Olivia stared at Clara.
For a moment, she forgot about the dress she was wearing. Her eyes remained fixed on the pink gown—the same gown she had wanted, the same gown she had been told she couldn't even try on.
And now Clara was wearing it.
Olivia forced a smile. "It does look beautiful on you."
But her fingers slowly tightened around the fabric of her own dress.
Across the store, Nina carefully adjusted the gown for Clara. "Miss Clara, the fitting is perfect."
Clara smiled. "I knew it would be."
She looked at herself in the mirror one more time before turning toward her friends. Suddenly, Nina's attention shifted toward the entrance.
Her expression changed. The smile on her face disappeared, replaced by a respectful look as she immediately straightened her posture. Another assistant noticed her reaction and followed her gaze.
Then she quietly whispered, "She's here."
The other employees immediately understood. One by one, they stopped what they were doing. The atmosphere inside the store changed.
The assistants who had been arranging clothes quickly made sure everything was in order. Even the manager, who had been speaking to another employee near the reception desk, turned toward the entrance.
Madison noticed the sudden change "What happened?"
Eva looked toward the entrance "I think someone important has arrived."
Sophie followed her gaze. Olivia slowly turned around. The glass doors at the entrance opened.
A young woman walked into the store. She wore an elegant, sophisticated outfit that was simple but clearly expensive. Her appearance was graceful rather than flashy, and there was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself.
She wasn't surrounded by a large group of people.
Only a young woman walked beside her, carrying a tablet and a few files, while a bodyguard followed a short distance behind them.
The moment the employees saw her, they greeted her respectfully "Good afternoon, Miss Anne."
"Welcome back, Miss Anne."
Anne smiled warmly "Good afternoon, everyone."
She stopped for a moment and looked around the store "How is everything today?"
The manager immediately stepped forward "Everything is running smoothly, Miss Anne. The new collection has been receiving excellent feedback, and the VIP appointments are going according to schedule."
Anne nodded. "Good. And don't forget to make sure the staff takes their breaks. We have a busy evening ahead."
The manager smiled. "Of course, Miss Anne."
Anne glanced around once more. Her eyes moved across the displays, taking in every detail.
She looked completely comfortable here. This wasn't simply a store she owned. It was a place she had built. A place where everyone knew her. A place where her presence changed the atmosphere without her ever having to demand anyone's attention.
Madison stared at her, her eyes immediately filling with emotion. "Anne..."
Anne's gaze moved toward the voice.
She stopped. For a moment, her expression softened. "Mom."
Madison smiled. "You're here."
Then she paused, looking at her daughter with surprise. "But didn't you say you were busy today? You said you had a tight schedule. How did you manage to come?"
Anne smiled faintly. "I had a meeting nearby, so I decided to stop by and check on the store."
Madison looked at her proudly. "You've become so successful."
Anne gave a small smile. "I'm just doing what I love."
Madison reached for her hand. "I'm so proud of you."
Anne looked at her mother for a moment before gently squeezing her hand. "Thank you."
Then her gaze moved toward Eva. A small smile appeared on her face. "Aunt Eva."
Eva's expression softened immediately. "Anne."
They exchanged a brief but warm look. "Anne, sweetheart, how are you? You've grown even more beautiful," Eva said.
Anne laughed softly. "You're only saying that because you're my aunt."
She looked at Eva fondly. "But how are you? You're taking care of your health, right?"
"Of course I am. How do you think I'm supposed to compete with you youngsters if I don't?" Eva replied happily.
Anne laughed again. For the first time since Anne had entered the store, the tension in the room seemed to ease. But then Anne's eyes moved further.
She saw Sophie. Her expression became slightly more reserved.
"Mrs. Smith."
Sophie smiled politely. "Anne."
There was a brief silence between them.
Anne then looked toward Olivia. Olivia was still standing near the small platform in her new dress. Their eyes met. Neither of them spoke for a moment.
Olivia was the first to smile. "Sister."
Anne looked at her calmly. "Olivia."
Olivia stepped down from the platform. "You look beautiful."
She gestured toward Anne's outfit. "I can see where you got your sense of style."
Anne gave her a polite smile. "Thank you."
Her eyes then moved toward Olivia's dress. "It's beautiful. Is that from the new collection?"
Olivia nodded. "Yes. I was looking for something to wear for the engagement."
Anne's expression remained calm. "The engagement?"
Olivia smiled. "Jason and I are getting engaged soon."
For the briefest moment, something changed in Anne's expression. Only Eva noticed.
But Anne quickly composed herself. "Oh. Congratulations on your engagement."
Olivia studied her face carefully. "Thank you, Sister."
Anne simply nodded. Olivia's smile remained in place. "I hope you'll come."
Anne looked at her for a moment. "Of course."
Her answer was calm. "I'll be there."
Olivia's smile widened slightly. "Thank you, Sister."
Anne nodded. Then her attention shifted toward Clara. Clara had been watching the interaction from a short distance away.
The moment Anne looked at her, Clara's face brightened "Anne!"
Anne smiled genuinely "Clara."
Clara walked toward her and immediately linked her arm with Anne's "I was just trying on the gown you recommended."
Anne looked at the pink gown "It looks perfect on you."
Clara smiled "I love it. I'm definitely taking it."
"Good." Anne turned toward Nina.
"Please make sure it's prepared properly. Clara is wearing it for her birthday celebration."
"Of course, Miss Anne," Nina replied immediately.
Clara looked at herself in the mirror again, clearly pleased with the gown. But Olivia's eyes moved from Clara to Anne.