Chapter 233

As Wanda glanced down at her dress, memories flooded in.

It was a memento from her dad’s trip abroad, supposedly bought from a street vendor.

She had mild social anxiety, so she preferred keeping a low profile at school.

She even rarely used the phone her brother had bought for her.

Leon appeared puzzled as he asked, “You don’t know the price?”

Wanda shook her head and replied, “This dress was a gift from my dad when he returned from overseas.

“He mentioned he bought it from a street vendor. But just by looking at it, I can tell this dress must be worth quite a lot of money.”

Upon hearing this, Leon smiled warmly and remarked, “It seems like you usually keep a low profile, which is why your dad was concerned about adding any pressure on you.”

Eager for an answer, Wanda persisted, “So, how much is this dress really worth?”

I

However, Leon hesitated and said, “Since your dad kept it from you, I won’t disclose the price. Just remember, your dad cares for you deeply.”

Wanda’s expression soured slightly as she pursed her lips in displeasure.

Carlisle couldn’t help but ask, “You seem to be a fashion designer, so why open a bridal shop?”

Wanda’s dress was strikingly modern. It seemed like something that would stay fashionable for years to

come.

Based on Leon’s earlier remarks, Carlisle estimated that her dress was worth a hefty sum, likely in the

thousands.

A designer capable of producing such a masterpiece couldn’t be just anyone. Their students would be

eligible to work at big fashion companies

But in that day’s tough economy, how many people would actually shell out thousands for a wedding

dress?

“My shop just opened. If you two don’t mind, would you like to come in and have a look?” Leon suggested.

He was eager to welcome these

potential customers warmly.

Carlisle turned to Wanda, seeking her opinion

Wanda responded softly, “I’ll go with whatever you decide.”

“Then let’s go inside and have a look around.”

It seemed like the perfect opportunity since it was still early, and Carlisle was also interested in getting to know this designer, perhaps even considering having a suit tailored by him in the future.

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The two followed Leon into the shop.

Near the window, they spotted a small round table with chairs arranged around it.

“Please, have a seat. Let me go grab some water for you,” Leon said with a slightly awkward smile as he

fetched two bottles of water from the fridge.

“We’ve just opened, so there’s not much to offer you. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No problem,” Carlisle reassured him.

Carlisle took the two bottles of water and handed one to Wanda.

Leon introduced himself, “I’m Leon Quinlan. I graduated from Clindon College of Fashion, where I

majored in fashion design and photography.

“After that, I got a job at Laneir as an assistant chief designer, thanks to my mentor’s recommendation.

But I decided to quit and return to the country for personal reasons.”

Carlisle noticed a hint of resentment in Leon’s eyes as he spoke. He guessed that Leon might have had some issues with the higher–ups at the company.

“I’m Carlisle Zahn, a freshman studying e–commerce at Riverland University. This is my girlfriend, Wanda Thompson, who’s also in the same department, Carlisle said, feeling it was only polite to introduce himself and Wanda since Leon had done so.

“You’re the first and second people I’ve met since returning to the country. It’s nice to meet you!”

Leon smiled and extended his hand for a handshake.

Carlisle shook his hand and replied “Nice to meet y

at you too.”

After all, connecting with a senior designer could be beneficial.

Considering Wanda was Carlisle’s girlfriend, Leon didn’t offer his hand to her but politely nodded in her

direction.

With her big, puppy–dog eyes, Wanda asked, “Running a bridal shop like this must be tough to turn a profit. Have you thought about joining a clothing company instead?”

Carlisle scratched his nose and then unscrewed the cap of his mineral water bottle to take a sip.

He understood Wanda’s implication. She was subtly suggesting connecting Leon with Lethan’s company.

While it was a good idea, the chances of it happening were slim.

After all, Leon had studied at the prestigious Clindon College of Fashion and had experience as an assistant chief designer for an international brand.

Islo Clothing might have been a major presence in the domestic fashion scene, ranking in the top 20, but breaking into the international market was still a distant possibility.