?Chapter 88:


    Aaron stepped forward, his finger aimed at Kathy. “You filthy girl! How vulgar and unmannered of you! nder us again, and I’ll be forced to show you the door with a hanger!”


    Madeline positioned herself in front of Kathy, her eyebrows lifted as she nced at Norah. “Norah, isn’t it time you managed your entourage? They’re overly protective, verging on the irrational.”


    The directness of Madeline’s statement was unmistakable.


    Joanna’s temper red at once. She addressed Madeline with a frosty tone, “Do you really think your Powell family holds any sway in Glophia? Are you aware of who I am? My brother could decimate the Powell family’s fortune by two-thirds in an instant.”


    Madeline’splexion drained of color as she quickly tried to amend her words. “Miss Andrews, that wasn’t my intention. My issue was with Norah, not you.”


    Kathy struggled to swallow, observing Joanna’smanding presence. To Kathy, Joanna emanated the aura of a distinguished family, unlike Norah, who seemed just another face in the crowd. It was this contrast that emboldened Kathy and Madeline to taunt Norah.


    With a scoff, Joanna retorted, “My words fall on deaf ears? How dare you belittle Norah? She’s asked me to ignore your antics before, but you’ve crossed the line this time.”


    Norah met Kathy’s and Madeline’s gaze with a serene expression. “Getting upset over them is pointless. Think of them as mere fools.”


    Aaron, impressed, gave a thumbs up. “Yourposure is admirable.” He was surprised by Norah’s patience under mockery, yet


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    He suspected that anger simmered beneath her calm surface, especially considering the incident with her hand.


    Joanna pressed on. “Norah might overlook your taunts, but I won’t. Cross me and you’ll learn your lesson.”


    Joanna’s gaze was icy as she smiled. “Ever heard of Jordy? Arrogant as he used to be, he didn’t dare y against me. He seems quite timid in my presence. Care to test your reach?”


    Aaron’s apuse broke the silence. “Well spoken, Joanna!” Touched by their support, he suggested with a smile, “Why don’t you two go shopping or whatever? Leave us be. You might regret the oue otherwise.”


    Madeline, catching Joanna’s chilling stare, felt a wave of fear. Her boldness toward Norah had stemmed from the belief that Norahcked backing, unlike herself, with the Powell and Carter families behind her. Yet, she recognized that provoking the Andrews family was a mistake.


    Kathy nudged Madeline, whispering, “Madeline, she’s upset. We should leave now. Anyint to her family about us could spell disaster for our families.”


    Kathy understood that Joanna’s threat wasn’t empty. Bryson indeed had the power to obliterate a significant portion of both the Powell and Carter families’ assets. His influence and strength far surpassed that of their families in Glophia.


    Madeline, feeling a mix of defiance and resignation, addressed Joanna. “Miss Andrews, I get that you’re sticking up for your friend, but here’s a piece of advice. Norah isn’t as saintly as you think. Watch out.”


    “She might just turn on you.”


    Joanna’s response was swift and sharp. “And you think you’re in a position to lecture Norah?”


    Barely concealing her amusement at their disgruntled expressions, Norah chimed in, “We’ve spelled it out for you. Are you really going to stand here making a spectacle of yourselves? Leave now, or I can’t promise you won’t regret staying.”


    Kathy, genuinely intimidated by Joanna, tugged at Madeline’s sleeve. “Madeline, perhaps it’s best we leave for now.”


    Kathy was acutely aware of the havoc Bryson could wreak on the Carter family if Joanna decided to involve him. She realized that in Derek’s eyes, Madeline held a ce far more significant than she did. The prospect of Derek holding her ountable for provoking the Andrews family made her chicken out.


    With a reluctant scowl, Madeline conceded, “Fine. Let’s go.” She cast a lingering look of animosity toward Norah before exiting the BelleVogue boutique with Kathy.


    Aaron dismissed the salesperson who had been shadowing them. “You can attend to someone else. I’ve got it from here.”


    “Understood.”


    With the salesperson gone, Aaron exined to Norah and Joanna, “This salesperson is new to the main office and doesn’t recognize you two yet.”


    It wasmon knowledge among BelleVogue’s staff that Norah and Joanna were frequent patrons. Their visits were usually attended to by Aaron.


    Leading them further into the store, Aaron offered his assistance. “What brings you here today? Let me know what you’re looking for.”


    Joanna’s spirits seemed to lift after Kathy’s and Madeline’s departure.


    She teased, “Does Norah really need your help picking out clothes? She’s got a better eye than you do.”


    Aaron felt a sting from her words. “Joanna, that’s a bit harsh.”


    Now more rxed, Norah perused a selection of high-fashion dresses. “I need a dress for an auction. Something that fits well.”


    “Alright, a dress for an auction. Let’s see what we can find.” Upon seeing the options Aaron presented, Norah replied, “There’s so much to choose from. Let’s not rush. Feel free to try on whichever dress catches your eye.”


    Joanna was enthusiastic about her selection. “Norah, this one looks fantastic on you. You should definitely give it a try.”


    As Norah emerged from the changing room, d in the stunning dress, Joanna and Aaron, who had been in mid-conversation, stopped and stared in awe. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”


    “You’re incredibly gorgeous.”


    Theirpliments echoed together.


    Adorned in the striking dress, Norah seemed nothing short of a goddess. Her figure was entuated beautifully by the dress’s design. It was a shoulder-less fishtail cut, crafted from shimmering silver-white fabric that cascaded down from her waist in fluid waves. With her hair elegantly pinned up, her slender neck and the softness of her skin were on full disy, lending her an air of supreme grace.


    Joanna couldn’t help butpliment, “Norah’s physique is just perfect. She makes any dress look stunning. Truly breathtaking.”


    “Apart from being a gifted designer, Norah could have made a remarkable model. She’s got the looks and the figure—just imagine,” Aaron mused.


    Joanna couldn’t resist a yful eye roll. “Aaron, get real. The ie Norah earns from her work in design and medicine far exceeds what she’d make as a model. Plus, why would she dive into modeling? It’s not the easiest path.”


    “Joanna, are you implying that other professions are a challenge?” Aaron teased.


    “In Norah’s case, breaking into any field would be effortless,” Joanna countered with confidence.


    Overhearing their yful squabble, Norah offered a smile. “This dress is the one. Aaron, could you pack it up for me? I’ll pay with my card.”


    Joanna, reaching into Norah’s purse, presented a sleek ck card to Aaron. “What are you waiting for? Use this card.”


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