Chapter 46 A good lesson
*MARCELO
I have my schedule memorized by me because I am someone who rarely forgets things. After I left the styling. attended an international conference.
There, I sternly rebuked each participant.
I was a man of few words, my reprimands were often non–verbal.
My stare alone left many wondering what they’d done wrong. They were utterly baffled, Jason visited KM Group to
see me<b>. </b>
He sighed. “Marcelo, are you in a foul mood these days? Your executives are allining to me, using you of being heartless.”
Theirints weren’t entirely serious, I was sure.
They just knew of Jason’s close ties to me and hoped he might uncover if they had inadvertently offended me, leading to my aloofness.
I nced up, uninterested. “Don’t you have better things to do?”
“Yeah.” Jason settled in a chair across from me. “<b>Well</b>, I need to enjoy the perks of being a boss. I guess you don’t rte to that kind of pleasure.”
He then quipped, “Sorry, forgot you don’t understand such joys.”
Impatient, I retorted, “If it’s not important, leave.”
<b>In </b>essence, if Jason had something significant, he should speak up.
“Having a trouble with your wife? Hermès just released some exclusive leather bags. Women love them, and they’re great for making <b>peace</b>!” Jason ventured.
I grimaced.
A Hermes bag?
Perhaps it was less effective than a simple, inexpensive street–side hot chocte.
Jason squirmed under my intense look. He quickly divulged “Luke told me you and your wife argued! It’s odd; Renee seems so even–tempered. How did you upset her? Let me <b>know</b>, and <b>I </b>can help you sort it out”
I pondered what Jason meant by upsetting Ellie“.
I subtly gestured towards the door with my chin, a clear signal for him to <b>leave</b>.
Jason, with a resigned smile and an “OK” gesture, quickly exited.
He had a <bpany </b>and how dare he always lecture me about being a good husband.
He wasn’t even married himself.
The office fell silent.
I then opened his right–hand drawer, retrieving two auction invitations.
He called Luke<b>, </b>instructing, “Tell Renee to join me at the auction tonight.”
*RENEE*
“An auction?” Hearing about the auction, Rence eyed the evening gown Luke offered but didn’t ept it. “I don’t <b>have </b>time,” she firmly declined.
Luke, still holding the gown, persisted, “Mrs. King, Naomi’s condition is stable. Mr. King has informed the Hudson to take over her care. You can rest assured. And remember, whether you are KM Group’s coborative stylist and Mrs. King, Mr. King has the right to invite you.
His words had multiple meanings.
<b>” </b>
Firstly, with Ro and his wife arriving, I would have to confront them if I stayed, an unwee prospect. Secondly, my refusal might provoke Marcelo to leverage her role as a coborative stylist.
But the Hudsons can’t take care of Nana as much as I could.
I guess I would have to leave her for a few hours.
I scoffed. “Marcelo has taught you well.”
Feigning ignorance to her sarcasm, he replied, “Mrs. King, that’s too kind.”
In the distance, a familiar Bentley approached.
It <b>was </b>Ro’s car.
My frown <b>deepened</b>, not expecting the Hudson’s to arrive se promptly.
I dreaded meeting them, yet I knew Nana would like to see them.
She took every one of the Hudson’s as <b>family</b>.
“I’m not fond of this gown’s designer, “Imented, ncing briefly at the box before closing it.
My chin remained unlifted, yet my stance radiated dignity and defiance.
My distaste for the designer meant I naturally disliked the gown as well.
The gown was <b>a </b>limited edition from this year’s new <b>haute </b><b>couture </b>collection, highly coveted. Yet, in my view, it merited only a dismissive “dislike.”
Like, catching on to my preference, smiled and <b>offered</b>, “KT’s owner is well–acquainted with Mr. King. Mrs. King, please feel free to choose a gown to your liking.”
Π
KT was a premier styling studio the city, typically serving elite clientele and A–list actresses.
Located in a distinctive building downtown, its entrance currently disyed a “closed” sign.
Luke escorted me inside, leading
Me upstairs.
We were met by a young man in his twenties, with ash–<b>gray </b><b>hair </b>and a trendy, avant–garde outfit.
“This is Pierre.“Luke introduced <b>him </b>briefly.
I was familiar with the fashion industry and I recognize Pierre’s stature.
A celebrated young designer with numerous des by twenty–five, he was regarded as a rising star in fashion. Pierre extended a friendly greeting, bowing gracefully. “Miss, please choose any gown here. What style do you
26
prefer? I’m d to be of service to such a beauty like you.”
“No, thank you,“I declined, raising myhand. <b>“</b><b>I’ll </b>find something myself.”
Preferring not to have others dictate my appearance,me, a stylist myself, trusted in my ability to craft a look that was both satisfying andfortable.
In under an hour, I had d myself in an outfit that was bothfortable and stylish
Upon Marcelo’s arrival,his gaze found Renee by the expansive window, her eyes set on the busy street below. She was adorned in a captivating gradient purple gown, her haft elegantly curled and swept to the left, embodying both grace and practicality.
Her face, lightly touched with makeup, exuded a natural charm and a certain untouchable allure, as if she was meant to be admired from afar.
Outside the window, the <b>world </b>bustled with hurried lives and worldly pursuits. Amidst this whirl of activity, Renee stood serene and detached, as if in a world of her own.
Marcelo was reminded of the opinions he’d heard about Refee from his social circle.
She was perceived as detached from worldly affairs, unique in her essence.
She was a living embodiment of a dream.
“Miss, you’re a true inspiration, “Pierre gushed, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “Your beauty and impable taste are evident. You epitomize understated elegance.” He was effusive in his praise. “May I have your contact? W
**p, perhaps? <b>It </b>would be an immense honor!”
Marcelo’s expression darkened slightly at this.
“Mr. King, “Luke called out, noticing Marcelo.
Renee turned<b>, </b>her eyesnding on Marcelo, who sat in his wheelchair. He was impably dressed in a charcoal gray suit, his face an unreadable mask. His eyes swept over her, betraying no clear emotion.
This was Renee’s first time locking eyes with him since their disagreement.
Her gaze was cool and detached, akin to a business associate’s, a far cry from the protective stance she had taken at the Kings‘ family house.
“Mr. King, attending the auction with me might damage your reputation,” Renee cautioned.
In their exclusive social circle, where only a select few were privy to such events, everyone was aware of the truth about Renee not being the true Hudson heir.
Before Marcelo could respond, Pierre interjected, puzzled, Miss, your presence would only enhance the event’s prestige. How could it be a disgrace?”
Pierre was very persistent and said to Renee, “Can contact?We should chat more.”
I have your W*
Luke, witnessing this exchange, was at a loss for words.
He sensed Marcelo’s growing annoyance, though Pierre seemed oblivious.
Renee found Pierre’s earnestness both amusing and endearing. Given their shared industry, she saw potential for future coboration and agreed, “Certainly, you can have it.”
16
As Rence reached for her phone to ess W******p, Marcelo swiftly took it from her hand, locking the screen. He turned to Pierre, his expression nk. “Are you bored in this city? I could send you back to the countryside.” Pierre recoiled, fearing the implications. “No! If I return, I be dragged into family farming business. I won’t go
back.”
Marcelo gave Pierre a frosty look, then signaled Renee to follow him as he wheeled away.
Renee, puzzled by Marcelo’s behavior, realized something Pierre, celebrated in the fashion world, was also under Marcelo’s influence.
“Luke, why do I feel like Mr. King is picking on me? Did I upset him?“Pierre asked quietly, perplexed.
Luke rolled his eyes.Pierre’s request for Marcelo’s wife’s contact in Marcelo’s presence was bound to stir discontent. He was fortunate Marcelo hadn’t reacted more strongly.
“Bear in mind, Miss Hudson is with Mr. King now.She is off limits to you and any other man.“Luke advised Pierre in a hushed tone.
Pierre responded with an air of innocence and conviction, had no ill intentions. I was simply admiring beauty.”
Luke sighed inwardly, realizing the futility of offering counsel to someone who couldn’t grasp the <b>nuances</b>.
Marcelo chose his Bentley for the evening’s transport.
Renee, sharing the ride but not the conversation, busied herself with her phone.
A post about the Dove Ind Club caught her eye, bringing back unpleasant memories. As she scrolled to move on, something in the photo halted her.
The club’s hall, the high tform, the dancer, and theck of ss above.
Last time, from the third floor, she could see everything below, but it seemed the reverse wasn’t true.
A realization dawned on Rence: it must <b>have </b>been one–way ss.
Startled, she nced at Marcelo, quickly averting her eyes before he could notice her looking.
She realized that he didn’t actually make anyone to watch her dance.
The auction took ce in a prestigious mansion in the city center.
As evening descended, the mansion’s exterior sparkled with luxury cars and a stream of elegantly dressed attendees<b>. </b>
Marcelo, restrained yet prominent in his wheelchair, made his appearance.
Stepping out of the car, Renee sensed eyes on her – some curious, others mocking
“Shoot! Can you believe Renee’s here? She’s naturally beautiful, beyond what stic surgery could achieve.”
“Renee’s been off the radartely. Makes I wonder if she’s got a wealthy patron.”
“And the man with her, in the wheelchair… He’s not a familiar face in our circles.”
“Actually, there is someone with a disability in the King family. But could it be Marcelo King?”
“Looks like we’re in for some drama today. Andrew and the Hudson’s real heiress are also here.” When someone is sufficiently remarkable, they attract attention.
It’s only when people take notice that criticism follows
Renee knew from a young age that prominence invited scrutiny and criticisin
Ignoring the whispers, she apanied Marcelo into the auction house.
They found seats in a prime spot in the front row.
Soon after, Catherine, draped in a long purple dress and clinging to Andrew, approached.
“<b>Rence</b>, what a surprise. What brings you here?“Catherine asked, her tone feigning innocence.
Renee’s expression instantly turned frosty.
Had she <b>anticipated </b>encountering them, she would have preferred staying at the hospital with Ro and Grace.
Addressing Catherine, Renee inquired, “You didn’t visit the hospital? Aren’t you aware that Nana’s ill?”
“I’m well aware of her condition She’s not even rted to us yet you make it seem like she is Aren’t you doing too much,Renee?“Catherine shot back.
Renee’s anger red upon seeing Catherine’s carefree smile, especially recalling Andrew’s mention of Nana’s ident and suspecting Catherine’s involvement.
Just as Renee temper threatened to erupt, a voice called out to her.
“Renee.”
Marcelo’s voice, low and cool, reeled her back from the brink.
Renee lowered her gaze, reigning in her emotions, and took a seat beside Marcelo. “Sorry, I shouldn’t let personal, feelings intrude here,” she whispered, her apologyced with apparent anger.
The other guests had taken note of the headed interaction between Renee and Catherine.
Catherine seemed intent on making a spectacle, hoping to cement Renee’s image as an impostor in the Hudson family, <b>a </b>scandal for all to remember.
However, the crowd’s whispers didn’t favor Catherine.
“Look at Catherine’s dress<b>, </b>it’s the same color as Renee’s. However, Renee’s elegance easily outshines her.”
“Ha, look at that! Even though their dresses are the same color, Catherine somehow looks less refined next to
Renee.”
“Speaking of grace and poise, Renee has always been unmatched, even among celebrities at Parasti’s g.Catherine just doesn’t measure up to her.”
“We should go! It is better if we keep our distance from Renee,standing next to her only invites unfavorableparisons.“Andrew whispered.
Catherine, boiling with rage yet powerless to express it, seethed inwardly.
She couldn’t fathom why the crowd favored Renee, seeing her as nothing more than a bastard from parents who didn’t want her.
In Catherine’s eyes, Renee’s refined manners were mere
mere pretenses, usurped from a life she didn’t deserve.
She was resolute in her determination to humiliate Renee,no matter the cost.
Meanwhile, Marcelo, casually supporting his chin with his hand, exuded an effortless mix ofziness and nobility.
He suddenly asked teasingly, “Mrs. King, <b>have </b>you figured out how you’d teach that woman <b>a </b>lesson?She needs a good lesson, <b>don’t </b>you think so?”