Surprised, Serena took a step back and said, “No, Mr. Quade, you shouldn’t have…”
She was starting to think that Wilson’s kindness toward her was motivated by romantic feelings, Justin had hurt her too deep for her to even consider dating anyone, and she had no idea how she would face Wilson if he turned out to have feelings for her.
“It’s just a box of chocolates. Why are you getting worked up all of a sudden?” Wilson asked, the cigarette dangling from his lips.
As if reading her thoughts, he added for good measure, “I got them from the souvenir shop at the airport. Think of it as a token of thanks for celebrating my birthday. I got one for Jacob, too.”
He handed Serena the box of chocolates, and only then did she heave a sigh of relief. He did not leave after she took the box and instead asked, “Monique told me you ran into Shawn while you were trying on dresses at the boutique today. Is it true that he gave you trouble?”
“Yeah, but he backed off after Monique name–dropped you” Serena said.
“Call me if he bothers you again.” Wilson sounded as cool and indifferent as ever. He tapped the ashes off his cigarette and announced, “I should head back. Don’t stay up too late.”
“Okay,” Serena replied.
Wilson got into the Bentley and sped off. While driving, he cast a sidelong glance at the ornate jewelry box on the passenger seat. Inside the box was an extremely expensive diamond necklace.
He had planned on giving it to Serena, but the conflicted look in her eyes told him that if he did, he would only push her further away.
Wilson made a call. Within seconds, Monique’s lighthearted voice sounded on the other line. “Hello, Mr. Quade.” “I need you to do me a favor,” was all he said.
Three days later, Wilson brought Serena to Monique’s boutique to pick up the dress she ordered. He waited on the couch across the fitting room while Serena tried on the dress behind the drapes.
Before long, the drapes parted, and Serena slowly stepped out in a wine–red, off–shoulder dress. Its fitted silhouette accentuated her perfectly, and the countless diamanté embellishments sparkled like stars under the lights.
The dress had a high slit that subtly revealed Serena’s slender leg whenever she walked. There was something understated yet sultry about the dress that brought out her natural femininity
“What do you think about the dress, Mr. Quade?” Serena asked uncertainly.
Wilson was quiet for a moment and merely stared at her. After what felt like ages, he finally said, “It’s pretty decent.”
Monique approached Serena and said, “Ms. Judd, this dress comes with a matching necklace. You were in such a rush during your last visit that I forgot to show it to you.”
As she spoke, she took out a jewelry box and opened it to reveal the diamond necklace nestled within. The necklace’s centerpiece was a large ruby, and it shone purplish–red under the lights.
Serena’s eyes widened. She had lived with the Farrows long enough to know that this kind of necklace and its
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Chapter 44
gemstones were expensiv. “Are you sure this necklace came with the dress? It looks like it costs way more!”
“I picked out the necklace myself, Ms. Judd,” Monique said. “See how well it complements your dress?”
“But it’s so fancy…” Serena trailed off.
“Please wear it, Ms. Judd.”
“You should wear it,” Wilson interjected. “It’ll look good on you. Think of it as an advertising gig‘
Monique nodded earnestly. “My thoughts exactly! I imagine I’ll get more new customers if you show up at a high society event with this necklace and dress, Ms. Judd!”
Serena couldn’t refuse Monique after that. Having made some final adjustments to the dress and necklace, she headed into the styling room for hair and makeup.
The sky was dark by the time she emerged.
Wilson glanced at his watch. Just as he wondered how much longer Serena’s styling would take, the door opened.
Serena slowly walked up to him, her face delicately and tastefully made up. She met his gaze and asked nervously, “You don’t think this is too much, do you?”
“Not at all.” Wilson prided himself on always knowing the right things to say, but at that moment, he was at a complete loss for words.
