Time flew when one was waiting silently. In the blink of an eye, more than ten minutes went past.
Calandre glanced at the time. “I think Mrs. Hadley must have gotten lost. Forget about the gift. Thank you for attending my birthday party, Mr. Hadley.”
Nathaniel inclined his head a fraction. He understood that the woman was indirectly taking her leave, but Christina was not back yet.
Thus, he parted his lips lightly. “I believe my wife will be back very soon since she promised to go and prepare a gift for you.” In other words, he was asking her to wait a while longer.
Madison furtively balled her fists.
Why is he still adamant about believing that Christina will be back when Mrs. Chassagne is no longer taking offense to the matter? It only takes a few minutes from here to the door. Therefore, Christina can’t be gone for so long. Who knows, she’s aware that she created a mess and made a run for it because she was afraid and cowardly. No matter what, I’m never allowing her the opportunity to make a comeback!
“Mr. Hadley, perhaps Mrs. Hadley is feeling under the weather and left ahead of us. I’ll choose a new gift and have it delivered to Mrs. Chassagne’s place tomorrow.”
Ignoring her entirely, Nathaniel continued staring at Calandre calmly, awaiting her answer.
Calandre stilled for a moment. “Okay, I’ll wait for another five minutes.”
Inwardly, Madison was downright chagrined.
Hmph! Even if Christina comes back, it’s very likely that shell embarrass herself. That perfume I chose was a limited edition, priced at over a hundred thousand. How could a country bumpkin like her possibly have the money to buy an even more expensive gift?
A few minutes passed, and the time was almost up. This time, no one would be able to convince Calandre to stay any longer.
Despite the displeasure within her, she did not show on her face. “This matter won’t affect our collaboration.”
It was undeniable that their interactions had been exceedingly amicable throughout the years they had worked together. Furthermore, she was the kind of person who would never allow her personal feelings to affect her work.
At that precise moment, a flurry of frantic footsteps split the air. The few of them promptly swung their gazes over.
Christina had returned, her initially bound hair draped behind her shoulders. She had to keep her movements measured since she was wearing a gown to she could only trot.
Reaching them, she held the tiny gift box in her hand out. “This is my actual gift meant for you, Mrs. Chassagne.”
Madison gaped at the gift box, shocked beyond words Where did she buy this gift?
Unconvinced that Christina had the ability to conjure something out of thin air, she scoffed with a
sneer on her lips, “I’m really curious about the gift Mrs. Hadley prepared.”
Christina blinked at Nathaniel before replying, “You’ll know when you open it.”
Calandre was likewise very much curious. She opened the box, revealing a beautifully-cut gemstone brooch within.
Under the reflection of the lights, it shimmered brightly.
The most noteworthy aspect of the brooch was the uniqueness of the silver needles used in securing the gemstone. Like a diamond ring, it was affixed with a few silver needles. That was the first time Calandre had seen such a distinctive brooch.
“I made this myself. May I put in on for you?” Christina offered.
Never having expected her to be so skilled with her hands, Calandre nodded fervently. “Of course,”
Christina took a step forward and unfastened the brooch before pinning it to the woman’s deep V- neckline. In an instant, the plunging neckline became a shallow one. It made for a slightly sexy sight yet still as elegant as ever.
Calandre’s lips curved into a smile, and her eyes shone as she looked at Christina. “Thank you. I love it! If there’s a chance, I’ll definitely invite you to my jewelry store for a look!”
Earlier, the seam of her gown’s neckline burst. Consequently, the neckline turned a bit too low, making it easy for her to flash her assets. Since she was in public, she was too embarrassed to tug at her gown and could only leave it gaping.
To her surprise, not only did Christina notice it, but she especially made a brooch for her to alleviate her predicament.
Turning her gaze to Nathaniel, she commented, “Your wife is truly a thoughtful and meticulous woman, Mr. Hadley. You must be blessed.”
A tad embarrassed by the high praise, Christina blushed deeply.
Conversely, Nathaniel took her hand unabashedly and lifted his chin confidently in agreement. “Thank you for the compliment.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Marrying the Ugly Heir for Truth and Wealth