Chapter 304
"The vast manor was everything someone could dream of – with its horse racing track, golf course, basketball court, badminton court, and even a helipad.
Even worldly Cassie felt like a country bumpkin stepping into a grand world for the first time.
Once they parked, the butler led the group toward the main house.
In the opulent living room, Mildred and her third daughter, Celeste, sat beside each other while Walter and Isaac were in the hall next door, sipping coffee and chatting.
When the four of them entered, all eyes turned their way.
Cassie, in her black vintage Chanel-inspired coat, was particularly eye-catching. Her lips were painted a bold red, her raven hair fell in soft curls over her shoulders, and her petite, sculpted features were accentuated by her delicate, arching eyebrows and smooth skin. She looked elegant and alluring, like a glamorous siren from old Hollywood.
Next to her, Luna's simplicity was overshadowed by Cassie's presence, making her seem like the girl next door, pure and innocent. But everyone knew she was meant to be the belle of the ball tonight, yet she was dressed so plainly.
Mildred had heard about Cassie from Luna before and didn't have her best impression. Now that they were meeting for the first time, she was even less pleased.
""Mr. Chapman, my dad and brother are in the hall. You men might be more comfortable chatting there than hanging around us women,"" Celeste said with a laugh.
""I'll head over then,"" Leo agreed, feeling out of place. After greeting everyone with a smile, he took one last look at Cassie before going to the hall.
As soon as Leo left, Juliette's lips curled mockingly. ""Luna, so that's your... your sister, huh? She is truly a stunning beauty, breathtaking indeed. And look at that dress adorned with pearls and golden ornaments. It reminds me of something I recently saw at Paris Fashion Week, each piece going for around six or seven million. Too rich for my blood.""
Vera smiled demurely. ""Cassie has had her share of tough times abroad. Now that she's finally home, I wanted to treat her to something special to compensate for those hard days.""
""Why bother making up for anything? She's not your flesh and blood,"" Celeste said languidly. ""Look at you. Luna and Joseph's engagement might just be announced tonight. You should have dressed her to outshine everyone, not let someone else steal the spotlight.""
""It's okay,"" Luna laughed. ""I've worn flashy, pretty dresses since I was a kid. Besides, I think something simple makes me look younger.""
Her implication was clear: Cassie was inexperienced, a country bumpkin, and her dress made her look older than her years.
Cassie forced a nervous smile. ""I had no idea my dress was so expensive. It's my first time wearing something this luxurious. Aunt Vera, thank you.""
She cautiously touched the pearls on her dress, startled by her reflection in fancy clothes.
Everyone exchanged glances, fully grasping the context of Cassie's words: she had never worn such expensive designer clothes before, and it was quite the event that she was wearing them today.
As members of elite circles, they were all too familiar with the unspoken rules and instantly understood the implications.
Vera, flustered, managed a strained smile. ""Cassie, what do you mean it's your first time? Didn't I buy you many designer outfits last time? Your closet's full of them.""
""Is that so? I wasn't aware,"" Cassie replied shyly. ""I guess that’s because no one has ever mentioned them when I wore them out.""
It dawned on everyone – if no one had commented, it meant those clothes were outdated.
Vera turned red with frustration, not expecting Cassie to be crafty and destroy her carefully cultivated image in just a few words.
Mildred sipped her tea. She had once held a reasonable opinion of Vera, but now it seemed she was a bit of an embarrassment. Thankfully, Leo was a man of integrity. ""Enough of this talk about designer brands. I don't know much about that stuff, and it gives me a headache,"" she said. ""What I want is to see Joseph's marriage settled.""
Luna blushed.
Vera quickly added, ""Joseph is a gem among men. It would be an honor for the Chapman family if he married Luna.""
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