?Chapter 1529:


    It wasn’t until they were nearly at the mall that the puzzle piece clicked into ce. Sandra’s eyes widened. “Miss Moore, aren’t you the genius behind the M&G brand? The world-renowned fashion designer?”


    Ellie gave a calm nod. “That’s me. Have we met before?”


    Sandra’s jaw dropped. Brenna’s circle included people of such extraordinary caliber. She couldn’t even begin to match that.


    Her gaze sparkled with awe as she looked at Ellie. She had always pictured the M&G founder as a distinguished, middle-aged man, not this vibrant, youthful woman.


    “I’m a huge fan of yours!” Sandra eximed, her voice brimming with excitement. “Your designs are incredible, adored by elite clients everywhere. I’m a fashion designer, too, and you’re my absolute idol! Meeting you is a dreame true!”


    She eagerly extended her hand toward Ellie, her eyes shining with admiration


    Ellie didn’t like Sandra, but she knew that Brenna had brought Sandra along to introduce her to new connections and opportunities.


    So, despite her thoughts, she still shook hands with Sandra. “Pleasure,” she said curtly.


    Sandra took Ellie’s chilly attitude in stride. She figured people at the top probably just acted this way. The important part was getting introduced. There was plenty of timeter to build a good rtionship.


    The group made their way to their regr seafood joint. tes piled high, sses clinked, andughter filled the table until they decided to go shopping.


    Once the group reached the busy pedestrian street, Ellie leaned close to Brenna and let out a sigh. “You know, ever since I had the baby, Thiago has been on this crazy health kick for me. He’s always searching for new recipes, having the chef cook up all sorts of fancy meals. He even brought in a postpartum specialist. The food he cooks is so good that I can’t seem to stop myself. Now look at me—I can’t button any of my jeans. Thiago’s also got me on lockdown, always telling me I need more time at home to recover. It took a week of convincing just to get out today.”


    Feel inspired by g?lnσν????s???????


    Brennaughed and gently pinched her cheek. “No kidding, your face is a little fuller these days.”


    Sandra’s eyes widened with real envy. “Honestly, Ellie, your husband is so good to you. I wish I could find someone half as thoughtful.”


    Ellie gave her a nonchnt look. “Yeah. He is wonderful to me.” Beyond that, she offered nothing—no warmth, no extra words.


    Sandra didn’t mind that. She was determined to make inroads with Brenna’s crowd and the Harper family, but she understood that things like this took time. She was patient.


    Ellie’s nce at Brenna spoke volumes. She clearly wasn’t thrilled to have Sandra tagging along.


    .


    .


    .