Chapter 143
Just as Xavier reached Elara, he hesitated. He bit his lower p, his flushed face showing a mix of excitement and
restraint.
Then, with wide, innocent eyes, he grinned at her.
“Xav, I haven’t seen you in so long! Can I give you a hug?”
Merida spread her arms wide toward Xavier.
Xavier looked a little nervous, his tiny fingers clutching the edge of his sleeve.
He gave Merida a tiny nod
The next second, as they hugged, Xavier’s feet suddenly let the ground. Merida had lifted him up with ease, bouncing him a couple of times as if testing his weight.
“Xay, you’re heavier than before! Looks like you’ve been eating well!”
Xavier’s face turned beet red.
At that moment, a row of uniformed staff members nodded in perfect synchronization.
“Good evening, Mr. Leonard, Ms. Jones, and Ms. Merida.”
“Good evening.” Elara responded politely.
Still confused about what was happening, Merida instinctively followed suit, nodding back with practiced grace. Elara exchanged quick pleasantries but couldn’t help wondering–Why did Leonard need this many staff?
And, more importantly, why were they all drop–dead gorgeous?
One of the women stepped forward, her smile refined and professional.
“Ms. Jones,
, we are the Valeni VIP service team. This is our lead designer, Isisa Alvarez. Mr. Leonard invited us to tailor a custom gown for you.”
A tall, elegant blonde stepped forward, holding a measuring tape in one hand.
“Ms. Jones, it’s been a while,” Isisa greeted warmly. “Shall we begin?”
For a brief moment, Elara was transported back in time.
She had been 14 when Leonard first brought her to Capitol. Back then, she had arrived in oversized, hand–me- down clothes, her wary eyes taking in the towering skyline outside the car window.
Leonard had taken her straight to Valeni’s VIP lounge, an exclusive service reserved for top clientele.
That day, Isisa had also been the one to
measure her.
She had been so curious back then, asking Leonard, “Are these clothes expensive? Do I really need something this fancy just to go to Hawke University?”
If attending the junior program meant spending this kind of money, she had thought maybe it wasn’t worth it. Her family could never afford such extravagance.
Leonard had answered her calmly, “I want you to live with dignity. College isn’t an isolated ivory tower–it’s a condensed version of the real world. It might feel unfamiliar at first, but this is a necessary step in your growth.”
Chapter 143
Then he added, “Giving you the best material conditions it about luxury It’s so you can focus on your education without unnecessary worries.”
From that day on, she had developed a deep fondness for Vijencia,
#25 BONUS
Whenever she wore their clothes, she felt safe reminded how Leonard had once stood behind her, supporting her completely.
Now, she stood surrounded by five or six staff members as isa took her measurements, calling out numbers while the others quickly recorded them.
She had never received this kind of treatment in seven years of marriage to Harvey
Sure, fashion and jewelry teams often visited the Fisher resilence.
But Elara had always been on the sidelines, handing over the jewelry and dresses to serve Ethel,
She had never once had a gown made for her.
After all, neither Harvey nor Ethel had ever taken her to a formal event.
To them, she was unpresentable–a country girl who wasn’t fit to be shown off.
No matter how brilliant she had once been–no matter how many awards she had won, how many standing ovations she had received–none of it had mattered.
Trapped in a monotonous, thankless routine of housework, her light had faded.
She had stared at her exhausted reflection so many times until even she had started to believe she wasn’t worth anything and she didn’t deserve anything beautiful.
But now, luxury wrapped itself around her like a long–lost lover.
She stood in front of a full–length mirror, staring at her reflection as Isisa’s voice filled the room with admiration.
“Ms. Jones, you are absolutely stunning.”
Elara turned her head.
Her eyes met Leonard’s, where he sat in his wheelchair, silently watching her.
