“Ms. Elsie, it’s a gown. “Giama pulled the dress out and admired it with wide eyes wonder.


    eved


    Elsie’s hand, mid–motion as she tastened her earring, fore She stared nkly at the dress spread out in front of her. The tabric and cut were absolutely stumming, wearing it would no doubt turn heads and steal the spotlight.


    She reached out to gently touch the material so soft and smooth and her face unconsciously revealed a mix of awe and envy. “Wyatt really went all


    out for Yunice, Doesn’t he realize that backwoods girl doesn’t deserve it?”


    Giana, practically buzzing with excitement, suggested, “Ms. Elsie, I think this <b>dress </b>would look perfect on you. She doesn’t even live here anymore; who’s going to know Wyatt sent it?”


    e leanedzily against the vanity and


    Elsie <b>had </b>been thinking the same thing. sneered, “Her name might be Yunice, but 177


    ID says Yunice too. It has my name on it, so obviously, it was


    meant for me”


    <b>Giana </b>quickly chimed in. “Exactly, exactly


    As she unfolded the gown and was just about to help Elsie try it on, a card slipped out from between the folds. “Ms. Elsie, there’s a note inside…”


    Ebie took it, scanning the contents. It was a message from Wyatt, outlining his arrangements.


    “Jackson’s birthday is tomorrow?” Her brow furrowed.


    <b>Such </b>an important asion, and Paul hadn’t mentioned it <b>at </b>all. Even someone as insignificant as Yunice had received a gown for the event, and yet she she had gotten nothing. Did Add never intend to bring me to Jackson’s birthday celebration!


    “All that talk about marrying me. Looks like it was just empty promises to string me along Elsie crumpled the letter and tossed it into the trash in frustration


    The thought of Taylor hoking arms with Paul, smiling as the so tal elite showered her withpliments, made jealousy churn like a storm inside her.


    I’m Paul’s woman<b>. </b>I’m the one who should be at an event like this,” she snapped


    Giana while also feeling it was unfair, couldn’t help but remind her. “But Ms. Elsie, the Powell family already kaid you wereich wee anymore.


    “There be of guests What


    son could they jusuibly use so throne me out in front of everyone? Die graded the dress Tm going”


    Then she ordered Ghana to take the gun to her tonal tailor to have a retired to be her


    Thena eft, or went over the note agam Wyan had went that belt prepares a gift of


    Chapter 2′; ku se ita Mine


    Ciucted


    mind.


    The next day, at the Powell mansion. the parking lot overflowed with luxury cars. <b>Titans </b>of finance–people who only ever showed up in stock reports–were suddenly asmon as vegetables at a farmers‘ market.


    Elsie walked toward the Powell family’s attendant, exuding confidence in the dress Wyatt had prepared. She handed over her invitation.


    After scanning it, the attendant gave her a once–over, then stepped aside. “Please go in.”


    She epted the <b>invite </b>back with a smile. Thank God for Wyatt. If he hadn’t set me up with everything I needed. I never would’ve gotten in so easily.


    Once inside, she followed tradition and


    staff wrote her name down <b>on </b>the gifted her birthday gift. Only after making sure the


    the main hall.


    exactly as she requested did she move on toward


    In the grand hall, she scanned the room. To every eligible bachelor who met her gaze, she returned a gentle smile <b>and </b>a poised nod.


    But each of them only gave her a puzzled look before ncing away, clearly unimpressed. One might have been a fluke, but all of them?


    Self–conscious, Elsie reached up and touched her face. Did my makeup smudge? This doesn’t make sense… <i>I </i>haven’t lost my charm. Maybe I just need to freshen up in the restroom.


    Then came the chatter.


    “Ms. Taylor and Mr. Paul really are a stunning couple.”


    “We’re just waiting for their wedding invitation!”


    Elsie froze in her tracks. She turned just in time to lock eyes with the <b>radiant </b>Taylor.


    Taylor’s smile faded as her gaze swept over Elsie from head to toe, then curled into a mocking smark


    The tant disdain in Taylor’s expression quickly <b>drew </b>the attention of the nearby guests, who turned to look at Elsie–giving her the same up–and–down once–<b>over</b>.


    Someone frowned. “Why is she wearing the same dress as Ms. Taylor


    A vice dripped with contempt “At such an important event, someone actually wore a knockoff? How endarrassing for the host family.”


    How the even get in wats such an dus blunder?


    Fiske’s face turned crimson Hustered and corseret she blunted. “This isn’t a fake?


    Someone scuffed. “So what you’re saying Ms. Taylor’s dress is the bus ko? That she copied


    Burning with humiliation, Elsie’s eyes welled up. “You can’t judge people based on where they


    Send Gifts