Her voice carried a hint of disappointment "It's so beautiful. I wish I could wear it."
Sophie immediately noticed her daughter's disappointment "Don't be upset, Olivia. I'm sure Anne can give you that gown. She's your sister, and this is her store."
She turned toward Madison "Isn't that right, Madison?"
Madison's smile stiffened. She found herself caught between the two sides. If she insisted that Olivia should receive the gown, it might seem as though she was asking the store to ignore its own rules. But if she defended the store's policy, Olivia might feel rejected.
After a moment, Madison turned toward the assistant. "Would it be possible to make an exception? The store belongs to my daughter, and Olivia is her sister. She really likes the gown."
The assistant looked apologetically to the ladies.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we aren't permitted to make exceptions. That's the store's policy. Only customers with a premium membership card can purchase designs from that collection."
Olivia lowered her gaze. For a moment, disappointment flashed across her face, but she quickly composed herself.
Eva noticed the change in her expression. "Olivia," she said firmly, "why don't you look at the designs the assistant brought? She said there are similar gowns. You might find something you like even more."
Olivia looked at Eva and forced a small smile "Okay. Please bring the other collection. I'll take a look."
"Certainly." The assistant turned toward another employee "Lily, could you please serve our guests some refreshments?"
A young woman standing nearby nodded and approached them with a tray. The assistant then went to bring more gowns.
Olivia leaned back in her seat, but her eyes remained fixed on the glass case.
Why does that gown look so familiar?
Before she could think about it any further, movement near the entrance caught her attention. A young woman in her twenties entered the store. Two elegantly dressed women walked beside her, while two bodyguards followed closely behind.
The staff immediately became more attentive. One of the assistants hurried forward.
"Miss Clara, welcome. Please have a seat. We've prepared the premium collection for you."
The young woman nodded calmly and walked toward the private premium section. Olivia watched her with curiosity.
Sophie leaned closer to her daughter "Isn't that Clara Whitmore?"
Olivia nodded "Yes. Clara Whitmore—the heiress of the Whitmore Group."
Sophie glanced toward the premium section "I heard she's having a birthday celebration soon."
"Yes," Olivia replied quietly. "She doesn't socialize with many people. She's known for being quite reserved... and a little arrogant."
Sophie raised an eyebrow "Do you know her?"
"No. Not personally." Olivia glanced toward Clara again.
Then her eyes moved toward the premium collection. The same section where the gown she wanted was displayed. She watched as the assistant welcomed Clara and began showing her the exclusive designs.
Olivia's smile slowly disappeared.
So that's why she can access that section.
Her gaze returned to the gown. Something about the situation bothered her.
Not only because Clara could access the gown she wanted, but because Clara seemed to belong in this world without having to ask for permission. Olivia quietly clenched her hand before forcing her expression back into a smile.
Meanwhile, Clara had reached the premium section.
Nina, one of the senior store assistants, approached her carefully.
"Miss Clara, this is the collection you ordered. We'll just need your premium card for the entry."
Clara smiled and reached into her handbag "Of course."
She pulled out a silver membership card and handed it to Nina. Nina checked the card before handing it back. "Thank you, Miss Clara."
Clara glanced around the premium section, then took out her phone and dialed someone. "Hello? I've reached the store. Where are you? Okay... I'll wait here."
After ending the call she looked around then her eyes stopped on the pink gown displayed inside the glass case. "Is that one of your new designs?" She pointed toward the gown.
Nina followed her gaze. "Yes, Miss Clara. It's one of our latest designs. It was launched recently."
Clara's eyes lit up "I'd like to try it."
"Of course. Please wait a moment. I'll bring it for you." Nina smiled warmly before walking toward the display.
From across the store, Olivia watched everything. Her expression became slightly stern. The exact gown she had been refused was now being taken out for Clara without hesitation. She looked away, trying to hide her irritation.
At that moment, the store assistant returned with another rack of dresses.
"Olivia, look at these," Madison said excitedly. "They're all so pretty. You should try one. Maybe you'll find something you like even more."
Madison then turned toward Eva. "Eva, what do you think about these pieces? We could buy something for ourselves too."
Eva looked through the dresses "I don't know, Maddi. They all look beautiful, but most of them seem more suited to the younger generation."
There was a slight hint of regret in her voice. She had clearly hoped to find something for herself as well.
The assistant smiled politely. "Don't worry, ma'am. We have dresses suitable for women of all age groups. If you'd like, I can show you some of our more mature designs later."
"Really?" Madison's face brightened.
"Then we'll definitely look at those later. But first, we have to find something for Olivia." She picked up another gown from the rack and held it toward Olivia.
"Here, Olivia. What do you think of this one?" Olivia looked at the dress.
It was similar in style to the pink gown she had admired earlier, although this one was a different color. The delicate sheer sleeves and elegant design gave it a graceful appearance. She hesitated for a moment.
Then she nodded "That one looks nice. I'll try it."
"Yes, honey. Try a few more along with that," Sophie said, picking up a few more dresses and handing them to Olivia.
Olivia stood up and followed the store assistant toward the changing room.