Sarah let out a long sigh and passed two dresses over to Scottie. "You''ve got a knack for this," she said. "Help me figure out which one looks better."


    Scottie ran his fingers over the fabric, checked out the stitching, and admired the detailed embroidery before making his decision. "Congrats, love. You''ve snagged another stunning dress. I think this one beats the original hands down."


    Despite hispliment, Sarah felt a weight settle in her chest.


    The dress was a gift from Nathalie, and it was clearly pricey.


    Even though Nathalie had no strings attached, Sarah couldn''t shake off the feeling of owing her for such avish present.


    "Take a look at the hand-stitched embroidery on the waist," she pointed out to Scottie.


    That''s when Scottie noticed the familiar design at the waistline-a vibrant rose with stars, and their names stitched into it. He was speechless.


    "This is something special. Was this dress custom-made just for you?"


    Sarah''s expression turned serious. "Ashley gave it to me as a gift."


    Scottie''s face went nk, and he quietly ced the dress back in its box.


    "Sweetheart, we''ve already agreed to represent the Rond family legally. We really shouldn''t be epting gifts from Ashley."


    Sarah replied, "You think I don''t know that? But you don''t get it-Vivian is just so likable. She''s straightforward, and even when she gave me the gift, she made it clear she''d respect my choice, no matter what."


    Scottie knew his wife well. She was level-headed and never brought him trouble.


    If she epted Nathalie''s gift, she must genuinely appreciate her.


    He thought out loud, "Not many people get your seal of approval."


    "Ain''t that the truth? Even Paige, my best friend for ages, doesn''t quite get me. She saw me hanging out with Ashley and used me of being two-faced. It ticked me off so much, I nearly cut her off."


    Sarah pulled Scottie to sit beside her. "Honey, Ashley does have a favor to ask. But she made a good point: the Rond and Morris


    they''re at odds. Someone''s got to be holding a grudge. We all thought it was Morris being the troublemaker, but Ashley insists he''s actually kind and grateful. Have you ever thought that Ashley might be onto


    families are blood rtives, yer 1. ne


    something?"


    Scottie''s face grew serious.


    If Morris was really a decent guy, then maybe Gavin M was the one with the icy heart.


    "You''ve got a point, love. I was so caught up in the friendship, I didn''t really check out what kind of people they are. If Gavin M''s really a snake in the grass, defending them could wreck my career."


    Sarah nodded. "Let''s not rush to judgment. We should learn more about Morris before making a decision."


    "Agreed."


    Nathalie never imagined that despite living by the rules, she''d end up with a court summons one day.


    Dean, acting as the intiff, used Nathalie of illegal fundraising.


    Even though Dean''s charge was baseless, his real goal was to get the Justice Department to dig into her personal ounts.


    Basically, it was all about jealousy over her being the main beneficiary of Maple Company.


    This set off a chain reaction.


    Paige was the first to swing by Sarah''s ce, smugly announcing, "Sarah, told you Ashley was nothing but a low-ss hustler. She''d do anything for a buck, and now she''s finally getting hereuppance."