?Chapter 1625:


    “It’d mean a lot if you could make it to the opening ceremony. I’ve got influencers lined up for some promo videos, but I could use your help getting people’s attention.”


    Her voice carried a mix of hope and nerves.


    Dalton shot her a sideways nce, doubt flickering in his eyes. His status could easily send her tiny shop into the spotlight, but could her small shops handle that much attention? Banking on Dalton’s poprity, Sandra said,


    “Dalton, what do you say? Will you be there?”


    Sandra locked eyes with Dalton, the air between them heavy with silence.


    She could tell his quiet meant he wasn’t on board. But Dalton’s clout was undeniable. If he helped hype her stores, they’d be an overnight sensation.


    A pang of disappointment hit Sandra hard. She’d been nning for days to win over the Harpers at this dinner. Their help was her ticket to sess.


    Building her business from the ground up with her own connections? That would take forever.


    Why not lean on her family’s influence?


    Even if the Harpers weren’t jumping at the chance to pitch in, she’d swallow her pride and plead her case.


    Gathering her courage, she nced around the table. Everyone was either eating or buried in their phones, looking like they didn’t hear her pitch.


    A mix of hope and frustration bubbled up inside her.


    She needed the Harper family, so no matter how reluctant she was, she had to suck up to them. She set her fork down, and her eyes welled up. She let out a soft sob. It wasn’t all for show; the Harpers’ cold shoulder genuinely cut deep.


    “Dalton, I know you’re not thrilled about helping me, considering me as some outsider. But I swear, you’re all family to me. Doesn’t family help each other? You’re all sessful, but I’m stuck with nothing to my name. I just want a shot to prove myself. Please, just this once, help me. I’ll design some outfits for you for free—how’s that for a deal?” she said.


    No one saw Sandra’s desperate pleaing. But then again, hadn’t she been up at dawn cooking breakfast for everyone to curry favor before?


    She would bend over backward to win them over.


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    Eyes flicked Sandra’s way, and Shepard felt a twinge of guilt gnaw at him.


    He shot a look at Dalton.


    Feeling the heat, Dalton hesitated before saying, “I’m in the public eye, Sandra. It’s not a good match. If I promote your stores and your stuff doesn’t hold up, the blowback’s on me. I need to be careful. You get that, right?”


    Sandra believed he had a point, but she was unwilling to give up. “The brand I’m carrying is top-notch—great quality, killer style. I’m not asking you to say a word. Just show up at my grand opening and stay for a bit. That’s all I need!”


    Dalton’s patience was wearing thin. He didn’t like Sandra, and helping her was thest thing he wanted.


    “Please?” Sandra added.


    Dalton eventually replied, “Sorry.”


    Tears streamed down Sandra’s cheeks.


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