Her once tender heart now felt numb to emotions. She felt like none of this was worth her effort anymore.
“I’ll arrange for someone to bring you some clothes.” Seeing Bianca’s determined expression, Dave guessed she had her own reasons for wanting to attend the family dinner.
Just as he was about to grab his phone to make a call, a refined and graceful female voice interrupted. “No need for that. You don’t have to go anywhere. I have a long-standing relationship with Mrs. Evelyn Reed. I’m sure she can lend you some clean clothes,” Monica said as she approached.
Stacey’s face tightened immediately.
“Ms. Hughes, I don’t think it’s right for Bianca to wear Mrs. Reed’s clothes. We shouldn’t risk dirtying them. Maybe it’s better if she just goes home,” Stacey suggested nervously.
Monica’s gaze turned cold as she responded, “Tonight’s dinner is in honor of the Reed family’s guests. Since Bianca had an accident at their home, it’s only fair they provide a solution. It’s just a dress. Would Mrs. Reed really mind? Or do you doubt her generosity?”
Stacey’s lips quivered as she struggled to force a smile. “I… I didn’t mean that. It’s just…”
She had everything planned out in her mind, but she hadn’t expected Monica to go to such lengths for Bianca.
People of great wealth and status often seemed distant and focused on themselves, showing little concern for others unless it benefited them.
‘Why did Bianca always seem to have luck on her side?’
“What’s happening here?”
A commanding voice cut through the air from the entrance of the villa, capturing everyone’s attention. They turned to see Joshua’s mother, Evelyn Reed, looking poised and elegant in her evening gown.
A silence fell over the crowd; no one wanted to intervene. They preferred to stay on the sidelines and observe the unfolding drama.
Upon seeing Evelyn, Monica approached her with a respectful nod. “Mrs. Reed, there was a small accident. This lady accidentally fell into the pool, and her clothes got wet. Her friend jumped in to rescue her. Could we possibly get some dry clothes to prevent them from catching a cold?”
Evelyn glanced at Bianca and Dave before gently grasping Monica’s arms, her stern expression softening into a warm smile. “Of course. Ms. Hughes, you know this lady?”
Monica returned the smile thinly. “Yes, we have a history.”
Stacey’s eyes widened in shock. The idea that they were acquainted seemed unbelievable.
Evelyn nodded knowingly. “It all makes sense now. You wouldn’t vouch for someone you didn’t know. Since you’re connected to her, I’ll ensure she’s well taken care of.”
With those words, Evelyn told her servants to take Bianca and Dave to a room where they could change clothes.
The Reed family’s wealth was evident. The dressing room they were led to was as big as a regular house, filled with many clothes.
A maid showed Bianca where the women’s clothes were kept, opening a large wardrobe full of beautiful evening dresses.
“Miss, these clothes are all brand new. Mrs. Reed said you can choose any you want,” the maid said respectfully.
Bianca stared at the wide selection of dresses. The wealth of the Reed family had really amazed her that evening.
She was drawn to a certain dress and reached out to take a red velvet gown.
“That’s a wonderful choice. The dress suits you really well,” the maids at the Reed household were quick to praise, especially when they saw someone favored by Mrs. Reed-they couldn’t be nicer.
“Really? Thank you,” Bianca replied with a small, restrained smile.
Truthfully, she had chosen this dress because it seemed more reasonably priced compared to the flashy and clearly expensive options.
Plus, she wasn’t accustomed to wearing such bright colors in public.
After selecting the dress, a maid did her makeup to complement the red fabric. The change was so dramatic that even the maid was surprised.
Stepping out of the dressing room, Bianca ran into Dave, who had also changed.
He was adjusting his sleeves when their eyes met, and she stopped.
He looked up, his usually serious expression softening as he saw her.
“You look great in that,” he said, his smile growing wider as he offered his arm. “Ready to go?”
Bianca took his arm, tilting her head playfully. “I’m sure you’ll catch all the ladies’ eyes tonight.”
“What do you mean by that?” Dave asked, looking down at Bianca with curiosity.
“Because you’re handsome!” she exclaimed.
Dave smiled warmly and gently tapped Bianca’s nose. “You know how to give a compliment. I like that.”
Arm in arm, they walked down the stairs together.
As they entered the lively hall, the crowd quieted down. All eyes turned to Bianca and Dave as they descended from the second floor.
“Wow, look at that handsome guy!” a guest whispered, covering her mouth in admiration.
“Just imagine how beautiful our kids would be,” another added, letting her imagination wander.
Dave stood out in his sharp black suit, his hair neatly styled back. His striking features caught everyone’s attention.
His black tie contrasted perfectly with his crisp white shirt, and his trousers gave him a sleek, commanding look, resembling a successful business leader. His posture exuded a confident, regal aura.
With broad shoulders, a trim waist, and long legs, he had the presence of a runway model, captivating everyone’s gaze.
The high-society women buzzed with excitement, eager to learn more about Dave.
“Who’s the woman with him? Why haven’t we seen her before?” someone asked, surprised.
Suddenly, a shriek cut through the air from among the guests.
“She’s Ashley’s sister. She was here earlier, but no one noticed her in those plain clothes. Who would have thought she’d look so stunning when dressed up!”
Surprise spread across the room as everyone’s eyes turned towards Bianca.
The young woman stood before them in a vibrant red gown that highlighted her fair skin. The dress hugged her slender waist perfectly, radiating a fiery and vibrant glow.
Ashley clenched her fists tightly, her anger simmering. She couldn’t understand why Bianca had fallen into the water or why Joshua’s mother had dressed her in such a stunning outfit. Envy surged through her as she gazed at Bianca’s enchanting appearance. She wished she could make her sister disappear and regretted inviting her in the first place.
Stacey’s eyes narrowed with bitterness as she looked at Bianca. Her plan to remove her had backfired, only making her shine even more brightly. The red dress seemed to be made just for her.
Meanwhile, her daughter, Ashley, suddenly felt overshadowed.
Stacey seethed with frustration, blaming herself for bringing this upon them.
Bianca approached Ashley and Stacey with a smile. “Stacey, maybe you thought the dress I had on earlier was too simple. That’s why you helped me find a better one. Thank you.”