?Chapter 107:


    “You probably don’t realize it, Elliana, but Rosa’s clothes are basically our family’s holy grail. Every season, it’s a mad dash to grab the newest drops,” Louisa said, her warm smile making the words feel like a hug.


    While Irene came off like a walking eye-roll, Louisa carried herself with the ease of a kind soul.


    Elliana offered a polite smile, quietly encouraging Louisa to continue.


    With a sweep of her hand toward Irene and Trinity, Louisa added, “Check us out, Elliana. Head to toe in Rosa. You’ve got yourself a loyal fan club right here.”


    At Louisa’s words, a jolt of difort ran through Irene and Trinity like static.


    Word had just gotten out that Elliana was Rosa, and Ruben had wasted no time gathering everyone before Irene or Trinity could change out of their Rosa gear. If Irene and Trinity had had time, they would’ve burned the tags—anything to keep Elliana from basking in their unintended endorsement. Louisa’s praise turned the air thick with secondhand embarrassment for them.


    Trinity swallowed her annoyance since Louisa was older. Irene, about the same age as Louisa, wasn’t so subtle. Her icy stare cut straight through Louisa, silently ordering her to zip it.


    Back when Irene ran the household, Louisa hadn’t dared make a peep, always ying meek. But now, Louisa was getting bold, and Irene was itching to shut her down.


    Louisa didn’t even flinch at Irene’s re. She kept smiling at Elliana like nothing had happened, her voice still as sweet as syrup. “Who would’ve guessed Rosa’s actually one of us? I can’t contain my excitement! Elliana, any chance we get first dibs on Rosa’s new seasonal drops? That’s not too much to ask, right?”


    Elliana smiled and said, “Of course. If everyone in the family’s such a big fan, I’ll make sure you get early ess to whatever Rosa puts out next. And if anyone needs something custom, just reach out. I’ll throw in a 20% discount, no strings attached.”


    Louisa pped her hands with glee. “That’s awesome!”


    “Really appreciate that, Elliana,” Trinity chimed in. Even though she was fuming under the surface, she managed to keep her act together. She’d never openly beefed with Elliana before, so she had to y nice. But Irene was a whole different…


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    Days of bad blood with Elliana made it impossible to pretend. Her scowl could curdle milk.


    Jeff noticed Irene’s sour expression and let out a snort. “Charging your own family? That discount’s a joke. I don’t know how you say that with a straight face.”


    Jeff barely got the words out before a cane came swinging and smacked his shin. Whatever support he thought he’d gain? Nothing.


    “You absolute blockhead!” Ruben shouted, scowling. “Elliana is world-renowned. People throw money at her just for a chance at a fitting. And here she is, cutting us a deal, and you’re whining for freebies?” Pain red through Jeff’s leg, and he shut his mouth fast. One more word, and that cane would probably find his ribs next.


    Jeff figured the beating was over, but just as he started to rx—whack, another hit came out of nowhere.


    “Ouch!” Rubbing his leg, Jeff eximed, “Come on! I didn’t say anything! What was that for?”


    “You fool!” Ruben huffed. “You didn’t flinch the first time. It appeared I went easy. So, I had to hit harder to ensure you learn a lesson. Next time, maybe you’ll think before you speak.”


    Jeff’s eyes stung, but no tears came—just a lump in his throat and frustration pounding in his chest. That first strike had stung like hell, but he’d swallowed the pain to save face. He hadn’t wanted to seem soft, but if he had known that acting tough would earn him a second beating, he would’ve screamed at the first hit.


    Jeff’s thoughts were scrambled, bitterness and frustration bubbling under the surface. With his head low, he stayed frozen, not daring to act recklessly anymore. Ever since Elliana stepped into the picture, it felt like he’d be public enemy number one. Every mistake, every snidement—he took the fall. It was eating him alive.


    Irene’s chest tightened when she caught Jeff’s defeated look. Her instincts screamed at her to jump in, to defend him, but thest time she opened her mouth, she paid for it too. So, she stayed silent, fists clenched.


    Once Ruben was doneying into Jeff, he turned with a full-face smile toward Elliana. “Now, Elliana, tell me. Life with the Jones family hadn’t been smooth sailing. How did you manage to turn all that into Rosa?”


    “I’ve been curious too,” Louisa chimed in, jumping in with wide-eyed interest. “Elliana, that first piece you released—Spring Goddess—I went back and checked. You were just ten years old when it came out! How did you even create something that incredible at that age and know to submit it to apetition that big?”


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