Chapter 47 The Stolen Gown
Chapter 47 The Stolen Gown
Timothy rolled his eyes, shrinking back with no shame.
“Me? Do you think I’d dare?” he muttered. “He’s been snapping at me for everything lately. I can’t even eat in peace without him picking a fight…”
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By then Nathan had already approached Summer’s parents. With just a few words, they were smiling brightly, ascending the stairs under the eyes of the guests on the first floor.
Soon, Alan’s box was buzzing with warmth and noise.
Meanwhile, Jade’s box was no less lively.
Claudia had assumed her aunt meant to introduce her around the second floor, but Jade simply had her sit at her side. Guests came knocking instead.
Claudia had always known Jade was powerful. She had never before understood the scale of that power.
Several visitors were people she had only ever seen in the news. Each bowed with respect, eager for Jade’s attention.
Jade made no mention of their blood tie. She introduced Claudia instead as her newly unveiled prodigy–a young designer under the Splendid banner.
“Madam Jade, hiding a pupil like this all these years?”
The visitors were astonished. Jade’s disciples were few, and every one of them had long been famous. Claudia was unknown, and young. Yet Jade called her a genius. That was a first.
Jade only smiled. “She’s my first apprentice. I kept her in seclusion to refine her skills. Now, it’s time she sees the world.”
It was true. Claudia had grown up at her side, learning by Jade’s hand.
The surname added to their intrigue. Sue. Same as Jade.
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Chapter 47 The Stolen Gown
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But none of them pressed. For years, Jade had declared herself an orphan. Whether true or not, the subject was clearly off–limits. The wise did not ask.
So Claudia stood quietly at her aunt’s side, watching and listening, saying little. Tonight was for faces, not for words. Her chance would come when her work was
seen.
At last the bustle faded.
The hall went dark.
This was a music gala, after all—an evening of performance and art.
Renowned musicians would play, alongside ambitious newcomers seeking
exposure.
Claudia leaned at the window, eyes on the stage below, curious.
A single spotlight rose, gleaming silver across the velvet black.
The harp’s first notes rang out, clear and shimmering. Moonlight.
Her brows lifted–she recognized it even before the performer appeared.
Then she froze.
It was Summer.
Why was she here? Wasn’t she a business scholar, not a musician?
Summer sat at the grand harp, gown spilling across the stage like a flood of light.
Her dress was white, jeweled with diamonds that flared under the beams. A sheer veil cloaked her head, glittering like frost. At the hem, roses bloomed in embroidered scarlet and gold, so vivid they seemed alive. From a distance, she looked like a goddess seated among blossoms, bathed in moonlight, plucking
threads of heaven.
The room hushed in awe.
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Chapter 47 The Stolen Gown
Claudia stood motionless, watching. Summer was, undeniably, striking.
Out of the corner of her eye, Claudia caught a shadow. She turned.
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Alan was at the adjoining window, gaze locked on Summer below. His fox–like eyes. glimmered with fascination, his whole face softened in open admiration.
Claudia’s own face did not shift.
She stepped back, meaning to watch from one of the chairs instead. But when she turned, she stopped.
Her aunt sat rigid, eyes burning into the stage, her jaw set, her hand clenched tight on the armrest.
Alarmed, Claudia moved closer. “What’s wrong?”
Jade’s voice came low, taut with fury.
“That gown. That’s my work. I designed that wedding dress with my own hands!”
