?Chapter 1603:


    In an upscale restaurant, Sandra and Jordy sat across from each other at a table elegantly set with gourmet dishes—steak, foie gras, decadent dessert, and a bottle of fine red wine.


    Jordy had just arrived, caught off guard by Sandra’s unexpected invitation. Not long ago, she had been distant, even dismissive toward him, so her call to meet for dinner hade as aplete surprise.


    He had intentionally dyed his departure, letting an hour slip by, only to be further dyed by heavy traffic. By the time he reached the restaurant, nearly three hours had passed since her call, and it was almost nine.


    “My apologies for being sote,” Jordy said. “I got tied up with a major client, and the roads were a mess. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”


    Sandra gave a gentle smile, unfazed by his dy. She was relieved that his presence signaled he wasn’t holding her coldness against her. “It’s alright,” she replied warmly. “Jordy, remember how my father gifted me two storefronts at my wee event? I’ve drafted business proposals for them and would love your input.”


    Jordy was surprised. The Harpers were sharp business minds; Sandra could have easily sought their expertise. Why turn to him? Had she shed with her family again?


    He skimmed her proposals quickly, his thoughts echoing Brenna’s earlier critique. “Sandra, the clothing boutique has potential. Consider securing a license for luxury brands or a unique high-endbel. But custom high-end fashion? That’s a tough market. No slight on your talent, but clients gravitate toward well-known designers, and elite circles are particr about a designer’s reputation.” His tone was kinder than Brenna’s, but the point was the same.


    Sandra understood that, aware of her limitations but determined to push forward. “That’s fine. I’m not chasing fast profits. I’ll build my clientele gradually. With my social connections, I’m confident I can seed in three to five years.”


    Jordy, ever tactful, didn’t debate her. He smiled encouragingly. “You’ve got a solid n. I’m rooting for you.”


    In her mind, Sandra suspected Brenna had discouraged her high-end fashion idea out of jealousy, fearing she might outshine her. Convinced of that, she dered…


    Boldly, Sandra dered, “My designs will only get better, and one day, I will be a globally renowned designer.”


    Jordy raised his wine ss in a toast. “To your dreaming true soon. But, Sandra, there’s another reason for this dinner, isn’t there?”


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    Sandra nodded, her smile radiant, her belief in her future unshaken. “Yes, I wanted to ask you something about Brenna.”


    Jordy’s instincts were correct—Sandra’s sudden interest in Brenna likely stemmed from another rift with the Harpers.


    “Ask away; I’ll share what I know,” he said.


    Sandra got straight to the point. “You and Brenna were together before, weren’t you? You’ve known her for ages. When did sheunch her studio?”


    Jordy’s brow creased slightly. “I’m not certain on the timeline. We’ve known each other for over ten years. Back then, the Barrett family treated her like hired help, having her work like a maid. Later, she studied abroad, juggling part-time jobs, but I never heard of her starting a business. When she returned, she was still designing for the Barrett family. We dated seven years ago, and she hadn’tunched anything then. Her studio was likely founded after she joined the Harper family.”


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