88

Isabella sat on the sidelines watching the excitement, not saying a word, and yet managed to gain two sets of clothes for free.
However, accompanying Aria to select a gown was no easy task. Aria had average taste and was incredibly picky, refusing to listen to advice, which gave Isabella a headache just thinking about it.
Aria attached great importance to the charity auction, dismissing high-end fashion in malls and opting directly for a custom-made gown.
Emily was particularly enthusiastic today, busy helping Aria choose her gown. Isabella was left idle on the side.
She casually strolled around the clothing display area. The custom-made clothes were stunning, but of course, the prices were equally so. Even a pair of pants could sell for thousands, while the gowns were mostly around forty to fifty thousand.
It seemed David was going to bleed financially this time.
“Isabella, what do you think of this long dress? Emily says it suits me.” Aria called her over while she was daydreaming.
Across from her, Aria was wearing a strapless red gown, admiring herself in front of the full-length mirror.
“I find the design on this dress too plain. With this shawl, it looks elegant and sophisticated,” Emily suggested.
To be honest, Emily had a good eye. The white fur with the bright red gown was a perfect combination, and Aria’s appearance was already impressive, but this ensemble made her even more eye-catching.
However, Isabella seemed to recall that Mrs. Hannah from one of the four major families was a member of the Animal Protection Association. Aria flaunting fur in front of Mrs. Hannah was like slapping her in the face, and a loud one at that.
She was certain now that Emily was intentionally setting Aria up.
Aria, oblivious, happily pranced around in front of the mirror.
“Isabella, what do you think?” Aria was very satisfied with her attire and, symbolically, sought her opinion, hoping for some more praise.
While Isabella was figuring out how to respond, she noticed Emily’s warning gaze.
She wasn’t afraid of her but didn’t want trouble either, so she responded neutrally, “The fur is too extravagant. I think the black evening gown looks nice. Aria, would you like to try it?”
She had given her opinion, but Aria completely dismissed the understated black gown.
“I’ll take this set. Don’t fuss over me. Go pick your clothes quickly,” Aria said.
Isabella and Emily then went to their respective dressing rooms.
Isabella had already made her choices-a turquoise dress with artificial water-pattern embroidery, exquisite yet not too conspicuous, perfect for the charity auction. It fitted well when she tried it on.
Additionally, she picked a pure white chiffon skirt with a hem just below the knee. The fabric was soft with a slight shimmer, looking beautiful under the lights. It was for future events. However, it was slightly large, so she asked the store assistant to make some alterations and planned to collect it in a few days.
As she stepped out after trying on the clothes, she witnessed a scene unfold.
Initially, after dismissing Isabella and Emily, Aria intended to change her clothes.
She admired her glamorous attire while heading towards the dressing room. However, not seeing the person in front, she crashed into a man’s arms.
“Dressed so beautifully to lure men, huh? I have money. As long as you satisfy me in bed, I’ll take care of you properly. Come with me…” The man spoke as he tried to pull Aria out.
Aria was scared, her face drained of color. She exclaimed, “Let go of me! I’m not alone here. If you don’t let go, I’ll call for help!”
Her screams were loud, but unfortunately, luck was not on her side. The people who had been selecting clothes in the store were currently in the dressing rooms upstairs. Either the store staff was downstairs assisting customers or upstairs helping them try on clothes. Astonishingly, there was no one on this floor.
Aria was dragged a distance when suddenly she saw a man coming down the stairs. Startled, she ran towards him and grabbed his arm.
“James!”
“Who are you?” James asked, with one hand in his pocket, squinting slightly, looking at her puzzled.
“I’m Aria, David’s niece,” Aria hurriedly said.
“It’s you. What a coincidence,” James reluctantly recognized her.
When Aria stayed at the Harris family’s place, she had met James a few times, but they weren’t close. Moreover, she had been abroad for six years, so it was normal for him not to recognize her.
Just as they exchanged a few words, the man caught up, followed by two others, looking assertive.
Aria instinctively hid behind James.
Seeing James, the man, after his initial surprise, smiled, “So this beauty is with Mr. James.”
James looked at the man coldly. He recognized him; during the Brown family’s trouble, this man was among those trying to take advantage but ultimately failed.
He shifted his gaze, focusing on Aria. He could naturally sense her predicament.
Though James didn’t like to meddle, he wasn’t a callous person. A young girl like Aria in the hands of such a man wouldn’t end well.
“She’s with me. What’s the matter?” James said.
As the Brown family seemed to be making a comeback, the man didn’t dare easily offend James at the moment. He took a deep look at Aria and, ultimately, sensibly left with his men.
Aria finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly thanked James, “James, thank you.”
James nodded slightly, glanced at his arm where Aria’s hands had been gripping tightly. It was then that Aria realized her hands were still holding onto him tightly.
Embarrassed, she quickly let go, her cheeks suddenly turning red.
He retracted his arm and casually asked, “Why did you come alone?”
“No, I came with Isabella and Emily,” Aria said as Emily appeared.
Emily wore a slim-fit off-white long dress, not flashy but highlighting her gentle and charming demeanor.
Standing a couple of steps away from James, Emily didn’t approach further, her shimmering eyes looking earnestly at him.
James, however, remained indifferent, merely glancing over her. If he hadn’t moved on from their past relationship, he only had hatred left for Emily.
“I have something to attend to. I’ll leave now.” James told Aria, then turned and left, not sparing another glance at Emily.
Aria subconsciously took a couple of steps after him, full of reluctance.
“Don’t bother, he’s already gone,” Emily said coldly. The sight of James and Aria standing together didn’t sit well with her.
A few days ago, Victoria mentioned that the Brown family, with an excellent project, was on the rise again. With James’s capabilities, his family’s restoration of former glory was just a matter of time. She felt regretful for being so hasty in calling off the engagement initially.
After hearing that, Emily was on the verge of tears with anger.
Back then, she had cried and pleaded with them to help James through the crisis, but they had stood by and even supported her in breaking off the engagement.
Emily wasn’t someone who would sleep with anyone for money. She genuinely loved James; otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken such a risk, snatching this man from Isabella.
However, her love for James ultimately couldn’t match her love for herself. She wanted to share prosperity with him but lacked the courage to weather the storms together.
“Why did you just come out? I was almost in trouble,” Aria complained.
“Weren’t you standing here perfectly fine?” Emily’s mood was already quite upset, and her tone wasn’t very friendly.
Ignoring her words, Aria’s mind was focused on James’s tall and handsome figure. She pouted slightly, saying with a shy expression, “Luckily, I met James, and he helped me out. He’s such a nice person.”
Seeing Aria looking infatuated, Emily felt irritated and retorted, “James? Are you familiar with each other? He doesn’t even know you.”