had been quiet until now, promptly handed her a glass of warm water and said softly, “Easy now. Eat slowly.”
Eleanor gulped down an entire glass of water before she felt a bit better. She wondered if Felix was talking about her. it was quite odd to call her a heartless woman.
Eleanor frowned and said, “Felix, don’t say such weird things. Ross is my brother, not some random guy.”
Her words seemed to pierce Felix’s heart like a thorn. He shot to his feet, glaring at her with wide, angry eyes. “See? You’re defending him again! I’m your real brother!”
