Chapter 88


    The manager hesitated, torn between her professional judgment and the fact that Leonora was Mr.


    Hayes‘ mother, who was a force she dared not defy.


    Biting the bullet, she strode toward ra. Just as she reached out to begin undressing ra, a


    deep,nguid voice floated from behind.


    “You like this dress?”


    ra, who had been so domineering towards Heidi moments before, was suddenly without


    confidence. She knew inn’s eyes, Heidi would alwayse first. Whatever ra said, whatever


    she wanted, he would choose to believe Heidi and fulfill her wishes unconditionally.


    ra’s fingertips curled slightly as hershes fluttere, the stubbornness and a hint of hurt barely


    concealed within her bright, clear eyes. She heldn’s gaze unwaveringly and challenged, “And


    what if I am? Would you have me undress for Heidi, Mr. Hayes?”


    Heidi, seizing the moment, chimed in with augh, n, for the anniversary celebration, I’ll be


    ying the piano, that piece you love Moonlight Sonata, remember? This dress wouldplement


    the music perfectly. I was hoping Ms. ra might yield it to me. After all, she’s not the guest of


    honor. There’s no need for her to dress sovishly, don’t you agree?”


    Leonora joined in, “Heidi’s right. ra is just an employee, yet she’s dressed more borately than


    I am. Wouldn’t the media get the wrong idea? Let Heidi have the dress, and I’ll choose another for


    ra. My treat.”


    ra clenched her fists, feeling the sting of disappointment. The joy she had felt while donning the


    dress was now reced by a sharp pain. Clearly, she couldn’t afford to have high hopes wheren


    was concerned.


    Her smile was tinged with sarcasm. “If that’s what Mr. Hayes believes, does my opinion even


    matter?” Then, she turned and walked into the dressing room.


    Standing before the mirror, she watched as her eyes reddened by the second. Any kindnessn


    had shown her was just a whim, nothing more. ra quicklyposed herself and began to peel


    off the gown.


    Heidi couldn’t hide her satisfaction at the turn of events. Not only had she bested ra, but she had


    also secured the dress she coveted. She beamed, takingn’s arm. n, don’t


    worry. As your date, I’ll make sure I look stunning. I won’t embarrass you”


    –


    mere


    Leonora, equally pleased, added, “With your beauty, homemaking skills, and talent, you’re the


    perfect match forn. Those other girls are nothingpared to you passersby inn’s life, soon to


    be discarded.” Her eyes, filled with disdain,nded on ra as she emerged from the dressing


    room.


    ra thrust Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    here to try dress inton’s arms, her eves misty. “Mr. Hayes, you asked me toe


    here to try on a dress, and I did. May I go now?”


    Then, wrapping an arm around her waist, he instructed the manager, “Pack the dress and have it


    sent to Ms. ra’s office.”