Chapter 249
Sylvia Laurent walked over to Isabella Sullivan.
Her gaze fell on the dress Isabella was wearing.
"That dress suits you perfectly."
The sales associate stood nearby, looking surprised.
Sylvia had tried this same dress on herself.
It looked decent.
But it looked even better on Isabella.
It wasn't just the fit.
It was more about the matching aura.
Sylvia's presence was sharper.
Isabella's was much softer.
Her features were gentle.
Her smile was even gentler.
Her eyes and brows relaxed.
It was pleasing to look at.
Sylvia usually didn't care for gentle, feminine types.
Like Olivia Lopez.
Or Professor Eleanor Watson in her qipao.
But Isabella was somehow agreeable to her.
The sales associate seemed hesitant to speak.
Isabella was perceptive.
She understood quickly.
She smiled graciously.
"Thank you." She pointed to another dress. "You have a classic figure. This style would suit you better."
Sylvia had an hourglass shape.
Fuller on top.
A slim waist.
Styles that accentuated the waistline were best.
The one she had on didn't define her waist.
It looked bulky.
The one Isabella indicated was black.
Slimming.
The cut emphasized the waist.
A fishtail, high-waist design.
It added a touch of laziness
Softening the severity of the black.
Sylvia tried it on.
The effect was unexpected.
The reflection in the mirror surprised her.
"You have a great eye. Did you study fashion?"
Isabella shook her head.
"No, I just enjoy reading style magazines."
"Just reading does that?"
"You have to practice a lot too…"
They chatted as they walked.
While the associate rang up the purchase.
Sylvia noticed a novel in Isabella's bag.
The cover looked familiar.
"Are you reading 'Seven-Day Tale'?"
" 'Also'?" Isabella was surprised. "You read it too?"
"Not me, my youngest son. He's obsessed with mystery thrillers lately. Read 'Seven-Day Tale', bought other books by the same author… 'The Weapon', 'The Deserted Village School', things like that…"
"Oh right, he even read the author's young adult romance. Last time I brought him lunch, I flipped through a couple pages. Almost died from the cringe…"
Isabella: "…"
Her embarrassing past was suddenly exposed.
Only awkwardness and mortification remained.
She wanted to curl her toes.
Wanted to vanish on the spot.
Sylvia: "But that author is no good at young adult romance. Their mystery novels are decent though. So popular, market-tested, probably not bad."
Isabella: "…"
The associate finished the transaction.
Smiled as she handed back the credit card and the clothes.
Sylvia took them.
Said goodbye to Isabella.
Reached the entrance.
Bumped right into Sophia Sullivan.
Their eyes met.
They recognized each other.
But neither offered a greeting.
Sophia remembered this wealthy lady.
The other might not remember her.
Initiating conversation might seem calculated.
They'd met a few times.
She could sense the other woman didn't like her.
Since there was no connection.
Better to pretend not to know each other.
Sylvia frowned.
This girl's face was unappealing.
And she had no manners.
They passed each other.
Sylvia walked away.
"Sophia, where did you go? Come quick, I've picked something out." Isabella called to her.
"That fast? I just went to the restroom, missed you trying things on…"
"I'll try it on for you back home."
"Okay."
Isabella: "Just met an older sister, helped her pick a dress. She said her son is reading 'Seven-Day Tale'…"
In the laboratory.
Alexander Laurent sneezed several times in a row.
Quincy Evans grinned mischievously.
"Alex, all those sneezes. How many women are thinking about you?"
Alexander: "… Don't you have work to do?"
Quincy's scalp prickled.
A bad feeling settled in.
"Tomorrow's academic exchange at the Ritz-Carlton. You're going."
"!" Help!
Zoe Langley stifled a laugh.
"Serves you right! Can't resist poking the bear!"
…
The family of three shopped until six in the evening.
Decided to eat at the mall.
Mother and daughter discussed what to have.
David Sullivan suddenly called.
He said he'd booked a restaurant.
Told them to go directly to the lower level.
Isabella: "… How can we let you treat us?"
"I invited you to Kyoto for the book signing. Food, lodging, transportation—it's all on me. Just a meal, and I'm still coming out ahead!" David's voice was hearty.
Considering Isabella preferred lighter flavors.
David had chosen a private kitchen bistro.
Popular with locals and visitors alike.
Business was booming.
Reservations were required.
Knowing they were shopping.
David had specifically booked a private room.
The floor-to-ceiling window overlooked Antique Street.
A newly developed hotspot for social media.
It had a vibe of viewing the bustling city from a quiet hill.
David thoughtfully asked about everyone's preferences.
Expertly ordered dishes and checked on the food.
Not overly effusive.
Just the right amount of hospitality.
Even Sophia had to admit.
David knew how to handle people.
Isabella, needless to say.
A talented horse meeting a discerning judge.
They conversed happily.
Even discussed outlines for new books.
Sophia looked at her mother.
Saw she was in a completely different state.
Before, calls with her editor were either arguments or shouts.
Mentioning new books always brought fatigue.
Now her eyes sparkled.
Full of drive and energy.
She knew these changes were thanks to David.
And David was introduced by Julian Winston…
Mother and daughter went to the restroom.
Isabella suddenly sighed with feeling.
"We should thank that friend who introduced Editor David to you. Without him, there'd be no me as I am now, no 'Seven-Day Tale'. Find time to treat him to a meal? The whole family, to thank him properly."
"Okay." Sophia nodded.
…
The next day.
The book signing event commenced as scheduled.