The Scent of 27

Chapter 27

+25 BONUS

After Lottie’s fever had completely subsided, Celeste returned home. She hadn’t yet prepared a dress for the upcoming banquet, so in the afternoon, she headed out to shop for one.

At a high–end boutique, the store manager and several attendants were busy with a particular dress. It wasn’t until Celeste approached that they noticed her presence.

“Sorry, miss, how can we help you?

“I’m just looking around.”

“Of c

course.

Though Celeste had become part of an affluent family like the Flemings, she’s attended very few banquets over the years. After all, Trevor and Queenie never took her along to any formal events.

As for Martha, she’d stepped out of the limelight long ago and had no interest in the social scene.

Celeste wasn’t an expert on dresses, but Lottie worked in high–end fashion. Hence, she had developed a basic sense of style.

However, the boutique was filled with so many beautiful dresses that it was hard to choose.

She wasn’t looking to be too picky and just wanted something simple.

Just as Celeste thought so, the dress the attendants had been busy with earlier caught her eye.

It was a light purple semi–sheer chiffon gown with a waist–cinching design, adorned with intricate floral details. The model’s neck was graced with an elegant, luxurious necklace.

Without thinking, Celeste walked over.

As she was about to reach out and feel the fabric, the store manager suddenly grabbed her hand forcefully, causing her to wince in pain.

He quickly released her hand and explained, “I’m so sorry, miss, I didn’t mean to hurt you. This dress is a custom piece for one of our high–end clients, and there’s only one in the world. It’s quite expensive, and if anything happens to it, we can’t cover it…”

“It’s fine,” Celeste said, though she was a little disappointed that the dress was taken.

The boutique had dresses ranging from several tens of thousands to over a million dollars, and even the most expensive dresses seemed mundane next to the one she had just seen.

In the end, Celeste chose a delicate Ivory silk gown with floral embroidery. When she was paying and having the dress wrapped up, she overheard two attendants talking son ly nearby.

“They say the necklace and the dress together are worth over 30 million dollars, That’s like wearing a mansion on your body. Rich people really are extravagant.”

“Tell me about it. Plus, they’ll probably only wear it once…

Celeste hadn’t expected the dress to be that expensive. Even if it weren’t claimed by anyone else, she certainly couldn’t have afforded it.

Celeste shook her head and turned to leave.

Back at home, Lottie called to tell her she would be taking her out for a big meal the next night.

25 BONUS

Chapter 27

When she found out that Celeste was attending the banquet Lottie hurried over in the afternoon to help do Celeste’s styling

Celeste had a good eye for fashion, and with Lottie’s skillful makeup, Celeste’s elegant and graceful appearance was beautifully enhanced.

When Matthias came to pick her up that evening, he was immediately taken aback when he saw Celeste. “You look stunning. The dress suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you.”

As the

they got into the car, Matthias asked, “So, you’re officially returning to the company tomorrow?” “Yeah.”

“Just in time for Wynn.” Realizing she didn’t know who Wynn was, he added, “She’s the algorithm genius I mentioned before. She’ll be starting tomorrow. I’ll introduce you to her.”

Chapter 20.