Vera casually reached for a pair of gardening scissors and turned to the roses on the stone table.
“I know you care about the Harding Group,” she continued as she cut the thorns of the roses.
Vera’s words gave Kelly some comfort.
“You’ve taught me well, Mrs.Harding.lt is my duty to give the Harding Group my best effort.”
Kelly was hinting that she had no intention to go anywhere.Vera looked at her in the eyes.
In an impassive tone, she said, “If you have anything to say. just say it.”
“Ma’am, the charity ball will take place in a few days,” Kelly said, making an effort to choose her words carefully.
“Do you think she can take part in it? She’s not feeling well today, after all, and the ball might wear her out.” Vera sighed heavily and set the roses down.
“I have intended to ask Garrett to take Laney to the ball.I also want Laney to come across well to my friends.On the other hand, I would like her to make friends with other ladies.Only in this way could these ladies share ideas and resources that will be beneficial to the Harding Group.” She paused for a moment and then sighed again.
“It will be a pity if she can’t go to the party.” Kelly’s eyes darkened.
What Vera said was practically something that she could do and more.But Laney, being married to a Harding, had taken them away from her.
“We must attend such an important party.lf Mrs.Harding can’t go, ma’am, you may consider having another person to take her place.” Kelly made an act of being concerned.
Still gazing at the flowers. Vera asked. “Do you have someone in mind?”
Kelly replied with a thoughtful expression, “With all due respect, I believe I can attend the ball with Mr.Harding as his secretary.Although it’s not my responsibility to interact with those rich ladies, I’ll do it for Mrs.Harding’s sake.I’ll talk to them, find out what they like and let Mrs.Harding know when I come back.”
Vera looked up at Kelly.
Kelly had been chosen by Vera to work for Garrett from the very beginning.She was slim and stylish and radiated natural beauty.
Though Kelly had graduated from a famous university, she’d been born into an ordinary family and was easy to control.
Vera made her the Harding family secretary.
“You’re smart.It’s true; it’s easy to get to know rich men at chanty parties full of celebrities.”
Vera let Kelly sit down and said gently, “At first, I was hoping Garrett would grow fond of you.Now it seems as though you’re not destined to be together.You’ve done so much for the Harding family over the years, and we all know it.You will be rewarded.If there’s a man who’s suitable for you, I will introduce you to him.”
Kelly smiled, nodding obediently.
“Thank you, Mrs.Harding.”
She was not at all interested in other rich families; all she wanted was to marry into the Harding family and to be with Garrett.She had persisted for so many years that she didn’t mind waiting a while longer.
For the next few days, Vera had been following the doctor’s instructions by going easy on Laney.
For now, Laney was free from the etiquette and musical instruments lessons.
Finally, Laney was able to breathe a little.
One night, Natalie called her.
“I’ve modified the dress for you.Are you free tomorrow? If so, I’ll send it to you.” Laney agreed, then told Vera about it.
The second day.
As planned, Natalie arrived at the Harding family home with the dress.
“Why didn’t the driver send you here?” Vera asked.
Noticing that Natalie hadn’t arrived by car, Vera frowned.
Til ask our driver to send you back,” she said firmly.
Vera seemed nice enough.
“It’s okay,” Natalie replied with a smile.
“The studio is quite close to here.”
Handing the dress to a maid, Natalie said, “Will you send this to Laney’s room and help her try it on?”
This time, the dress should fit Laney perfectly.And it did! Laney put the dress on and twirled in front of the mirror.
“It’s so beautiful,” she marveled.
“You’re so talented, Natalie.”
“It’s a team effort,” Natalie replied, holding the dress’ hemline.
Realizing that Vera hadn’t said anything yet, she turned to her and asked, “Mrs.Harding, what do you think of the dress?”
Vera nodded with satisfaction.
“You have excellent taste in design, and you’re a very talented dressmaker.Laney will look stunning in it.”
Hearing this praise, Laney looked at her friend with a proud smile.
“It’s such a shame that she can’t go the charity dinner in the dress,” Vera added.
The smile on Laney’s face then froze.
Natalie and Laney looked at each other before they turned to Vera.
“Mrs.Harding, why can’t she?” Natalie asked, confused.
Gently, Vera replied, “She can wear it at the next event.She shouldn’t go to the charity dinner since she hasn’t been feeling well.I’ll take Kelly with us instead.Garrett would have too much to worry about if Laney went.”
“You’re right, Mrs.Harding,” Natalie agreed, smiling.
“Laney is pregnant.lt would indeed be inappropriate to go to an event with so many people.”
Laney was a little disappointed.
it had taken Natalie so much time and energy to make the dress, after all.
Vera chatted with Natalie for a while.
Since she still had work to do in the studio, Natalie had to leave shortly after.
Laney walked her to the door and said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Natalie.”
“Sorry for what?” Natalie replied with a smile.
“Mrs.Harding paid me for my work.”
Laney returned Natalie’s smile but didn’t say anything more.
Since she had decided to pretend to be sick, she needed to maintain the facade, or risk being discovered.
Apparently, the price for her dishonesty was having to miss out on the charity event.She then walked back to her room, depressed.
The thought of Natalie’s efforts being made in vain, as well as the thought of Kelly attending the charity event in her place, made Laney quite upset.She had no appetite and didn’t want to have dinner.
Rather, she went to bed and slept.Sometime after midnight, she woke up from hunger.
She touched her belly and stood up, remembering that she’d seen a pizza in the kitchen earlier that day.
Vera and the servants would most likely be asleep at this hour.No one would notice it.She carefully put on her slippers and snuck into the kitchen.
New Book: Beginning with a Daring Encounter
Celsie was tired of being labeled as an introvert, workaholic, and dull virgin by her friends. Determined to prove them wrong, she made a bet that she would do something daring on her 25th birthday. Now that the day had arrived, it was time to fulfill her promise. On her daring to-do list, there was one task: a one-night stand with someone.
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