Natalie’s revelation about the exorbitant price of the clothes left Carly’s grandmother stunned. She stared at her clothes in shock and immediately thought of taking them off.
“Too… too expensive…” She gestured at the clothes in panic.
Carly frowned, sending Natalie a displeased stare. “Miss White, have you forgotten our deal? Why did you reveal the real cost of the clothing?” Natalie looked at her seriously. “Because I didn’t want your efforts to be looked over simply because of the expense,” she said with a serious tone.
Carly and her grandmother were both stunned. With a small smile, Natalie explained to the old woman, “The overall cost of the clothes is expensive due to my design commission. Mrs. Reed spent a lot of time helping you find a suitable designer. The time and money spent on it are all out of Mrs. Reed’s love for you.”
Carly’s grandmother was already about to take off the clothes. However, she hesitated upon Natalie’s words.
Reminiscing about the past made Natalie a bit sentimental. She was touched while watching the two. “I also have someone in my family who’s the same age as you. Her name is Hannah. She’s a kind woman and was always sacrificing for my sake. She would rather use her money for me rather than spend it on herself. However, her action made me feel uneasy.”
“Why did it make you feel uncomfortable?” Carly’s grandmother looked a bit confused. “Because now that I have the ability to provide, I want the people I love to have a better life. I want to return her favor and show my love the way she did. [hope she can accept my gratitude.” Natalie had a solemn look on her face. Sincerity was obvious with every word she said.
The anger in Carly’s eyes dissipated, replaced by a layer of tears.
With a slight turn of her head, she casually wiped away the tears that formed in the corners of her eyes, then acted as if nothing happened. What Natalie said resonated deep in her heart. Her grandma’s unwillingness to accept her kindness often made her feel uncomfortable and guilty.
Carly’s grandmother listened intently to Natalie’s sincere words, recalling the days when she and Carly relied on each other. A relieved smile blossomed on her face. “Miss White, you’re right. This is Carly’s way to show her love for me, so ] should accept it with an open heart.” She placed a hand on her chest and look at Carly affectionately.
Then, she leaned forward and hugged her granddaughter. “Thank you, Carly. I really like your gift,” she whispered.
Carly returned her grandmother’s hug. Her voice choked when she said,
“Grandma, I’m glad you like it. Please don’t turn down my gratitude in the future, okay?”
Carly’s grandmother nodded. The two shared an affectionate smile.
At the sight of this touching scene, Natalie smiled knowingly.
She revealed the actual price for a reason and this was exactly what she expected.
Love cannot be measured by money, and material possessions should not undervalue its worth. Therefore, there is no reason to reject an act of love in the form of gifts. Instead, such offerings should be wholeheartedly accepted.
Because they represented the painstaking efforts of the person who loved you deeply. After a while, the two had calmed down, feeling much better than a moment ago. Feeling a bit bashful, Carly smiled and said, “Miss White, thank you for everything.”
Natalie shook her head. “I just don’t want your efforts to be hidden. Hannah was just as frugal and kind- hearted as your grandma. I know exactly how you feel.”
Hearing this, Carly’s grandmother was suddenly reminded of the box of cookies from before. She couldn’t help but smile and said, “Hannah is very skilled at baking. The cookies taste great, and I hope to have the chance to meet her someday.”
Carly chuckled, “My grandma still remembers the cookies. She said it reminded her of the countryside.”
Seeing how much they enjoyed Hannah’s cookies, Natalie couldn’t help but laugh with pride. “Well, next time Hannah makes pastries, I’ll bring some for you too,” she promised.
“Thank you.” Carly nodded and = smiled appreciatively.
6 minutes before
They chatted for a few Carly had to go. She was just leaving when she caught a glimpse of a business card on the table. “This man…” Carly picked up the business card. Her eyebrows furrowed subtly.
Natalie’s curiosity rose when she noticed the sudden change in Carly’s expression. “What’s wrong? Do you know Mr. Shaw?”
With a snort, Carly said coldly, “I have no interest in knowing him. He’s a competitor I’ve disliked for a long time. I didn’t expect him to come to you.
As the head of a prestigious modeling agency, Carly instantly recognized Natalie’s potential and distinct design style. To her astonishment, before she could even broach the subject of a collaboration, her fiercest competitor had also targeted the talented designer. This development was utterly intolerable.
In a matter of moments, Carly arrived at a decision. “Miss White, I believe you possess immense potential as a designer. Would you consider collaborating with our agency?” Caught off guard by the abrupt shift, Natalie stammered,
“What? Collaboration?”
Carly nodded affirmatively. “Yes, our agency would like to work with you. If you require models in the future, you can prioritize ours, and we’ll offer you the most competitive discounts.”
Intrigued by the proposition, Natalie inquired, “Our studio does need models. What kind of discount can you provide, Mrs. Reed?”
As an emerging designer, Natalie was desperate for models to showcase her creations. However, the caliber of models available varied greatly, and their fees were typically steep.
Having recently founded her own studio, Natalie’s budget couldn’t accommodate top-tier models. Carly’s unexpected proposal and the potential for discounted rates presented a welcome solution to Natalie’s predicament.
After a brief pause, Carly held up two fingers. “We can offer a rate two points below market price.”
Natalie’s eyes sparkled at the enticing offer. “Really?”
Carly grinned, “I’m confident this will be a mutually beneficial partnership. Your design expertise should easily elevate our models ” popularity.”
With assurance, Natalie extended her hand. “Mrs. Reed, I won’t let you down.”
With the agreement solidified, Carly departed with her grandmother.
Natalie posted her latest design on her work account, but sadly, it garnered little attention and only a few comments.
Feeling disheartened, she refreshed the page repeatedly, but the situation remained unchanged.
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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