Can’t Win Me Back novel (Alyssa and Jasper) novel Chapter 1695

When Rose got to her office, she found Clarissa standing stiffly, waiting for her. "Are you Clarissa Sparks?"

At the sound of her name, Clarissa hurriedly rose to her feet. "Ms. Emerson."

Rose studied her with surprise. She had expected the matriarch of the Schmidt family to exude grace and authority, not the demeanor she encountered.

Clarissa only wore a simple white suit with her hair in a neat bun. Though her makeup was impeccably applied, it couldn't hide the exhaustion etched on her face.

"Ms. Sparks, please take a seat," Rose said, masking her initial resentment toward a meeting with a member of the Schmidt family. She decided to withhold her emotions and assess the situation first.

"Ms. Emerson, I apologize for this sudden visit, but I desperately need your help in designing an evening gown," Clarissa pleaded. "Money is no object. I can pay you double or even triple what others would offer. All I ask is for your expertise. Please, I implore you!"

"Ms. Sparks, I am merely a designer. It seems excessive for you to beg," Rose remarked, noticing Clarissa's trembling hand as she held her cup. It was evident she was not in a stable state of mind.

Rose softened her tone. "Since establishing my workshop, I have always operated by appointment only. Making exceptions would disrupt our production schedule and compromise the quality of our work, which wouldn't be fair to our clients or our reputation. Therefore, I hope you understand—"

Before Rose could finish, Clarissa sank to her knees before her.

"What are you doing, Ms. Sparks?" Rose panicked and quickly went to pull her up.

As she pulled Clarissa up, Clarissa's sleeves slid up.

Rose unintentionally caught a glimpse of a few large bruises and bloody marks on her arm.

…

After dismissing her staff and assistant, Rose attended to Clarissa personally, carefully taking her measurements. Once done, she presented three evening gowns that she believed would suit Clarissa.

"How do you find these three options, Ms. Sparks? If none are to your liking, I can certainly offer more selections," Rose offered.

But Clarissa didn't deliberate long. Hastily, she grasped a dark green dress as if afraid Rose might retract her offer. "There's no need to trouble you further. I'll take this one. It's perfect," she said, her voice tight with emotion.

Rose observed Clarissa's tension with a pang of sadness. "Ready-made garments may not offer the same fit as bespoke ones. There might be some adjustments needed. I recommend trying it on in the fitting room for the best result. If alterations are necessary, I'll take care of it."

Clarissa hesitated briefly before she walked into the fitting room.