Chapter 18
Kylie stepped into the styling studio with Zach, and it was like they had the place to themselves.
She threw on a black dress that the stylist had picked out, and at first, it was just a dress. But after the hair and makeup crew
did their thing, Kylie stared at herself in the mirror, not recognizing the woman who looked back.
The dress was classy, with a back that showed just the right amount of skin, making her look like a million bucks.
Zach walked out of the restroom and froze.
He’d always known Kylie was gorgeous, but in that dress, she was the kind of beautiful that could stop traffic. He quickly collected himself and got her out of there.
On the way, Zach was the driver, focusing on getting them to their next stop.
Pulling into the auction house parking lot in their not–so–luxury ride, Kylie and Zach were met with a guard who clearly didn’t think their car was up to snuff.
“Sorry, but this lot is for special events only,” he said, his tone saying he wasn’t sorry at all, like they’d stumbled into a country club by accident.
But when he saw a luxury car getting closer, he went to butter the owner up. all smile.
Kylie, in the passenger seat, raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips.
Zach, who was with her, was used to this kind of discrimination, but it was a new one to experience while he was in the company car. His face went from zero to frostbite in seconds. “You don’t recognize me?”
The guard had been too busy looking down his nose to make eye contact. He’d seen plenty of people trying to sneak a peek at the high life.
But when he finally looked at Zach, he realized he’d messed up. Zach was a regular with the Walters Group’s CEO, and the staff was trained to know the city’s heavy hitters. “Zach?”
“Good catch,” Zach said, his voice cold. “I’ll be talking to your supervisor.”
The guard turned pale, nodding so fast he was a blur. “It’s just so busy tonight, we’re being extra careful. My mistake, sir, for not recognizing you right away.”
Zach just gave a humorless laugh and drove on into the lot.
Kylie
lie watched the whole thing go down with a mix of amusement and indifference. Snobs like that were a dime a dozen. The Lampard family was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to people looking down their noses at others.
Kylie showed up, meeting Trevor soon.
He was his usual put–together self, but he had this way of looking at her that made her feel like he was calculating the distance to the moon. When he saw her, his gaze got stuck on her like a skip in a vinyl record
She floated towards him, all done up in a dress that made her look like she’d stepped out of a classic Hollywood movie. The way she moved was like walking on air.
Trevor’s eyes went all deep and dark, like he was trying to solve a puzzle. Her dress was too sexy. ‘How does that stay up?‘ he sneered to himself.
But as she got closer, she could see Trevor’s face was more of a storm cloud than a welcome sign. Was he thinking her dress was too much? She loved it, and thought it was perfect for the night’s big event.
“Is there an issue?” Kylie asked, her voice as smooth as silk but with a hint of steel.
Trevor’s eyebrows pinched together, just a little, which on him was the equivalent of a full–on eye roll. “You’ll definitely get some looks in that dress tonight.”
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4.07 PM M
Chapter 18
Kylie shrugged, not bothered in the slightest. “If I get looks, it’s because the stylist you found is a genius. This dress and the makeup are spot on.”
Zach, who was hanging around, looked like he’d just seen a ghost. He was probably thinking that Kylie wasn’t trying to catch Trevor’s eye with her outfit. If she was, she’d be tripping over herself to smooth things over, right? But there she was, owning her style like it was her personal runway
At the auction house, the energy was palpable as people shuffled into their seats. Melanie and Samuel grabbed spots in the back, keeping a low profile.
The place was packed, with the buzz that the items up for bid were something special. It was a chance to see and be seen, even if they didn’t leave with any new treasures.
Samuel had snagged an invite through a friend of a friend, a chance to rub shoulders with the bigwigs. The Lampard family had a solid business back in Jardora, but they were far from the high society here. He was looking to change that
Melanie had caught wind of her dad’s plans and had sweet–talked her way into coming along. She had her own reasons for being there, too–hoping to spot Trevor, the guy who’d caught her eye.
The men were all in their Sunday best, and from her spot in the back, Melanie couldn’t get a good look at the front.
“Dad, remember you said the Walters Group gave us that contract? The one that’s gonna take our company to the next level! If Mr. Walters is here, maybe we could get a word in with him?” Melanie asked, her voice hopeful.
Samuel nodded, his eyes gleaming with the prospect. If the stars align, I’d love to.”
He paused, then added with a knowing smile, “You know, Mr. Walters is still single. You’ve always been a star, Mel. If you could get to know him today… Well, you get where I’m going with this, right?”
Melanie got the hint, her cheeks flushing as she looked away. “Dad. I get it”
“Mel, you’re a chip off the old block, sharp as a tack.” Samuel praised her, his pride evident
Suddenly, he froze, his gaze fixed on something up front.
“What’s up, Dad?” Melanie asked, noticing her father’s sudden surprise.
Samuel was staring at a couple in the front row. The man was Trevor, and the woman next to him had a silhouette that was eerily familiar, resembling Kylie.
“Trevor’s got a date, and she looks a lot like Kylie, Samuel said, his voice trailing off.
“A date!” Melanie’s curiosity piqued as she followed her father’s gaze.
There was Trevor, his presence commanding attention in his suit.
But it was the woman beside him that caught Melanie’s eye, wearing a gown that Melanie had admired but could never afford.
The dress accentuated the woman’s figure, and her exposed back was stunning, her skin turning heads.
From behind, she bore a striking resemblance to Kylie….
SEND GIFT
