Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Letting him spend his money properly.

After a long moment of hesitation, Elara finally stood up from the bed and walked toward the door with Ziva.

The moment she opened it, her eyes caught sight of the middle aged woman standing there patiently with a composed expression. She looked like she had just stepped out of a high fashion editorial.

She wore a glossy black tailored suit with silver trim along the cuffs. A long coat rested casually over her shoulders instead of being worn properly. Dark tinted glasses framed her face. She had on thin leather gloves, dark lipstick, and sharp pointed heels. Silver ear cuffs decorated her ears while her long sleek hair was tied low behind her neck.

Standing behind her was a much younger woman carrying several bags and folders.

Elara’s eyes narrowed in confusion as she stared at them.

The woman slowly raised her head to meet her gaze. Then she removed her glasses and handed them to the lady behind her.

"Miss Veyne," she said politely though her expression remained serious. "I’m Madame Evelisse from House of Velouris, Veston. It is an honor to finally meet the face that has the entire entertainment industry losing sleep lately." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Elara said nothing immediately, her lips pursing tightly.

Everything about this situation felt strange to her. She knew a little about House of Velouris. It was one of the oldest and most influential high fashion houses in Aurelia. Elara had heard of it even in her past life, though back then she had never dared to step into one of their stores.

It was said that a single outfit from Velouris was enough to make even a wealthy man question all his life decisions afterward.

"Madame Evelisse, I apologize for keeping you waiting," Elara finally said, her voice calm as usual. "But I’m afraid there might have been some misunderstanding."

The woman’s expression did not change. Instead, a weary smile appeared on her lips.

"I assure you there hasn’t been any misunderstanding on our part," she replied in a soft voice. "Mr. Vale was quite insistent that our head designer personally oversee your ensemble for the premiere. He mentioned that since the public seems rather fond of your... aesthetic lately, it would be a tragedy to offer them anything less than perfection."

A faint sarcastic smile tugged at the corner of Elara’s lips as understanding flashed through her eyes.

So it was him again.

First, the piano and ear monitors. Now this.

She almost let out a mocking sigh.

She could already see the game clearly. Adrian was not merely offering her a dress. He was trying to reclaim influence over her image again. He wanted her standing at that premiere wearing something chosen under his name, as though quietly placing her back inside the Vale world.

She snorted inwardly.

"Our car is waiting outside to take you to the fashion house for measurements," Madame Evelisse continued calmly. "And to be quite honest Miss Veyne, our head designer has not slept since the request came in. If I return to Veston without you tonight, I suspect he may actually set fire to the autumn silk collection out of despair. You wouldn’t want a tragedy like that on your conscience, would you?"

Elara’s lips twitched faintly into a small smile.

"Your fashion house is legendary Madame," she replied politely. "And I would be more than happy to patronize your services another time as a regular client. However, regarding this particular arrangement... I’m afraid I can’t accept it."

The woman did not look surprised by the rejection. Instead, she let out a long tired sigh while slipping one hand into the pocket of her pants.

"Miss Veyne please reconsider," she said seriously. "Mr. Vale has already settled all the fees. Including the emergency scheduling fee... and the three stylists back at the house whom I’m very sure would still be arguing over whether silver or black suits your image better."

Her tone remained completely professional. Then she lowered her voice a bit. "And if I return alone after failing my assignment... they will simply send someone with a higher salary and significantly less patience."

Elara’s lips pursed again thoughtfully, though truthfully she had no idea what else she was even supposed to say to refuse again.

Madame Evelisse studied her expression for another moment before speaking once more. "This is not only about a dress Miss Veyne. Your appearance at the premiere will be heavily photographed. House of Velouris personally requested to style you for the event."

Before Elara could fully process the situation, someone suddenly tugged at her sleeve from behind. Then Ziva’s whisper entered her ear.

"Truth be told... I think this woman actually has a point," she muttered quietly. "And besides, if you don’t go, Relanie is going to have the entire red carpet to herself to spread more nonsense."

Elara pondered on her words, though under normal circumstances, they still would not have been enough to change her mind.

But whatever...

If Adrian truly wanted to be generous this badly, then she saw no reason not to let him spend his money properly.

She raised her head to meet the lady’s gaze again. "Fine," she muttered. "But I’m only going for the fitting. Nothing else."

The lady’s eyes lit up instantly, but she still maintained her composed aura. "Of course. There’s nothing else apart from the fitting..." she replied smoothly before adding, "For today."

Elara’s face fell a little.

What did she mean by for today?

It was only after Elara finally followed after her that she understood what the woman meant.

Though truly, that day, all that happened was the fitting.

The entire process felt exhausting. People kept circling around her with measuring tapes, fabrics and a lot of other tools. At some point, Elara started feeling like a mannequin that had accidentally gained consciousness.

But before she left, Madame Evelisse walked up to her once again and spoke calmly. "Miss Veyne, please we still need you to come tomorrow."

Elara furrowed her brows immediately. She already felt suffocated from the stress.

"I don’t understand," she muttered tiredly. "You mean I still have to come back tomorrow?"

Madame Evelisse nodded. Before Elara could ask anything else, she spoke again.

"Since the event is in seventy two hours, the staff will not be sleeping until then," she explained. "You will need to see me tomorrow... and once again on the evening of the premiere."