Boniel and Arnaud had changed into their suits and got into a car to attend the party.
Jefferson and Rayna were the only ones left in the manor.
Since Rayna was still waiting for the housekeeper to get her gown from Bruce, she said to Jefferson, “You didn’t have to wait for me and should have gone ahead with your dad. I know the place, anyway.”
“You’re my girlfriend. It’s only right that I go with you.” Pouring a cup of water for her, he asked softly, “Are the babies behaving themselves today? Will they disturb you at the party?”
She also replied in a soft voice, “They’ve been great these two days, so it should be fine tonight. Thank goodness that I haven’t gained any weight and that my belly’s not protruding. If not, I won’t be able to put on a gown.”
Jefferson grinned. “I’ve never seen a chubby version of you. I’m actually looking forward to seeing it.”
“Hey! You’re going too far.”
The two of them only bantered with each other in muted voices for a while more when the housekeeper returned with the gown.
Eyeing the gown, Rayna asked in confusion, “The gown I tried on back then was a long-sleeved, champagne-colored, fishtail gown. Why have you brought a black one instead?”
“Mr. Bruce said the gown was accidentally ruined by his assistant’s cat. This was the only gown in the studio that fit your measurements, Ms. Rayna,” responded the housekeeper.
Displeased, Jefferson reprimanded, “That gown was tailored two months ago, and she really liked the color and the design. How could he simply replace it with another gown when the original one is ruined?”
The housekeeper hung her head in silence.
“Never mind. Let me have a look at the gown,” Rayna said, taking the outfit from her.
The entire gown was hand-stitched and had a narrow waist design. Not only did it have a plunging neckline, but it was also backless. There was also a high slit that extended from the ankle to the thighs. All in all, it was a grand gown that could show off the wearer’s excellent figure.
“Get Bruce over here!” Jefferson’s expression darkened the moment he saw the design.
“Understood.”
While the housekeeper had gone to fetch Bruce, Rayna was still examining the gown. “It’s a little revealing, but the design is great. Bruce has so many outfits in his studio, so how could this be the only one that fits my measurements?”
With that, she turned to Jefferson, whose expression turned grimmer when he understood what she meant.
Soon, Bruce arrived. He immediately bowed before Jefferson and Rayna, apologizing about the original gown and informing them there was no way she could wear that to the party since the cat tore the fabric with its claws.
“Pick another gown closest to her measurements and alter it!” Jefferson ordered.
With a troubled expression, Bruce uttered, “There isn’t any. As you know, Ms. Lilia and the others are very slim, so most of my designs are in smaller sizes. It would be better if I altered the larger-sized ones, but their colors and designs are all outdated. Besides, Ms. Rayna has gained a little weight. It’s really impossible to alter the smaller-sized gowns.”
Rayna was at a loss for words when she heard his explanation.
“Then call up your friends and ask if they have any gowns available. I’m going to fire you if you tell me no again,” Jefferson spat.
At that, Bruce hurriedly pulled out his phone. “I’ll ask them now.”
After making a few phone calls by the window, he slowly walked over and said carefully, “There are two studios that have many gowns that fit Ms. Rayna’s measurements, but—”
“Get them to send the gowns over, then!” Jefferson ordered with a frown.
“It’ll take at least thirty minutes to bring them from the nearest studio. There isn’t enough time, Mr. Hamilton. The party’s admission time ends at eight-thirty,” Bruce explained softly.
At that instant, Jefferson almost lost his temper. Thankfully, Rayna stopped him, looking as calm as ever. “All right. Don’t make things difficult for Mr. Bruce. It’s not like he didn’t think of a solution.”
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