Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

Looking into Patrick’s eyes, Jane greeted him with a sweet smile, replying, “My pleasure.”

Mike, content with his late wife’s dog’s return, extended a warm invitation. “Sit down, Jane. Dine with us.”

With cheerful acquiescence, he added, “Mr. Maurice, please, have someone bring a set of cutlery for Jane.”NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Jane joined Patrick at the table as she thanked Mike, her smile radiating gratitude. “Thank you, Grandpa Mike.”

The dog, Dolly, remained cradled in Mike’s loving embrace, as if he intended never to let go. His eyes glistened with gratitude, and he conveyed, “Thank you for bringing Dolly back, Jane. It means so much to me.”

Jane, continuing to pet Dolly’s soft fur, humbly replied, “I just found Dolly by chance.”

She felt the dog’s health had improved remarkably since its treatment, and Dolly seemed cleaner and livelier. The veterinarian had done an excellent job.

Dolly responded to Jane’s affection with a friendly tail wag, revealing its fondness for her.

With evident happiness, Mike chimed in, “I say destiny made you cross paths with Dolly.” He touched his beard, underlining his point.

Florence seethed with jealousy as she watched the bond between Jane and Mike grow. The day wasn’t unfolding in her favor: her gift to Mike had been overshadowed by Jane’s, her own dress had been revealed as a counterfeit, and now, Jane had gained Mike’s favor yet again.

Seeing Jane’s humiliation of Florence only fueled her rage. “Jane, eat to your fill, okay?” urged Mike with kindness.

As Jane started to eat, Patrick, in a surprising gesture, slid a peeled prawn onto her plate, accompanied by a graceful smile. “Eat it. I don’t like prawns.”

Jane, caught off guard by Patrick’s unexpected kindness, took a moment to respond with a grateful smile. “Thank you,” she finally said.

Florence, who watched with malevolent intent, clenched her teeth, tightening her grip on her fork. She couldn’t fathom why Patrick, who had refused her earlier, would now act so benevolently toward Jane. Her frustration and bitterness were mounting.

After lunch, Mike headed to his room for a nap, while Patrick left for the company. Jane, on the other hand, embarked on a shopping expedition, her agenda including an evening outing with Carl. Her clothing had been ruffled and dampened during her rescue mission to retrieve Dolly from the vet. A change of attire was necessary.

Jane decided to pay a visit to RD Boutique in Guavo. She recalled that RD Boutique had recently secured a contract with Loe Studio, indicating that this season’s Elsa collection should be available there.

Upon entering the store, Jane was instantly drawn to a stunning Elsa dress prominently displayed in the showcase. She felt a strong urge to try it on, curious how her own design would look on her.

Addressing the sales clerk, she requested, “Excuse me, I’d like to try on this dress.”

The sales clerk, however, examined Jane from head to toe, her expression shifting to one of disdain as she noted Jane’s disheveled attire. RD Boutique primarily served Guavo’s wealthy and renowned ladies, making it an unsuitable location for individuals of average means. Observing Jane’s simple attire, the sales clerk jumped to conclusions, presuming her to be of lesser means.

Clearing her throat, the clerk responded with condescension, “I’m sorry, miss. This dress is a recent release from Loe Studio. It’s the most precious item in the boutique, with a considerable price tag. Only those capable of affording it may try it on.”

Jane’s frown deepened. She couldn’t believe the clerk’s haughty attitude. How could the clerk be so certain of her financial capacity? In truth, Jane could buy every item in the store without hesitation. Her wealth was beyond question, but the sales clerk’s assumptions were vexing.

The sales clerk brazenly affirmed, “Only those who can afford it are permitted to try it on. Very well, I’ll purchase it!”

Jane swiftly produced a black card from her purse and set it on the counter. The sales clerk, somewhat bewildered but recognizing the card as an exclusive VIP card with no restrictions, hesitated. She had encountered numerous dignitaries through her work and surmised that Jane might belong to a wealthy family or was the mistress of a wealthy man, but was maintaining a low profile.

Understanding the potential consequences of offending Jane, the clerk adjusted her demeanor. With a polite smile, she retrieved the dress from the display and handed it to Jane, saying, “Here you go, miss. The fitting room is right over there.”

In high spirits, Jane tried on the Elsa dress. As she admired herself in the mirror, she mused with pride, “Wow! My studio truly creates exquisite clothing.” The dress exuded excellence in design, fabric, and craftsmanship, and it appeared as if it had been tailored specifically for Jane. With satisfaction, she left the fitting room.

However, a familiar and arrogant voice permeated the store as Jane stepped out. The voice belonged to Florence, who was accompanied by her associate, Erica.

Erica had previously collaborated with Florence in an attempt to discredit Jane during a banquet. As a valued RD Boutique customer and VIP client, the sales clerk readily extended Florence a warm welcome.

“Miss Doyle, this way, please!”

Imposingly, Florence declared, “Bring me the Elsa dress from Loe Studio.”

The clerk lowered her head and delivered regrettable news. “I’m sorry, Miss Doyle. Someone purchased the dress just now.”

Startled and frustrated by the revelation, Florence had come directly from Mike’s home to purchase the Elsa dress and evade any further embarrassment. To her surprise, someone had acquired it before her. Determined to confront the person responsible, she inquired, “What? Someone bought it? Who?” Her eyes followed the clerk’s gesture, leading her to spot Jane in the Elsa dress.

The sales clerk pointed at Jane, revealing, “There she is.”