After Connie''s fever subsided the following day, Charlene finally returned home. She hadn''t yet prepared her outfit for the banquet theing evening. So, she decided to venture out that afternoon. Charlene arrived at a high-end boutique, noticing the manager and several assistants fussing over a particr dress. It wasn''t until Charlene approached that they acknowledged her presence. "Sorry, miss, how can I help you today?"


    "I''m browsing for now."


    "Of course, take your time."


    Despite marrying into the Henderson family, Charlene had rarely attended social gatherings. Thorne and udia often attended formal events without her, and Irma had withdrawn from the social scene years ago.


    Although Charlene wasn''t a fashion expert, years of exposure to Connie''s high-end clothing line had honed her aesthetic sensibilities. However, the boutique''s selection overwhelmed her with its beauty and variety. She wasn''t looking for anything specific, just something decent enough for the asion.


    Then, her eyesnded on a breathtaking dress that the assistants had attended to earlier. It was a light purple chiffon gown with an elegantly cinched waist and a beautifully intricate floral pattern. Paired with a sophisticated ne, the dress perfectly bnced elegance and luxury.


    Drawn to it, Charlene moved closer. As she was about to touch the fabric, the manager swiftly grabbed her hand, causing her to wince in pain.


    Releasing her hand immediately, the manager apologized, "Sorry, miss, I didn''t mean to. It''s just that this dress is a custom piece for a VIP client, one of a kind, and quite expensive. We can''t afford any mishaps."


    "It''s okay." Realizing someone else had ordered the dress, Charlene felt disappointed. The prices in the boutique ranged from a few thousand to over a million dors for the most exquisite pieces. Yet, even the priciest gowns paledpared to the one she had just


    seen.


    Eventually, Charlene settled on a cream-colored silk gown with elegantce detailing. As she paid and waited for the dress to get packed, she overheard two assistants whispering, "They said that dress and nebo were worth over thirty million! It''s as expensive as a house."


    "Some people do live in a different world. And to think, it might only be worn once..."


    Thirty million? Even without an owner, it was way beyond her budget. Shaking her head, Charlene left the boutique.


    Back home, Connie called to invite her for avish dinner the following evening. Learning about the banquet, Connie rushed over the following afternoon, eager to style Charlene personally.


    Charlene had a good eye. The dress she chose was lovely. With Connie''s expert makeup, Charlene''s elegantly understated beauty shone through magnificently.


    When Stewart arrived to pick her up that evening, he was stunned by her appearance. "You look stunning. It suits you perfectly."


    Charlene smiled. "Thank you."


    As they drove, Stewart mentioned, "So, returning to thepany tomorrow?"


    ""Yes," said Charlene.


    "Great. You''ll meet Vesta, too." Realizing she might not know who Vesta was, Stewart added, "She''s the programming prodigy I mentioned. She''s starting tomorrow as well. I''ll introduce you two."