Chapter 524 On the Verge of Regaining Memory
Ashley handed the dress to Mary, saying, "Why don't you try it on?"
"If we're going to compare, we need an impartial judge to be fair," Mary insisted.
Ethan's gaze turned icy. "You're pushing your luck. How dare you behave like this in front of me?" His voice cut through the tension. "And let me make something clear to everyone – Pearl is the woman I cherish, not some mistress as you've implied. Insult her again, and you'll face consequences."
Ashley looked at Ethan, her heart both touched and stirred by his defense.
Women fighting over clothes seemed trivial to Ashley, especially considering Prince Ethan's typically busy schedule. Instead of showing irritation at being caught in this petty drama, he remained composed, though Ashley felt they were wasting his valuable time.
"Ethan, let's forget this. It's just a dress. We can shop elsewhere," she suggested.
As Ethan was about to agree, Mary taunted, "What's wrong? Afraid to compete with me?"
"I'm not afraid – I simply don't see the point in competing with you," Ashley replied coolly.
"How dare you!" Mary huffed.
The boutique assistant intervened, "Ladies, please. I'm thrilled you both admire this piece. It's designed by Aivalia's Elisa – her creations are truly stunning."
Elisa?
At the mention of that name, Ashley felt suddenly lightheaded, her face draining of color.
Ethan noticed immediately. "Pearl, what's wrong?"
Ashley shook her head. "I'm... fine..." But internally, she was reacting strongly to the name 'Elisa,' though she couldn't understand why.
"Perfect timing," Mary declared. "Let's have Elisa judge who wears it better!"
The assistant looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid that's impossible. Elisa is quite reclusive. Perhaps His Highness Prince Totti could judge instead?"
Ethan seemed momentarily surprised.
"Your Highness, you wouldn't show favoritism, would you?" Mary challenged.
"Watch your tongue before I have it removed," Ethan replied coldly. "Find a dozen passersby to judge alongside me."
"Right away, Your Highness."
The assistant quickly gathered a panel of shoppers. Mary triumphantly took the dress to the changing room and emerged to gasps of admiration from some onlookers.
Ethan glanced at her dismissively. "Hideous."
Mary's face flushed with anger.
"Take it off. It's her turn now," he commanded.
As the impromptu judges began casting their votes, Mary reluctantly returned to change.
Ashley took the dress but hesitated outside the fitting room, frowning.
"Lost your nerve?" Mary mocked.
Ashley placed the dress on a nearby table. "I've changed my mind about this one."
"Why?" Ethan asked.
Ashley's response was icily succinct, "It's been contaminated."
Ethan was surprised by this glimpse of steel beneath Pearl's usual gentleness – it added a fascinating dimension to his perception of her.
"How dare you!" Mary sputtered.
Ignoring her, Ashley surveyed the boutique until her eyes landed on a striking red dress that seemed strangely familiar.
"I'll try this one instead," she decided.
"Very well," Ethan agreed.
Mary protested, "That's not fair! Changing dresses mid-competition breaks the rules!"
Ethan fixed her with a cold stare. "Different styles don't affect a beauty comparison." He swept his commanding gaze around the room. "Wouldn't you all agree?"
The observers, intimidated by his royal presence, quickly nodded their assent.
Ethan's expression softened as he turned to Ashley. "Go ahead."
As Ashley passed Mary on her way to the fitting room, she caught a fleeting look of murderous intent in the woman's eyes. The hatred seemed bizarrely disproportionate for what should have been a first-time encounter over a mere dress. Could there be something suspicious about this 'Ina'?
Moments later, Ashley emerged from the fitting room to collective gasps.
"Wow, she's breathtaking!"
"That red makes her look like royalty! Is it the dress enhancing her beauty or the other way around?"
"Just glimpsing her feels like a privilege. Compared to Ina in that black dress earlier – that was a travesty. She made the dress look cheap!"
"Absolutely! This Ms. White could make even rags look elegant, but in proper attire, she's nothing short of divine!"
Mary, hearing these comments, fumed. "Nonsense! I looked far better! How can you not see that?"
"Such arrogance!"
"Confidence is one thing, but this is just delusional!"
"She can't hold a candle to Ms. White!"
The crowd continued praising Ashley as Mary seethed.
Ashley smiled confidently and turned to Ethan. "How do I look in this, Ethan?"
From the moment Ashley had appeared, Ethan had been transfixed. The red dress triggered an inexplicable sense of déjà vu.
"Stunning." he murmured.
Suddenly, a fragmented memory flashed through his mind – a woman in red rushing toward him, calling out, "Darling, how do I look in this?"
For the first time, he could see her face clearly. It was Pearl... or rather, Ashley!
Ethan's head began to throb violently, causing him to wince in pain. "My head..."
"Ethan, what's wrong?" Ashley asked worriedly.
Just then, Ethan collapsed into her arms.
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