Chapter 0188
Chapter 0188
“Welcome,” she greeted us in a cheerful tone. “How can I help you today?”
“We don’t have an appointment,” Elizabeth began smoothly, “but we were hoping to speak to someone about a custom order.”
The woman opened a large, leather–bound notebook and began flipping through the pages. “I believe we have some availability today,” she said. “Was there a specific tailor you were hoping to see? We employ several.”
“Oh,” I said, faltering slightly. “I don’t actually know their name.”
“That’s quite all right,” she reassured me with a kind smile. “That’s actually common here. Many clients come in knowing which celebrities we’ve worked with but not the name of the tailor themselves. You know what I mean.”
“Yes, that’s kind of the situation,” I admitted, my nerves showing. “I’m looking for the person who makes clothes for Alexander Black.”
Her cheerful demeanor faltered for a fraction of a second. “Ah,” she said cautiously. “I’m not sure I can help you there. He’s very selective about his clientele and books up weeks–sometimes months–in advance. For a walk–in client…”
“This is Alexander Black’s fiancée, Ella Rowan,” Elizabeth interjected, her voice firm.
The woman froze, her face paling slightly. Her eyes flicked to me, and I saw the exact moment recognition dawned.
“Oh! I–I am so sorry,” she stammered, her fingers flying through the notebook pages more frantically now.” Please forgive me, Miss Rowan. I didn’t recognize you at all. I believe he’s in today, but I’m not sure if he’s back from lunch yet. Let me check for you right away.”
“I’d really appreciate that,” I said, offering her a reassuring smile.
Her nervous energy seemed to settle slightly as she returned my smile and disappeared into the back, leaving us alone in the quiet, elegant space.
Alexander POV
“Sir,” August said as he stepped into my office. I had just ended my call with Ella and hastily wiped the smile from my face, hoping to avoid one of his comments. Lately, he’d made a habit of pointing out my lighter moods.
“Yes?” I asked, meeting his gaze expectantly.
“Mr. Slater has arrived. Shall I bring him up to the office?”
“No, that won’t be necessary,” I replied. “Let him know I’ll meet him in the lobby shortly. We’re going out for drinks to discuss the details of our arrangement.”
August hesitated, his frown deepening. “Are you certain you want to get involved with him? There are plenty of other locations we could consider for the wedding.”
“David Lake attempted to humiliate me,” I said, my tone sharp with purpose. “Undoing the damage he’s caused isn’t enough of a response. I need to ensure he’s the one left humiliated.”
Though his concern was evident, August didn’t argue further. He was well aware of the risks tied to this arrangement. Slater and I hadn’t worked together in years, and when we last parted ways, it wasn’t under friendly
terms.
Still, the property Slater owned—and that I was confident could convince him to offer–was unmatched. The
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Chapter 0188
leverage it would provide was worth any discomfort. This was the best option available, and I wasn’t about to let personal grievances cloud my judgment.
“I’ll inform him,” August said finally, his tone resigned as he left the office.
For a brief moment, I allowed my thoughts to drift back to Ella’s voice on the phone. That same flutter of determination returned, steeling my resolve.
No matter how distasteful dealing with Slater might be, it was a necessary move–and one that would set the stage for something far greater than Dayid Lake could ever anticipate.
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