+25 BONUS
The next day was the weekend. Serena had planned to try on the dresses with Wilson, but an unexpected matter required him to fly overseas that morning. He called to assure her that everything had been arranged with the person in charge, and all she needed to do was show up.
Coincidentally, Lauren came by to ask her out for some shopping, so Serena decided to bring her along.
The person assigned to assist her was Monique Olston, a mixed–race woman renowned in the fashion industry. Not only was she the brand’s agent in Nocturna, but she also owned a prominent fashion magazine company that had featured countless celebrities and artists.
The moment Monique saw Serena, she exclaimed, “Ms. Judd, you’re stunning! You outshine most actresses I’ve worked with!”
Serena responded with a modest smile, but Lauren beamed with pride. “Well, what can I say? My dear Serena is just that gorgeous. As her best friend, I’m honored to bask in her glow.”
Serena sighed helplessly, but Lauren leaned in, her grin mischievous.
“Rina, I’m just being honest! Ugh, why wasn’t I born a man?” Lauren lamented.
“If you were, I’d lock you up,” Serena teased.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Lauren blew her a playful kiss. “Go on, Rina, try on the dresses. I’m ready to be blinded by your beauty!”
The custom dresses were pre–release luxury pieces from Celluine’s latest collection. Wilson had somehow managed to have them air–freighted in just for her.
Monique drew the curtain and personally helped her into one of the gowns. When Serena stepped out, she asked softly, “How does it look?”
Lauren practically leaped off the couch, her eyes sparkling. ‘Rina, you’re breathtaking! You’ll be the star of the night at the charity gala!” Then, as if struck by a delicious thought, Lauren smirked. “All the elites will be there, right? Including that scumbag Justin?”
Lauren could already imagine his regretful face smashed into a wall. The thought delighted her.
Serena glanced at herself in the mirror and found it hard to look away. It had been ages since she had dressed this extravagantly.
Lauren nudged her excitedly. “Quick, try the others! I need to see how much more gorgeous you can get!”
Spurred on by Lauren, Serena tried the remaining four gowns, each uniquely stunning. In the end, she chose a wine–red dress, with both Lauren and Monique agreeing it suited her best.
As they were wrapping up, Monique added, “By the way, Mr. Quade said you’re welcome to browse our new autumn collection too. Anything you like is on him.”
Lauren pointed to herself. “Does that include me?”
“Of course,” Monique replied.
“Then I won’t hold back.” Lauren’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
Serena, however, politely declined. “I’m good. Thanks.” She already felt indebted to Wilson and didn’t want to take more than necessary.
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 38
While Lauren browsed the racks with Monique, Serena sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone as she waited. Suddenly, the faint cent of tobacco reached her, pulling her out of her thoughts.
She turned her head instinctively and saw a hand resting casually on the back of the couch, a cigarette glowing faintly between its fingers. Before she could react, a figure leaned in close, his voice low and teasing. “Ms. Judd, we meet again.”
Startled, Serena shot to her feet, her eyes widening when she saw the man behind the couch. It was him—the driver who had almost hit her with his car. “Small world, huh? Let me introduce myself. I’m Shawn Jenkins.”
He looked young–barely in his 20s and not much older than her. His eyes gleamed with rebellious, defiant energy.
Serena frowned. “How do you know my name?”
“Oh, I know more than just your name. I know you’re Serena Judd.” Shawn smirked. “You look familiar. Weren’t you Justin’s woman? Why are you working at Quade Group now?”
“That’s none of your business.” Serena deliberately kept her distance.
Unbothered, Shawn closed the gap, grabbing a dress off the rack. “With a figure like yours, you shouldn’t let it go to waste. How about trying this on?”
It was a daringly sexy piece with a neckline plunging all the way to the navel. As he spoke, his eyes roamed over her with unabashed intent, making no effort to hide his thoughts.
