Sweet Subterfuge

Chapter 50

The sounds of the curtain rings rubbing against the rod made their way into Vivian’s. ears, and fear enveloped her. Jolting, Vivian’s heart also skipped several beats.

“Vivian!” Larissa rushed out before Kevan could when she heard her voice.

I’ve picked the gown. What do you think?”

Her heart settling, Vivian hurriedly turned while plastering a professional smile on her face. “Of course.” She took a look and was amazed.

She knew Larissa was beautiful, and knew just how gorgeously fairy–like the gown was, but she did not expect that the combination of the two would create something so extraordinary.

She said sincerely, “It suits you well.” Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

So well that it seemed that the gown was meant for her.

Having Vivian’s approval, Larissa regained some of her confidence. She let out a relaxed smile and said, “That’s great.”

“Why don’t you head in and wait for a bit?” Vivian instructed her. “I still have something to do. Once I’m done, I’ll style your hair and do your makeup.”

Larissa glanced at Karin, who was stony–faced next to Vivian. She took two seconds to deliberate whether or not she should greet her before deciding not to–after all, their last meeting was not a happy one.

“Okay.”

The moment Larissa said that, Karin raised a finger and pointed at her. “I want to try the gown she’s wearing.”

Silence fell when that was said.

Vivian was in a dilemma again. “We only have one design for each gown. That one has been chosen by the young lady… The new arrivals still have some really good ones. Do you want to try them?”

“No.” Karin never stopped staring at Larissa. “I want the one she’s wearing.”

Larissa was also stuck in an awkward situation. She had just randomly tried a gown that Kevan did not even like. Who knew that Karin would like it?

‘I guess I’ll change out of it then.”

It did not matter to her what she wore anyway. There was no need to cause a scene over something as trivial as this.

Although Vivian found it regrettable, she was grateful for Larissa’s concession. She knew Karin’s personality well–if her desires were not met, she would cause a huge scene. Bringing her upstairs was already a mistake, if she caused a scene and offended Mr. Shields, then the consequences would be catastrophic.

“Wait a moment.” Larissa was retreating to the fitting room when she smacked into a wall of flesh upon turning around.

“You will not change.” Kevan gripped her arm, but his gaze was locked on Vivian. ” Ms. Watts, I seem to recall telling you not to let anyone upstairs.” His cold voice showed just how displeased he was.

The very thing she feared had come true. Vivian nearly blacked out, her body growing cold even as she began to sweat. Mustering what courage she had left, Vivian slowly looked up. “Mr. Sh…” She started to say when Karin cut her off.

“M–Mr. Rogers!” Karin was pale, and she was trembling like a leaf. It was as if she had seen a ghost. Her strange reaction raised several questions for Vivian. Not to mention her address for “Mr. Shields“…

“Mr. Rogers?” Vivian looked at Kevan in confusion.