Chapter 236

Chapter 236:

Courtney didn’t like her uncle or his family. She thought they were only interested in worldly success. She was even less impressed with their newly found daughter, who seemed even more interested in worldly pleasures, using Jared to buy dresses.

Tatiana had devised a “clever” strategy. If Jared didn’t buy the dress for Madisyn, it would imply that Madisyn wasn’t attractive enough. If he did buy it, it would look as though Madisyn had brought Jared here solely for that purpose.

Madisyn clapped her hands, saying, “It seems Miss Fernandez frequently resorts to such methods.”

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Tatiana arched an eyebrow and responded innocently, “I’m not sure what you’re suggesting, Miss Johns.”

“Oh, now I understand. You’re implying that I want Mr. Cooper to buy it for me. But really, it’s just twenty million. Do I need someone else to cover that for me?” Madisyn said with a smile.

“Miss Johns, did I underestimate your financial capabilities? I certainly didn’t intend to. The entire country knows the wealth of the Johns family,” Tatiana replied, maintaining her smile.

Jared wished he could just disappear. How had he failed to see Tatiana’s foolishness before? Would she feel embarrassed if she knew Madisyn had designed the dress herself?

Jared couldn’t stand it any longer and said, “Miss Fernandez, I invited Miss Johns here to explore the market, not for the reasons you’re insinuating. Of course, if Miss Johns desired, I would gladly offer her the entire shop, not just a dress.”

Tatiana’s smile wavered. Why was Jared being so generous with Madisyn? “It seems you hold Miss Johns in very high regard,” Tatiana remarked, her confidence shaken.

She had belittled Madisyn using a dress worth twenty million, not expecting Jared to counter by offering a shop worth hundreds of millions.

“Miss Fernandez, perhaps you enjoy shopping because you have nothing better to focus on. However, I believe Miss Johns isn’t interested in such trivial pursuits,” Jared said coldly, delivering a stinging slap to Tatiana’s ego. Tatiana realized Jared was suggesting she couldn’t compare to Madisyn.

In her mind, Madisyn was only able to work with Jared due to her family’s influence. Anger surged within Tatiana.

Courtney also felt uncomfortable. As an artist, she disliked the emphasis on material wealth. She advised calmly, “Money is merely a tool. Don’t neglect to nurture your inner self, Madisyn. Painting is an excellent way to enrich oneself. If you ever need guidance, feel free to contact me.”

Madisyn remained silent.

Courtney and Tatiana then left.

Jared, still taken aback, paused to process what had just been said. “Boss, did I hear that right? Your cousin offered to teach you how to paint? Doesn’t she realize that even Hutton couldn’t get you interested?”

“Some people can’t see beyond their own narrow perspective,” Madisyn responded nonchalantly, unbothered by Courtney’s offer.

“I think your cousin’s lost it! If she really knew you, she’d see how absurd her offer is! Do all these artists think they’re so high and mighty?” Jared said, shaking his head.

Madisyn just shrugged.

After Courtney and Tatiana left, Tatiana said enviously, “I really envy your cousin.”

“What’s there to envy?” Courtney asked, confused.

“She’s stunning, for one thing,” Tatiana remarked. “And see how well Mr. Cooper treats her. I’m sure he’s not the first. Oh, and I heard the marriage agreement between the Klein and Johns families still exists. With Kristine out of the picture, I bet Madisyn will end up engaged to Andrew.”

Courtney’s face darkened. “I know Andrew well. He’s a man of depth. He wouldn’t fall for someone superficial.”

“But men are drawn to beauty. Mr. Cooper is exceptional, but even he seems smitten with Madisyn,” Tatiana said.

Hearing that, Courtney felt a twinge of discomfort.

Tatiana added, “Courtney, Mr. Klein is an ideal man, and you’re the pride of the Johns family. You two would be perfect together. You really should take this chance.”

Courtney looked away, feigning disinterest. “Love is about destiny.”

Tatiana smiled, watching her. She sensed a brewing rivalry between Madisyn and Courtney. Having known Courtney for years, Tatiana knew her well. Courtney might seem detached, but she was highly competitive and disliked being second to anyone.

Madisyn was likely in for a challenging rivalry.

After reviewing the shop with Jared, Madisyn suggested, “You should consider reducing the price of that dress, or it will never sell.”

“Don’t worry,” Jared responded. “There will be a ‘foolish’ customer willing to buy it.”

Madisyn looked at Jared silently, realizing he also thought the person who would buy that dress was foolish.

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