The next day, Lillian dressed up and grabbed her things before heading downstairs.
The driver was already waiting for her, just as expected.
Lillian didn’t have any prior experience offering in-home services, but she was confident she could figure it out. She knew that if she sweet-talked a little and gave compliments, the wealthy ladies wouldn’t mind these things too much.
Her shop’s advantage lay in being bold; each piece of clothing had its own little backstory. While they couldn’t compete with brands in terms of reputation, they made up for it with quality and eye-catching appeal.
But Lillian didn’t expect that when she arrived, there were quite a few people there.
The housekeeper led her up the spiral staircase.
“Today is a friends’ gathering, not a big banquet,” the housekeeper explained. “Our Sir is down there greeting guests, saying a distant friend has come. Our Lady is upstairs. We’ll take the items you brought up there later.”
Lillian didn’t think much of it; she had seen enough to know where to place her hands and how to act.
When she calmly made her way upstairs, she was greeted with the sight of brand packaging boxes scattered across the floor-there was hardly anywhere to step.
The women there were all stunning, each with their own kind of beauty, creating a powerful visual impact.
Sitting in the center, Michelle let go of her hold on Pearl’s face and calmly sized up Lillian as she entered.
She hadn’t expected Conrad, of all people, to have such conventional taste. Look at this beauty coming in-just a normal work outfit, yet it gave off a blood-pumping vibe.
“Miss Lillian, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Michelle said, dressed in loungewear, looking lazy and cat-like as she lounged in the sofa area, surrounded by people. She smiled and added, “Thanks for coming today. We were just about to do some shopping.”
Lillian didn’t mind; anyone willing to pay was a god in her eyes.
The housekeeper had already placed the items Lillian brought on the display cart, so Lillian began her pitch. There was no reason to be shy; she had always believed that the female body was the most perfect creation of nature.
These clothes, whether to enhance intimacy or to add a woman’s charm, were simply imbued with mystery through the women who wore them.
The essence of “Anemone” (the brand) was about rejecting shame and embracing self-love.
Pearl had come with a mission today. Thinking back to before entering, her husband had reminded her several times to ask about any new games.
Though her face flushed and her heart raced, she still subtly craned her neck, waiting for Lillian to introduce the props.
Michelle herself had a habit of collecting these types of things, but her husband always thought they were too flashy. Yet every time she wore something new, he’d end up getting more excited and asking for more.
The boldest request came from a blonde, blue-eyed mixed-race beauty. “I’m using my boyfriend’s card today, I’ll take everything! The last set broke, and it wasn’t enough. I’ll give all the freebies to her, did you bring them?”
Lillian had been briefed and nodded in acknowledgment.
“Oh, why’d you say that out loud? I can buy them myself, my husband gave me the card.”
“Oh~ Pearl, you are financially independent, how come you’re willing to spend your husband’s money today?” Zoe teased from the side.
Pearl fidgeted a little. “I haven’t spent his money in the past six months, but last night he got all worked up. Ugh, hurry up and pick already!”
“Doesn’t Mr. Simon and Mr. Gordon need anything?”
Vera rolled her eyes. “As long as he doesn’t wear elephant thong underwear, I’ll thank the heavens.”
Flora rubbed her forehead. “My husband’s really into cosplay lately.”
Zoe cleared her throat. “My husband likes to mix it up, but a little variety’s fine. It’s okay to wear something new once in a while.”
Lillian hadn’t even started her introduction yet, and the orders were already rolling in.
She had just turned to open her order book when she bumped into the housekeeper, who was carrying coffee.
The front of her shirt was completely soaked.
“Sorry about that, Miss.”
Michelle squinted her eyes and seemed to know exactly what was going on. “Come with me, I’ll get you a new outfit.”
Lillian felt it was a bit too much trouble, but Michelle had already stood up, her tone and posture making it clear she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
For some reason, Lillian couldn’t help but feel that Michelle’s mannerisms and way of handling things seemed oddly familiar.
Michelle led Lillian to her dressing room and picked out an outfit. “Your figure should be similar to mine; try this on first.”
“This is too much trouble. I’m fine the way I am,” Lillian protested.
“Walking around in wet clothes is uncomfortable. As women, we need to treat ourselves better,” Michelle insisted, moving closer to observe her.
“Looks like Conrad’s taste is great.” Michelle thought to herself.
“Are you still getting used to things in H City?”
Lillian froze for a moment. “Uh, it’s fine.” “Miss Michelle, do you know I’ve just arrived at H City?”
Michelle smiled faintly but didn’t answer. Instead, she patted Lillian’s shoulder. “The changing room’s around the corner. We have guests today, so stay for dinner later. I’ll wait for you in the living room.”
Lillian thought she was being overly polite and had planned to leave soon.
After a moment’s thought, she figured it was best not to offend the client.
When she opened the door, she headed straight to the bathroom.
She took off the soiled clothes, which were now covered in coffee stains. The fabric was so delicate it was nearly impossible to clean with just her hands.
Just as she was getting undressed, the door suddenly swung open. Lillian instinctively covered her chest with her soiled clothes. She turned and froze, her whole body stiff.
The man who walked in wore black from head to toe, his tall frame looking just as it always had.
A slight smile played at the corners of his eyes.
“Being so obedient? You knew I was coming, so you decided to take your clothes off and get ready for a shower?”
The mockery in his voice made Lillian’s heart drop.
A rush of frustration and anger at being toyed with flooded over her. “Was all of this your doing?”
Conrad glanced at her breasts, tightly wrapped in her bra, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’m not that bored.”
If he hadn’t opened the door just now, he wouldn’t have known Lillian would be here either.
“It’s better this way,” she muttered.
Better that this was just a misunderstanding.
Lillian didn’t want to bother with changing clothes anymore. She threw the dirty shirt back on and made to leave.
“Well, since it’s just a misunderstanding, Mr. Conrad, I’ll leave now.”
“You think you can just leave whenever you want? What do you take me for?” His words were double-edged as he firmly closed the door behind him.
It was clear he didn’t want her to leave.
Lillian stared at him. “Why are you here?”
“I have deep business ties with King Family Group and Paul’s family. Haven’t you seen the news? What’s the problem with me visiting a business partner?”
It made perfect sense. There was nothing wrong with his explanation.
But Lillian couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all just too coincidental.
“What’s your relationship with Miss Michelle?”
Thinking back to Michelle’s words, Lillian finally realized what had felt off.
Conrad raised an eyebrow. “She’s my senior.”
Lillian sneered. “So, I was walking right into your trap from the start, huh?”
Lillian continued, “You let me go, made it seem like you were giving me freedom, then, just when I thought I was flying free, you knocked me back down to the dust. You told me the shackles were always around my neck? Are you satisfied now?”
Lillian stared at him. “You really make me feel nothing but disgust.”