Chapter 27
tris based in the praise. A smile tugged at the comers of her lips, and a senses
e of superiority shone through her expression.
Then, Liana shifted the conversation. “People really are worlds apart. If Samuel had married you, life would be so much ener
“He’d be out in the world making a name for himself while you took care of things at home–none of this endless gossip and this constant fear of wring blues
“Aunt Liana, Mr. Vance Senior’s condition is critical. I don’t want to make things harder for Samuel,” Iris replied in a gentle and understanding wine. “I suppose just wasn’t meant to have that land of life
“It’s not that you weren’t meant for it,” Liana said, her gaze sharpening as she turned to Kylie. “It’s that she was too scheming
“If you’re going to go to such lengths to get what you want, you should at least know how to hold onto it, don’t have modi te Samoel’s fiancée and as the future lady of this house, you should be making up for your disgraceful background, not adding to it
“Getting caught up in rumors about meeting men behind closed doors? That is utterly unacceptable. It’s a disgrace!”
Liana slammed her hand against the armrest as she spoke in a rising voice. “If Samuel marries a woman like you, he’ll be nothing but a laugh his head for the rest of his life.”
Kylie had prepared herself for the Vance family’s rejection from the moment she was forced into this engagement. But still, Liana’s crashing down on her chest and making it hard to breathe.
“Aunt Liana, don’t be upset. It’s not worth it,” Iris comforted Liana in a sweet and concerned tone. “Why don’t you try on the gown? A new outfit might your
mood.”
They sat comfortably on the couch while Kylie remained standing like a schoolgirl being scolded in front of the class
Liana took the gown from its box and rose from her seat, “Alright, I’ll try it on. Sit here and wait.”
As soon as Liana left, Ins stood up as well. “Kylie, you’re nothing but bad luck to everyone around you,” she mocked. “Haven took care of you for years, she’s dead. Owen met you twice–look what happened to him.”
How did she know about Owen’s letter? Kylie’s gaze darkened. “It was you who wrote the love letter, wasn’t it?”
“That’s right,” Iris admitted without hesitation, her lips curling in amusement. “Took you long enough to figure it out. But even if you tell Suel, do you think be’ll believe you?”
set me up. You slipped it into my shopping bag at the jewelry store, knowing Samuel
“You had that letter ready all along, just waiting for the right moment to set me would find it.”
“Looks like you’re not completely brainless,” Iris said, admiring her freshly manicured nails. Her tone was light. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking I stole a lite that was meant to be yours.
“If you had been the one to stay at the Dale residence, the Dales would’ve been ruined. You would’ve dragged them into poverty and destroyed everything. Because of you, even Samuel is suffering now.”
“If that’s true, then you’ve seen me more times than anyone else. What do you think that means for you?” kylie’s voice was ice–cold as her anger bolled. A slow, knowing smirk spread across her lips as she s I definitely won’t let you get what you want.”
spoke, enunciating every word with precision. “If that’s the case,
Iris didn’t care what she thought at all. “Oh? Are you mad? Frustrated? What can you possibly do to me?” “Iris, come take a look How does this gown look on me?” Liana’s voice rang out just then as she returned.
The deep green silk of the gown exuded an air of refined elegance, its intricate embroidery perfectly accentuating her graceful silhouette. The subtle slit in the fabric added a luint of allure without sacrificing sophistication.
Iris” eyes for up. She immediately showered Liana with compliments. “Aunt Llana, this looks absolutely stunning on you!”
Gowns weren’t for just anyone. They required poise that only came with time, experience, and confidence. The deep green fabric bugged Liana’s figure just right, bringing out every elegant curve.
Her long hair was swept into a classic bun, secured in place by a single hairpin. Every movement she made radiated dignity and grace. Liana looked pleased with the result, nodding approvingly. “You really do have an eye for these things. This gown suits me perfectly. “Look at this embroidery and the delicate buttons. They’re exquisite craftsmanship. Mr. Hanson’s work is as impeccable as ever.” The more she admited it, the more she wished is were her daughter–in–law. It only Samuel hadn’t been so unlucky to get entangled with Kylle. The thought soured Liam’s mood Instantly. She turned to Kylie with a glare, the warmth on her face fading like it had never been there to begin with
Chapter 28
Kylie knew exactly what Samuel’s mother was thinking.
she had invited her here to make Iris appear more graceful, elegant, and virtuous in comparison. She had wanted to humiliate her, make her feel inadequate, and ultimately get her to back off.
Suddenly, Kylie spoke up. “Are you sure this is really Mr. Handson’s work?”
Iris kept a composed, gentle smile as she answered, “Kylle, so you even understand gowns? I made an appointment for this one last year and waited a whole year for it to be custom–made by Mr. Harrison.
“since you grew up in the countryside, you must not have seen such a high–end gown before, right? I suggest you don’t speak so carelessly so as not to ruin Aunt
Liana’s mood.”
“I just thought the cut and the trog closure doesn’t seem like Mr. Harrison’s craftsmanship.” Kylle looked surprised.
Tris” expression flickered as she listened to those remarks. When she looked at kylle again, her earlier kind gaze faded completely.
“Mr. Harrison’s work is beyond your appreciation. You’re here to learn, not to speak out of tum and embarrass yourself.” Liana’s face darkened.
The more she looked at Kylie, the more upset she became. She continued, “If you want to marry into the Vance family, you have a lot to learn. ”
Upon hearing that, Iris secretly let out a breath of reliet. She was shocked that Kylie had some understanding about gowns.
Although she didn’t know how Kylie had figured it out, thankfully, Liana didn’t believe her at all. With that thought, the tension in her heart eased a little.
However, Kylie merely replied calmly, “Mrs. Vance, with your status, you wouldn’t want to be wearing a counterfeit, would you?”
“What did you say?”
Iris‘ eyes widened in horror.
Furious, she snapped, “How could I possibly give Aunt Liana a counterfeit gown? If you’re so capable, why don’t you give her one yourself?
“Why would you stoop to slandering me like this? Or is it because you can’t stand to see me succeed and only know how to play these dirty tricks?”
Kylie glanced at her. The softness in her gaze had vanished and was replaced by an unusual sharpness. “Since your heiress’s identity is fake, I wouldn’t be surprised if this gown is fake, too.”
“What do you mean by that? Liana scowled and fixed her gaze on Kylie
Panic flooded across Iris face. If Kylie had simply been a country bumpkin, it wouldn’t matter. But the reality was far from that.
Terrified that she would continue, Iris suddenly lost control and began crying and shouting, “Enough! You already took Samuel from me. Why do you still have to do this to me?”
“Iris, don’t get worked up! Liana reached out to pat Iris trembling back before glaring at Kylie, warning her, “Be careful with your words! Do you have any proof that this gown isn’t Mr. Harrison’s work?”
is gown designs back in the 1940s. He rarely used trog closures anymore, Instead opting for hidden clasps
“Mr. Harrison had already changed his
“Of course, it’s possible that he made an exception out of personal interest. However, the biggest issue with this gown isn’t the closure but the cut. Mr. Harrison’s gowns are always out in one continuous plece with a broken shoulder seam, making them fit the body more seamlessly.
“but the one you’re wearing has a back seam. It’s a late medieval–style modernized gown, Kylie explained slowly.
Iris wiped her tears, her voice trembling as she retorted, “Who says Mr. Harrison can’t make a late medieval–style modernized gown with a back seam?”
Kylie pulled out her phone slowly and said, “Your own is well made. I don’t know who created it, but I can say with certainty that it wasn’t Mr. Harrison. Because he has been staying at a sanctuary for the past year.”
“A sanctuary?” Iris‘ eyes widened in disbelief.
“It’s the sanctuary where I grew up. You can call them and verify it.” She held out her phone to Iris.
