Chapter 394: Chapter 394

Soon, the night of the party arrived.

Boniel and Arnaud had changed into their suits and got into a car to attend the party.

Jefferson and Rayna were the only ones left in the manor.

Since Rayna was still waiting for the housekeeper to get her gown from Bruce, she said to Jefferson, “You didn’t have to wait for me and should have gone ahead with your dad. I know the place, anyway.”

“You’re my girlfriend. It’s only right that I go with you.” Pouring a cup of water for her, he asked softly, “Are the babies behaving themselves today? Will they disturb you at the party?”

She also replied in a soft voice, “They’ve been great these two days, so it should be fine tonight. Thank goodness that I haven’t gained any weight and that my belly’s not protruding. If not, I won’t be able to put on a gown.”

Jefferson grinned. “I’ve never seen a chubby version of you. I’m actually looking forward to seeing it.”

“Hey! You’re going too far.”

The two of them only bantered with each other in muted voices for a while more when the housekeeper returned with the gown.

Eyeing the gown, Rayna asked in confusion, “The gown I tried on back then was a long-sleeved, champagne-colored, fishtail gown. Why have you brought a black one instead?”

“Mr. Bruce said the gown was accidentally ruined by his assistant’s cat. This was the only gown in the studio that fit your measurements, Ms. Rayna,” responded the housekeeper.

Displeased, Jefferson reprimanded, “That gown was tailored two months ago, and she really liked the color and the design. How could he simply replace it with another gown when the original one is ruined?”

The housekeeper hung her head in silence.

“Never mind. Let me have a look at the gown,” Rayna said, taking the outfit from her.

The entire gown was hand-stitched and had a narrow waist design. Not only did it have a plunging neckline, but it was also backless. There was also a high slit that extended from the ankle to the thighs. All in all, it was a grand gown that could show off the wearer’s excellent figure.

“Get Bruce over here!” Jefferson’s expression darkened the moment he saw the design.

“Understood.”

While the housekeeper had gone to fetch Bruce, Rayna was still examining the gown. “It’s a little revealing, but the design is great. Bruce has so many outfits in his studio, so how could this be the only one that fits my measurements?”

With that, she turned to Jefferson, whose expression turned grimmer when he understood what she meant.

Soon, Bruce arrived. He immediately bowed before Jefferson and Rayna, apologizing about the original gown and informing them there was no way she could wear that to the party since the cat tore the fabric with its claws.

“Pick another gown closest to her measurements and alter it!” Jefferson ordered.

With a troubled expression, Bruce uttered, “There isn’t any. As you know, Ms. Lilia and the others are very slim, so most of my designs are in smaller sizes. It would be better if I altered the larger-sized ones, but their colors and designs are all outdated.

Besides, Ms. Rayna has gained a little weight. It’s really impossible to alter the smaller-sized gowns.”

Rayna was at a loss for words when she heard his explanation.

“Then call up your friends and ask if they have any gowns available. I’m going to fire you if you tell me no again,” Jefferson spat.

At that, Bruce hurriedly pulled out his phone. “I’ll ask them now.”

After making a few phone calls by the window, he slowly walked over and said carefully, “There are two studios that have many gowns that fit Ms. Rayna’s measurements, but—”

“Get them to send the gowns over, then!” Jefferson ordered with a frown.

“It’ll take at least thirty minutes to bring them from the nearest studio. There isn’t enough time, Mr. Hamilton. The party’s admission time ends at eight-thirty,” Bruce explained softly.

At that instant, Jefferson almost lost his temper. Thankfully, Rayna stopped him, looking as calm as ever. “All right. Don’t make things difficult for Mr. Bruce. It’s not like he didn’t think of a solution.”

Knowing what she was thinking, Jefferson voiced his rejection at once. “You can’t wear this! It’s too revealing! Let’s check out the stores on our way there. I’m sure we can find a suitable gown.”

Rayna assured, “It’s fine. I’ll just wear this. We might not find one that fits my measurements if we go gown-hunting in other stores. If we miss the admission time, we’ll be done for. Wait for me here while I go get changed.”

When she walked past him, she whispered, “Don’t draw unnecessary attention.” With that, he repressed his desire to rebuke Bruce further and stood there in silence.

In about ten minutes, Rayna reappeared in the gown.

The gown fitted her body perfectly. It flaunted her perfect curves, and her slender legs could sometimes be seen from under the hem of the dress as she walked.

Her fair skin and sharp yet languid gaze made her exude an alluring yet powerful aura.

She looked like a mighty queen as she descended the stairs.

The whole time, Jefferson was so mesmerized by her that he badly wanted to make her his exclusive item.

When she finally reached downstairs, she smiled at Bruce and praised him. “Your craftsmanship is truly amazing, Mr. Bruce. I feel like I’ve become much more sophisticated the moment I put on this gown.”

“Oh, you flatter me. It’s your beauty that brings out the best of this gown, Ms. Rayna.”

“Thank you.”

After taking her handbag from the housekeeper, Rayna turned around and saw Jefferson still standing there. Rapt, he gazed at her with his deadly attractive blue eyes.

Even so, she was not captivated by them, merely waving her hand at him. “Jefferson? It’s time to leave.”

Only then did he snap out of his trance. After studying her a few more times, he blurted, “Belle, you... you look really beautiful today.”

“So? Can we leave now? It’s really late.” Rayna waved her phone in the air.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Hearing that, she stepped out of the house first.

When she turned around, Jefferson caught sight of her fair back, which was almost completely exposed.

Her beautiful shoulder blades and slender waist were laid before him to feast his eyes on.

Right then, an intense emotion coursed through his veins. He marched over and quickly draped his coat over her. At the same time, he told the housekeeper to bring a shawl that matched the color of the gown.

Rayna said, “A shawl isn’t necessary. This is fine—”

“It’s not!” Jefferson cut her off. “There are too many people at the party. I’m afraid I can’t watch over you. It’s either we get you a new gown, or you put on a shawl. No negotiations.”

He could not bear the thought of the guests seeing her delicate figure.

Worried they would be late to the party, Rayna had no choice but to go with the latter option.

Their transport was already waiting by the entrance. It was a Rolls-Royce luxury minivan, which resembled a small house. After the duo got into the vehicle, the stylist began setting up Rayna’s hair.

In the meantime, Jefferson, sitting across from them, occasionally took things for the stylist, though he never looked away from Rayna.

When Rayna inadvertently flashed a glance in his direction and met his unblinking stare, she could not help but chuckle. “Hey, can’t you read magazines or something?”

“They’re not as attractive as you.” Jefferson’s tone was low and gentle, which brought a blush to her face.

She cleared her throat and changed the topic to divert his attention. “I’ve negotiated with everyone on the list, all except for Marcus. I’ll talk to him again later.”

He knew how tired she had been for the past few weeks, so he did not want her to rush about anymore. “I’ll do that. What do you have in mind?”