Chapter 35
Natalie answered calmly, “Do you want the truth or the sugar–coated version?”
Jasper raised an eyebrow. “The truth, of course.”
She winked at him, her face filled with sincerity. “No woman doesn’t love shopping for clothes unless she is poor.”
His stern expression faltered as he recalled her earlier introduction, where she mentioned coming to Kingston from the countryside to stay with
relatives and that she didn’t have a job. He couldn’t quite articulate what he felt then, but a pang of discomfort stirred in his heart.
“Let’s go. Ms. McClure must be done trying on clothes by now.” Natalie didn’t wait for his response and returned to the clothing section. He followed and walked beside her.
Meanwhile, Sophie emerged from the fitting room, elegantly holding up the skirt. “Mr. Locke, do you think it looks good-
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But she abruptly swallowed her question when she noticed that Jasper wasn’t at the counter, and neither was Natalie. Only Zachary was sitting on a nearby bench, propping his chin up with one hand, looking somewhat drowsy
Her expression soured as she searched the surroundings. Then, she spotted Natalie approaching with Jasper, a striking pair of beauty and handsomeness that was hard to ignore.
What bothered her most was how Jasper, despite appearing cold and unyielding, consistently followed Natalie. Whenever Natalie glanced at something, his eyes would linger a moment longer.
This realization made Sophie uncomfortable, and she tightened her grip on the skirt’s hem.
She stayed rooted in place until Natalie reached her. Initially, she smiled at Jasper before proudly lifting her chin to showcase the dress. “Mr. Locke, do you think I look good in this?”
He glanced at her, his face expressionless. After briefly pausing, he coldly replied, “I can’t tell.”
Sophie’s face fell at his response. Refusing to accept defeat, she turned to Zachary and asked, “Mr. Stone, do you think it looks good?”
Still groggy from lunch, Zachary yawned and replied dismissively, “Mmm… not bad.”
Sophie felt her frustration rising. “Not bad? Just ‘not bad?”
With her looks and figure, so many had praised her at Guclesh Medical University. Yet, all he could say was “not bad“. Was there something wrong with his eyes?
Feeling indignant, she noticed Natalie standing quietly nearby, intensifying her annoyance. Who did this rural woman think she was to mock her? Even if the dress didn’t suit her, it was better than not being able to afford it!
Sophie’s eyes flickered with an idea as she turned to Natalie. “Ms. Talla, I noticed you haven’t bought anything today. You can’t shop empty–handed. Why don’t you try it on?”
to waste energy trying it on, so she politely declined, “No, thank
Natalie knew she couldn’t afford such a dress and didn’t want to w Sophie scrutinized Natalie from head to toe, her expression mixing disdain and confusion. “Why not? Women should treat themselves better. Just look at
you” that dress you’re wearing. The fabric is coarse and cheap. How embarrassing would it be to go out in that?”
