Chapter 20

Evelyn Sullivan tapped her fingers lightly on the phone screen, her brow slightly furrowed. "Serendipity isn't for sale. Didn't you explain that to the client?"

The gown was her labor of love, designed over three sleepless nights as a birthday surprise for Sophia Reynolds. She'd been too busy with projects to pick it up.

"I did, but the client is Lily White from the White family," Vanessa Cruz's voice carried hesitation through the phone. "She insists on buying it, even offered ten times the price. The Whites have considerable influence, and I'm worried—"

Evelyn's gaze turned icy. "Tell her she can choose any other gown in the store. It's on me."

"Understood."

Vanessa hung up and took a deep breath before approaching the VIP section. Lily sat on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, her fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest.

"Miss White, my sincerest apologies," Vanessa offered a professional smile. "The owner confirmed Serendipity isn't available for purchase. As a gesture of goodwill, you may select any other gown free of charge."

A flicker of greed flashed in Lily's eyes as she scanned the display. The gowns, each worth millions, were tempting—but none compared to Serendipity.

"Is this how you run your business?" She suddenly slammed her hand on the table. "If it's displayed, it should be sold! Who would dare shop here otherwise?"

Vanessa's smile cooled. "It was indeed a staff oversight. Perhaps you'd like to browse our other designs?"

"I want this one!" Lily yanked the hanger holding Serendipity. "If you refuse to sell it today, I'll make sure every socialite in town blacklists JM Couture!"

The air froze.

Vanessa dropped all pretense of politeness, her voice sharp as ice. "Miss White, know your limits. JM doesn't respond to threats."

Isabella Jackson, who had been silent until now, tugged at Lily's arm. "Lily, JM's standing in this city—"

"It's just some shabby boutique!" Lily shook her off. "DI and CH are far superior!"

Isabella hesitated. She knew better than anyone who stood behind JM.

The dressing room curtain suddenly parted. Sophia peeked out. "What's going on? I heard arguing—"

Evelyn slipped her phone away, her expression neutral. "Nothing serious. A staff member misplaced a sample."

Sophia narrowed her eyes. "It's not my birthday gown, is it—"

"Don't overthink it." Evelyn chuckled, nudging her back inside. "Try on the starlight dress."

Once the curtain closed again, all warmth vanished from Evelyn's eyes. She dialed another number. "Look into the White family's recent projects."

Keyboard clicks sounded through the receiver. "White Enterprises is bidding on the Eastside development."

"Send a message to Sullivan Group." A faint smirk curved Evelyn's lips. "Tell them I want that land."