Chapter 405: What is Thea York Doing?

Chapter 405: Chapter 405: What is Thea York Doing?

Estelle nodded. "Okay."

HY Studio was a luxury eveningwear company under the Evernight International umbrella.

Since she had agreed to accompany Nathaniel Sloan to Evernight International’s annual gala, she had pre-ordered a gown from HY Studio a few days ago. Every piece from HY was custom-tailored, and it seemed her dress was finally ready for a fitting.

Normally, a studio of this caliber would deliver the gown directly to the client’s home. However, since HY Studio was located right next to Star’s headquarters, Estelle hadn’t wanted to make them go out of their way.

Upon arriving at HY Studio, an attendant immediately stepped forward to greet her. Though called a "studio," HY was actually a high-end boutique that integrated design, exhibition, retail, and lounge areas all into one. Any guest walking through their doors received HY’s top-tier service, regardless of whether they made a purchase.

Estelle was invited to sit in the lounge area. "Hello, would you prefer tea or coffee?" the shop assistant asked respectfully.

Estelle shook her head, declining the offer. "I pre-ordered a gown here half a month ago."

"I see. Right this way, please. Our fitting area is over here."

Yet, after taking a walk around the fitting area, Estelle didn’t see the dress she had ordered anywhere. She wondered if it wasn’t finished yet. But if it were incomplete, Nathaniel wouldn’t have notified her to come.

Since Nathaniel hadn’t arrived yet, Estelle planned to head back to her office first. Star was just next door, after all.

Just then, a gentle female voice drifted over. "Is the dress I pre-ordered ready?"

The shop assistant hurriedly went to greet her. "Miss York!"

Estelle narrowed her eyes. Thea York? What rotten luck. What a nuisance. She was just about to leave when Thea acted as if she had suddenly spotted her.

"Estelle? You’re here too." Thea enthusiastically linked arms with Estelle. "What brings you here, Estelle? Buying a gown? I’m a regular here. Nathaniel used to accompany me all the time. What kind of gown do you like? Should I have them recommend something for you?"

Her words were practically overflowing with smugness and showing off.

Estelle found it rather strange. Nathaniel had rejected Thea time and time again, shutting her down at every turn. Why hadn’t she given up yet? Not giving up was one thing, but how could she still be so confident?

"Estelle?" A smug smile tugged at the corners of Thea’s lips; she couldn’t suppress her urge to flaunt. "Don’t worry, I have the final say here at HY Studio. If you see anything you like, just take it. Nathaniel won’t mind."

Thea stared at Estelle. She wondered if Estelle felt heartbroken and disappointed. Even though this boutique was owned by her husband, the staff only listened to Thea. She refused to believe Estelle could tolerate this!

Estelle was speechless. Wait, what was Thea rambling about? She couldn’t understand a single word she was saying.

Thea had the final say at HY Studio? Nathaniel wouldn’t mind what Thea did? Did Thea genuinely believe that she and Nathaniel were family, while Estelle was the outsider?

If Thea had been this confident in the very beginning, Estelle wouldn’t have found it odd. After all, they were childhood sweethearts. Faced with an "unfavored" Mrs. Sloan, it would make sense for Thea to be confident. But now?

It wasn’t that Estelle was overly confident, but she could clearly see Nathaniel’s feelings for her. She didn’t believe her relationship with him would crumble over another woman. So... what exactly was Thea trying to do? It was truly baffling.

Seeing that Estelle didn’t say a word, Thea gently bit her lip. She wondered what this meant. Was Estelle not sad at all?

That couldn’t be right. Wasn’t Nathaniel already... Had he not laid his cards on the table with Estelle yet? Impossible. That person had assured her that no one could resist the drug’s effects. The person Nathaniel loved now had to be her!

Right... She understood now! After all, they had been married for years and had three children. Even if Nathaniel no longer loved Estelle, he would still allow her to keep her dignity. Whatever. As the future Mrs. Sloan, she would give this soon-to-be ex-wife a little face.

Thea spoke with mock pity. "Estelle... Sigh. You came to pick out a gown, didn’t you? But didn’t Nathaniel tell you? I’m the one accompanying him to the annual gala."

Estelle narrowed her eyes. Something was wrong. Thea’s confidence was off.

Nathaniel had never mentioned changing his date for the gala. Even just yesterday, he had told her, "I’ll be there for you from now on." If Nathaniel wanted to change his plus-one, he would definitely tell her and give her a reasonable explanation. He wouldn’t just replace her without a word—and he certainly wouldn’t replace her with Thea.

So... why was Thea so confident? Where did she get this information? Her news seemed to have arrived faster than either Estelle or Nathaniel—the actual people involved—knew about it.

"Miss York, the gown you pre-ordered is right here." The shop assistant approached with a beaming smile, pushing a rolling clothing rack that held a magnificent light blue gown.

Estelle’s expression instantly turned cold. Once a gown design from HY was ordered, they never made a second one for sale. This exclusivity was the reason why HY maintained such a high volume of loyal clientele despite its small scale. But right now, Thea’s gown was completely identical to the one she had ordered!

"Estelle, look at my dress. Isn’t it pretty?" Thea couldn’t help but gloat. "Nathaniel gave this to me. He told me to dress beautifully. Oh, right... Do you not have one?"

Thea feigned worry, eventually sighing as she turned to the shop assistant behind her. "Estelle, did Nathaniel really not get you a gown? What are you going to do then?

"Even though you can’t attend as Nathaniel’s date, you’re still a partner of Evernight International. You’ll definitely be invited. If you don’t even have a decent dress to wear...

"How about this? Bring out all the other gowns in the store and let Estelle pick one."

The shop assistant chimed in, playing along with her act. "Miss York, I’m truly sorry, but all the other gowns in our store have been reserved. After all, as you know, our boutique only accepts pre-orders. One design per person. We absolutely never produce a duplicate. So if Miss Lockwood wants one..."

Thea feigned a reprimanding tone. "Are there really no unwanted gowns lying around? You must have some old inventory. Estelle is my friend. If she wants a dress, just bring it out!"

The shop assistant shook her head. "I’m so sorry, but those dresses are practically scrap. The reason no one wants them is that they’re poorly made and unpopular. If Miss Lockwood insists on wearing one, we can give it to her for free."

Thea covered her lips and giggled. "I see. Unwanted and unpopular... Oh my, Estelle, I’m not talking about you. I’m just looking out for your best interests. Do you want to try one on?"

Estelle narrowed her eyes.

Suddenly, a text message came through. It was from Nathaniel. It contained only three words.

[Wait for me.]