Chapter 522 The Familiar Dress
Shopping Mall
"What a stunning dress!" Ashley exclaimed.
Ashley wandered through the mall, stopping in front of a luxury boutique's glass display. The exquisite gown gave her an intense feeling of déjà vu. She closed her eyes, trying to capture the fleeting memory—a blurry image of a woman sketching designs, each creation more beautiful than the last.
As she strained to see the woman's face, just as the image was about to crystallize, a harsh voice shattered her concentration. "What are you doing loitering here? This brand isn't for people like you. Move along!"
Ashley turned to face the saleswoman who was eyeing her with undisguised contempt.
"How do you know I can't afford it?" Ashley asked, annoyed. "Perhaps I can."
"Please," the woman scoffed. "Look at what you're wearing—your entire outfit isn't worth $500. This dress costs $30,000. Can you afford that?"
That expensive? $30,000 for a single dress?
Looking at the craftsmanship, quality, and design, though, Ashley had to admit it seemed worth every penny.
She reached into her purse, touching the bank card Ethan had given her. Before she could decide whether to make the purchase, the saleswoman spotted someone approaching and her demeanor transformed instantly.
"Ms. Ross! Welcome! We just received our new collection today. Please, come see," the saleswoman said politely.
Ashley found herself pushed aside. Due to the awkward angle, Mary didn't get a clear view of Ashley at first, only noting her inexpensive clothing with a dismissive smirk.
"I'd love to see the new pieces," Mary replied.
"Of course!" The saleswoman smiled obsequiously, then noticed Ashley still standing nearby. "Stop blocking my customers. Get out!"
Ashley's gaze turned icy. "I dare you to speak to me that way again."
"If you're not buying anything, you're just causing trouble. Don't make me call security!"
"What's going on here?" Mary asked, puzzled.
Mary had entered the boutique and, hearing the commotion, came over to investigate. She immediately recognized Ashley, a flash of malice crossing her face.
It was her—Pearl!
Ashley, who had met Mary before, looked surprised. "Mary?"
"Mary? You must be mistaken. This is Lady Ina, daughter of the Marquis of Atreides," the saleswoman corrected.
Ina?
Ashley studied the woman carefully. She looked remarkably familiar, especially that cold, venomous gaze that was identical to Mary's. How could this possibly be someone else?
Mary arched an eyebrow. "Many people say I resemble Mary. It's an easy mistake to make. And you are...?"
Ashley continued to stare, bewildered.
Was this just someone who looked like Mary?
Finally, she replied, "Hello, I'm Pearl."
"Nice to meet you, Pearl. I'm Ina. Are you shopping for clothes? Let's browse together."
Mary's friendly demeanor might have fooled most people, but her smile never reached her eyes. Ashley could see the clear hostility there—as if she wanted nothing more than to destroy her.
Was she really Ina?
Ashley couldn't shake her doubts.
"Don't just stand there," Mary urged. "Weren't you looking to shop? Let's go in together."
With that, Mary linked her arm through Ashley's as if they were old friends and guided her into the store.
Ashley regained her composure and subtly extricated herself from Mary's touch. "Thank you, Ina."
"Don't mention it." Mary's smile remained fixed while her thoughts raced, 'Soon I'll show you the difference between aristocracy and common blood. After your pride is crushed, you'll stay far away from His Highness.'
Mary glanced at the display case and spotted the black dress. "That gown looks lovely. Could I try it in my size?"
"Right away, Ms. Ross."
Ashley opened her mouth to speak—she wanted that dress—but the saleswoman had already handed it to Mary, who disappeared into the fitting room.
"Do you have this dress in another size?" Ashley asked.
"Everyone knows this brand creates only one piece of each design. We pride ourselves on exclusivity—no one ever has to worry about someone else wearing the same outfit. Don't tell me you were planning to buy the same dress as Ms. Ross?"
Only one dress?
Ashley bit her lip, glancing toward the fitting room.
Perhaps she could wait. If Mary didn't like it, Ashley might still have a chance to purchase it.
A few moments later, Mary emerged in the gown.
"Wow, Ms. Ross, you look absolutely ethereal! That dress transforms you into a fairy princess," the saleswoman gushed.
Mary posed before the mirror, clearly pleased with the dress. Through the reflection, she noticed Ashley eyeing the gown wistfully and mistook her expression for financial envy.
"This dress truly captures the elegance that only aristocratic women possess," Mary said with smug satisfaction. "It is quite perfect, isn't it?"
Ashley hesitated to speak.
The black dress featured a plunging V-neckline with a fitted waist and a voluminous skirt. On Mary, the proportions seemed off—the top half looked bulky and unflattering, actually diminishing the dress's beauty rather than showcasing it.
After a moment of contemplation, Ashley asked, "Ms. Ross, would it be possible for me to try that dress as well?"
Mary smirked inwardly, thinking, 'If you want to humiliate yourself, be my guest.'
With a disingenuous smile, she replied, "Of course! But don't be upset when it doesn't look as good on you as it does on me!"
After all, Mary thought, she couldn't afford it anyway. Let her face the embarrassment!
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