Chapter 125: Chapter 125

“M-Ms. Anastasia Lawson, right?” the receptionist stammered all of a sudden, her words following a phone call she had just answered.

“A-Are you Ms. Lawson?” The receptionist regarded Anastasia with apprehension. Her demeanor conveyed a hesitation to even breathe, her eyes fraught with unease. “Sorry, I wasn’t aware of your connection with my superior. He called in person and asked me to allow you to try on the gown. If it’s not to your liking, I’ll promptly arrange for another gown to be sent to you.”

Anastasia halted in her footsteps and cast a suspicious glance back at the receptionist.

Anastasia’s reaction was not unique; the entire room was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

Among those present, Felicia and Alastor’s assistant, Lionel, appeared to be the most perturbed by the situation. Anastasia’s brow furrowed as she directed her attention to the recèptionist and inquired, “What did you just say?”

“Apologies, Ms. Lawson. Please have a look at this gown. It boasts impeccable craftsmanship and a stunning design.” The receptionist’s head bowed in a fluster as she led Anastasia to inspect the dress displayed in the glass window.

Indeed, the gown was the epitome of luxury.

Anastasia cast an inadvertent glance at Jason, whose expression appeared innocent.

“Is this your doing?” Anastasia inquired softly. “Did you call Samuel again?”

Anastasia felt a hint of frustration. She hadn’t required Jason’s assistance in this manner.

The grandeur of the attire was inconsequential to her.

She remained indifferent, regardless of how exquisite the clothing might be.

Jason lowered his head guiltily and said nothing.

Anastasia heaved a sigh. “I’m not fond of such extravagant clothes. Could you suggest some other options?”

She did not have time to be upset over such a trivial matter, for she could not afford to lose face when she would be at the chamber of commerce.

With just two days remaining until her art exhibition, Anastasia held onto the hope that someone would participate in her art exhibition.

As she stood aside, Felicia’s expression soured.

Nonetheless, the staff seemed eager to curry favor with Anastasia, going as far as to display the dress Felicia had selected.

Coincidentally, Anastasia found herself drawn to the dress Felicia had picked out.

“It’s hardly a surprise that our tastes align, Anastasia,” Felicia remarked through gritted teeth. “Whether it’s men or clothing, it appears you have a penchant for what I’m fond of as well.”

“Do you also like this one?” Anastasia inquired, rising from her seat.

“This gown has been chosen by Ms. Stewart,” Lionel spoke in Felicia’s stead.

“Ah, you’re certainly quite attentive to her preferences, even knowing which dress she had chosen.

Could it be that your relationship isn’t as straightforward as it appears?” Anastasia inquired, adopting Felicia’s tone in her retort.

Since Felicia seemed to relish spreading rumors about others, Anastasia decided to retaliate in kind.

In an instant, everyone’s gazes fell on Alastor’s assistant Lionel.

This man seemned excessively concerned about Felicia.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Lionel retorted, clearly angered.

Felicia’s expression darkened, and she said indignantly, “Anastasia, don’t cross the line!”

“You seem to develop an affinity for whatever others happen to be enamored with. Had I selected the alternative dress, you’d probably insist you adore it as well. It’s as though you’re trying to vie with me to establish your superiority,” Anastasia remarked, passing the dress back to Felicia.

“Men are akin to clothing. I’m not partial to those that have been handled by others. It’s distasteful,”

Anastasia commented before selecting an untouched dress and departing.

She then addressed Lionel, “Accompany your boss’ future wife to the banquet. Tell Alastor I’ll be there on time. After saying that, Anastasia selected her attire and intended to pay by card.

“I’m sorry, but… your card has been declined, Ms. Lawson,” the staff stated with a tinge of awkwardness. “However, my superior indicated that you can just take the gown with you.”

Anastasia was momentarily taken aback. She examined the card in her possession, bearing her name.

How had Alastor managed to freeze her bank card?

Anastasia’s brows furrowed in annoyance.

She couldn’t help but think, “Isn’t Alastor taking things too far? So he’s planning for me to make a fool of myself at the banquet today, huh?”

“Annie, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to. It’s fine even if you don’t attend the banquet,” Jason stated, not wanting Anastasia to be mistreated at the event.

The situation was escalating, with Alastor now openly mistreating Anastasia and even enlisting the help of both Felicia and his assistant to bully and humiliate her.