Chapter 21: I’ll Be There Soon
Despite lacking the fixed income from Clint’s custom, her clothing store remained prosperous. When spring became summer, Emily introduced her to a client who was a famous painter. Her name was Belinda Carter, and she came from nobility.
Mrs. Belinda’s husband was a financier who was well-known in the city. Being a popular painter, as well as a wealthy woman, she was certainly difficult to serve. After Emily contacted Mrs. Carter’s assistant, she didn’t receive any detailed requirements, but rather, she was asked to send several clothing samples to consider.
It was normal to send samples. But when Selene arrived at Mrs. Carter’s gallery, she learned that there were also other designers coming to send sample clothes, too. The noble painter must have wanted to compare what everyone had to offer before making her decision.
It turned out that one of the designers was Jennifer Keller.
Selene lamented once again how small the world is.
“Just my luck.” She said to herself sarcastically.
She was not very clear about the relationship between Jennifer and Clint other than that they were well acquainted with each other. Before that occasion, when Selene and Emily ran into Jennifer and Clint at that fancy event, after seeing the look that Jennifer gave Clint, it was obvious to Selene that Jennifer most likely wanted to be more than friends with Clint.
Jennifer hadn’t been aware of the relationship between Selene and Clint. If she would now find out, would she explode with anger? Of course, she might be happy, showcasing a classic example of Schadenfreude, as Selene and Clint were now divorced.
Selene did not intend to tell Jennifer about what had transpired between her and Clint. Firstly, she felt that there was no need to continue their petty grudge. And secondly, she was unwilling to bring Clint into it as well.
“I never knew I was so kind-hearted.” Selene joked with herself.
The gallery was well-known in the upper social circles of this city, as it was a good place for the more arty types of the upper class.
Selene came alone, but Jennifer Keller was accompanied by her two assistants.
Naturally, when she laid her eyes on Selene, Jennifer turned her nose up at her.
Though Jennifer’s personal brand had only been founded a few months ago, due to her deep pockets and her connections, she had become a new star in this trade.
The other two designers also seemed to know Jennifer and greeted her with enthusiasm. The three designers sat in the lounge, talking and laughing. It was only Selene Morris who was like an outsider.
However, Selene was not a person who liked to socialize, so despite Jennifer’s best efforts to exclude her and make her feel rejected, Selene did not feel uncomfortable.
When Mrs. Carter walked in, Jennifer smiled and warmly greeted her. “Aunt Belinda! Long time no see!”
Mrs. Carter smiled at her. “Little Jenny, it’s really been a long time. Your mother called me a few days ago, saying that you’ve created a clothing brand. It makes me realize that you’re all grown-up now.”
“I should’ve come to visit you earlier, but I was too busy with creating the brand. When I heard that you want to hold a personal exhibition, I thought that it would have been rude for me to be absent again.” Jennifer said.
Mrs. Carter smiled at her and turned to greet the other designers who were standing by. “I will hold a painting exhibition as well as a charity auction, so what I wear will be very important. I’ve seen your designs, and I like them very much, so I want to choose two sets of clothes for next week’s art exhibition and auction activities.” Before the designers could greet her back, she waved her hand and said. “Please take out your samples, and I will take a look.”
The four designers took out and prepared their dresses.
Although Mrs. Carter was externally amiable, it was obvious that she was very picky. Otherwise, she would have stuck to one of the big brands instead of searching out lesser-known designers.
Jennifer took out her own work first and did not forget to self-praise. “Aunt Belinda, I’ve specially designed two sets of dresses for you, and I think they match your style very well.”
Selene, who stood by her silently, simply ignored this.
Mrs. Belinda laughed, “The design is very unique, and I can’t say no to your designs. I will keep these two sets, and I’ll also introduce your brand to my friends and invite them to visit your workshop.”
Hearing this, Jennifer beamed with delight. Naturally, she did not forget to give Selene a flashy grin.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
Did she really choose Jennifer’s dress only because of their relationship? Then why would she bother asking the rest of the designers to come here?” Selene thought to herself.
If it weren’t for Selene’s good manners, she would have undoubtedly walked out then and there.
Unexpectedly, however, Mrs. Carter then turned to the other designers.
The designs of the other two designers were probably not to her liking, as she directly but euphemistically rejected them before inviting them to the exhibition and auction.
The two designers were not disappointed at all. They two felt happy to be invited to such a well-known painting exhibition. They would most likely meet many celebrities there and have a chance to mingle with them.
Mrs. Carter finally picked up Selene’s designs. She looked at them, then turned to Selene. “I saw Miss Morris’s designs in magazines before. I like them very much. I also like the design of these two sets. Could you help me add some ink elements that are consistent with my painting style on them?”
Selene went blank for a while before she could react. “Yes, I can, but it will take a few more days for me to change the fabric and make a new one.”
“My painting exhibition will be held next Saturday. Is that okay?” Mrs. Carter asked.
Realizing that the famous painter chose and loved her design, Selene quickly replied. “Yes, it will be ready by Saturday.”