Chapter 41
Chapter 41
Maurice had been trying to make a connection with Horizon Properties for a while now.
Whether at a cocktail party, dinner gathering, or through mutual connections, he never seemed to get anywhere with
Claude
So when he sent the invitation to him for this event. Maurice didn’t expect much. To his surprise, Claude showed up and even brought his daughter along.
However, Glaude was the first one to dash off to look for a dress, leaving Maurice no chance to make an impression. Now that Maurice finally had the chance to approach him, he figured it was the perfect moment to try to flatter him.
Too bad it didn’t go as planned. After Maurice complimented him, Claude’s face stayed blank. He frowned and said, “Mr. Anderson, you’ve got it wrong. Quinlyn is very talented. I admire her and want Mandy to look up to her as a role model.”
Quinlyn deserves the best and the finest things. I’m afraid this doesn’t even come close to what she deserves,” he added.
Hearing that. Maurice froze. He felt awkward and out of place.
His words made it sound like Claude was more like a father to Quinlyn.
After saying that, Claude didn’t linger. He moved past Maurice, heading straight for Quinlyn.
Quinlyn didn’t care about the fancy dress, but when she saw Claude open the box, she immediately decided to wear it Even though Mandy picked a bright, wild dress, Quinlyn was ready to dance in it.
“Yay! I’m Quinlyn’s dance partner now!” Mandy cheered, practically bouncing up and down. She even gave Quinlyn a high
five.
The adults around them couldn’t help but laugh. The two kids were so carefree and happy like they’d just won a prize. It was heartwarming to see their genuine friendship.
They didn’t feel like they’d been played for fools. Just moments ago, the police officers had revealed what really happened
downstairs.
Everyone was impressed by Quinlyn’s quick thinking and grateful for how she handled the situation. It was thanks to her that they were safe. So, after the ruffians were caught, they all decided to get Quinlyn the best dress as a thank–you gift.
“Are y
you seriously going to wear that dress to dance? It’s not even as pretty as the one I picked out,” Stanley said, watching Quinlyn walk toward the changing room with the gift box in her hands. He was frustrated.
When he’d been picking out the dress, he had imagined Quinlyn wearing it for the opening dance.
He was supposed to be her partner.
But now, not only was the dress being swapped out, but she wouldn’t be dancing with him, either.
Stanley could feel his anger building.
“Brother, dancing is exhausting. I might step on your feet, Quinlyn said, looking back at him. Then she kept walking. The box was huge, and she had to hold it awkwardly.
“What’s exhausting about ballroom dancing?” Stanley muttered under his breath. But then, something hit him. His eyes widened as he looked up, suddenly realizing something.
“Wait a second. What did you just call me? Hey, Quinlyn, if you say that again, I don’t care if you step on my feet. My shoes aren’t that expensive. I’ll let you stomp all over them!” he shouted..
Chapter 41
Quinlyn continued walking, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her eyebrows arched in amusement. Stanley was so easy to please and read, but she couldn’t help but admire his innocence and bluntness.
Before she could reach the changing room, however, a voice called out, stopping her in her tracks,
“Wait! I still have a dress for you” a boy shouted at the entrance of the hall.
Both Stanley and Quinlyn froze and turned around. There, striding into the hall with an air of confidence, was Larry–who should have been grounded–wearing a bright, floral suit that made him look like a peacock proudly flaunting its feathers,
But what really caught their attention was the large dress he was carrying over his shoulder.
It was a fiery red gown, entirely adorned with roses, so dazzling that it was impossible to overlook.
With a grin. Larry’s face glowed ethereally as he lifted the gown in front of Quinlyn. Dropping to one knee like a knight, he said. T heard your dress got dirty, so I brought you a replacement. As promised, I’ll keep bringing you beautiful dresses.”
Quinlyn was hit with the sweet scent of flowers, and as she looked at the heavy gown in his hands, she felt a bit conflicted.
The gesture was thoughtful, but the dress looked so heavy.
She was about to say no, to remind him that she had already promised Mandy.
But before she could. Mandy rushed up, grabbing Quinlyn’s hand. Her eyes were sparkling as she said excitedly, “You have to wear this one! It’s gorgeous! Quinlyn. you have to wear it to dance. I’ll take pictures for you.”
All the girls around them were buzzing with excitement about the dress. If it weren’t for their body shapes, some of the high–society ladies might have fought over it.
In the end. Quinlyn found herself in the dress.
It felt like being trapped in a set of heavy chains. Just walking in it was a challenge, let alone dancing in it.
Stanley scrunched his face as he helped her lift the hem of her dress, still grumbling, “He seriously doesn’t take care of plants. That guy looks like he has no compassion
He was about to tell Quinlyn to stay away from him.
But before he could, a hand landed on his shoulder. Larry’s annoying grin appeared, and he smirked, saying. “Don’t worry about it, Stanley. The flowers used for the dress are grown by professionals. Buying their flowers is actually helping them
out.
With that, Larry smoothly grabbed Quinlyn’s hand and pulled her away from Stanley.
“Hmph, then this dress is definitely not made for dancing,” Stanley muttered, grinding his teeth.
Larry, on the other hand, was looking smug, completely unfazed. He bent down and gave Quinlyn a playful wink. “You don’t need to dance, little princess. You’re better off being the flower in my hand.”
Quinlyn froze, still unsure of the meaning behind his look. Before she could figure it out, she felt her feet leave the ground. In the blink of an eye, Larry had scooped her up in his arms.
A wave of gasps rippled through the hall
To the soft, flowing music, Quinlyn stayed nestled in Larry’s arms. She watched as more and more people stepped onto the dance floor, gracefully showing off their moves. The younger kids, even, moved with such elegance and confidence.
“Well, this place must feel pretty different from your old world,” Larry said, his voice low and teasing.
Chapter 41
Quinlyn heard his soft laugh above her.
She glanced up, her eyes catching the dazzling chandelier above, its light shimmering brightly. But Larry’s face seemed to shitge even brighter–like he was born for moments like this.
“Mm” She nodded slowly, starting to understand what a prince in fairy tales was supposed to be like.
Larry looked down at her, his big, charming eyes sparkling with amusement.
“But you know what? If a fire or a gunfight broke out in here, and people started fighting to escape, they’d all look pretty. ugly. The only one who would stay behind to help everyone out is you,” he said.
so, even without these skills, you are actually way cooler than them,” he added.
Quinlyn listened quietly and then blinked. Now she was sure Larry had chosen this dress on purpose. He knew she couldn’t dance, so he did this just to keep her from embarrassing herself.
Honestly, she wouldn’t have minded being made fun of for not dancing.
After all, in her survival rulebook, nothing mattered more than staying alive.
But clearly, someone cared about that for her.
That feeling was nice. It was way better than being at some fancy party or having dozens of dresses.
Then she looked up at him, her voice sincere as she said, “Thank you, Larry”
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