Chapter 688
Looking at the white, high-end building and the gorgeous furnishings outside, Hannah said, “It s so beautiful here!”
“There are only two floors inside, and it’s just a modest studio, but Mr. Wesley wanted it to look great for prospective customers and hired craftsmen to decorate it a few months ago.”
Compared with the high-profile and luxurious decoration at the Larson Group’s building, the studio was rather simple in design.
“If it’s just been decorated, perhaps I shouldn’t go in.” The most high-end places Hannah had frequented were the villas of her employers when she worked as maid before. The stylish building intimidated her. She feared she might spoil it if she stepped inside.
Although, she knew Natalie was a designer, she hadn’t known she was working at such an exclusive studio.
Even her own son had never taken her to any upscale places before.
Natalie’s eyes softened. “I work here. You can go in whenever you want.”
Hannah’s palms were sweating. “No, I can’t. I am a simple woman. I will make a fool of myself if I go in.”
Hannah avoided eye contact with everyone around. She was sure that people were looking at her strangely, and she became more flustered “Let’s go back. We can do this in your villa.”
Natalie felt distressed. She was about to say something when they were interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Good morning, Natalie.’ Elizabeth walked toward them with a cup of coffee in her hand.
“Is this your family? Why not make your way inside? The gusty winds and chilly weather make this spot far from pleasant,” Elizabeth enquired with an air of curiosity.
Natalie smiled as she introduced Hannah to Elizabeth. “This is Hannah, my first customer.” She then leaned close to Hannah and whispered, “My colleagues would be delighted if you’d join us inside. Please just go inside with me, alright?”
“Allow me to assist you inside, Hannah.” Elizabeths expression was devoid of any judgment or hesitation. With only kindness in her heart, Elizabeth helped Hannah make her way inside.
“I have the pleasure of working alongside Natalie, and she has taught me and imparted a wealth of knowledge to me. Our entire team is ecstatic about Natalie’s venture into independent designing, and you, Hannah, have arrived at an opportune moment. Everyone is anticipating getting to know you as Natalie’s first client,” Elizabeth explained as she handed Hannah a warm cup of tea, noticing her slight unease.
“Thank you, young lady,” Hannah murmured gratefully as she took a few hesitant sips of the tea. Despite her nerves, she sensed the genuine warmth from the young lady standing before her.
“Elizabeth, just so you know, she’s not fond of excessive talking,” Natalie interjected, retrieving her measuring tape once more. Recalling that her previously prepared documents had been inadvertently taken by that man she mistook for Mr. L, she resolved to sketch a new design. “Let me take your measurements first.”
Hannah rose from her seat tentatively and admitted, “It’s been many years since I last had new clothes. The last time was when I got married.”
Natalie measured Hannah’s sizes with a smile and quipped, “It’s been quite some time. But I know your sizes. Let’s see if you’ve been keeping up with your healthy eating in the countryside.”
However, as soon as she finished speaking, the smile on Natalie’s face faltered. She calculated Hannah’s size and realized that she had become noticeably thinner.
“You’re much too thin! You’re even thinner than I was when I lived in Seacisco. As an elderly woman, you must maintain a healthy weight.” Natalie’s voice grew soft, almost in a mumble Her eyes reddened with emotion, and she suddenly embraced Hannah tightly.
“Don’t cry, honey. Look, your coworkers are all here.” Hannah remarked with a bittersweet smile, patting Natalie on the back. “Don’t worry about me, dear. This is just the result of all the farm work I do. I’m glad to see you have good relationships with your coworkers.”
Natalie wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and vowed, “I’ll have to keep a close eye on your weight the next time you come. If you lose weight again, you’ll have to come to stay with me and I won’t take no for an answer.”
“Alright, I’ll heed your advice. You’re all grown up now, so wipe your tears,” Hannah agreed, nodding her head in affirmation.
“Please, go ahead and rest in the VIP room. I’ll bring some fabrics for you to choose from,” Natalie instructed, leading Hannah to the VIP room before closing the door behind her. She then headed to the clothing room to retrieve the fabrics. “It seems like the lady is more than just a client to you. You two seem really close.” Elizabeth sensed a special connection between Natalie and the older woman.
“Hannah raised me when I was young. She’s like family to me. Hannah now lives in Seacisco. Brandon brought her here to make me happy.” Natalie smiled warmly and expounded to Elizabeth
As she helped Natalie select fabrics, Elizabeth couldn’t resist teasing her. “Who would have thought that a man like Brandon could change so much for you?”
Smiling sweetly, Natalie picked up pieces of fabric of the right color and put them in her arms. “He did something wrong so now, he’s been trying to make up for it.”
It may not sound like it but Natalie knew Brandon had been trying to change for her. She appreciated it wholeheartedly and though she was too shy to say it out loud, she believed that true love was meant to inspire people to change for the better.
As if on cue, the door opened, and a colleague peeked from it, seemingly in a hurry. “Natalie, you’re needed out here. The security guards just escorted out the client you brought to the VIP room.”
“What? Why?” Elizabeth asked in surprise. “I don’t know too. Let’s check what happened outside. Come on, Natalie ran out, still clutching the fabric in her arms.
Several security guards were dragging Hannah out of the VIP room.
“Stop!” Natalie rushed to where Hannah was and pushed the security guards away. With furrowed eyebrows, she asked, “Who ordered you to escort my client out?”
A woman turned to look at Natalie. She was laughing a second ago but stopped and was now sizing Natalie up “It was me. Do you have a problem with that?”
From the side, the woman looked like Natalie. Especially since she also had long curly hair. However, when facing forward, her arrogant and domineering aura came into full view. Her face was extremely pretty. She had beautiful eyes and a delicate nose. The small mole on her tall nose made her even more attractive. Her gaze swept across the room with her chin tilted up. She looked really arrogant.
Not knowing who the woman in front of her was, Natalie frowned and asked, “Who are you? Why did you drive my client away?”
“I’m the designer here.” Crossing her arms over her chest, the woman confidently said, “W Marks doesn’t welcome poor people. Moreover, this old woman here tried to steal the desserts I brought here.”
“This is Mandy Hamilton. She has just come back from abroad after working with many brands in Paris.” Elizabeth walked over and reminded Natalie. “She’s collaborating with Mr. Wesley on a project so she’s been coming to W Marks often these days. Since you just requested an annual leave a few days ago, you haven’t gotten the chance to meet her.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Hamilton. I’m also a designer here. This is my client, not your so-called poor people.” Natalie gave Mandy a nod despite her blank expression.
With an impassive look on her face, Natalie looked aloof and unapproachable. Mandy was a charming woman with attractive foxy eyes. They looked completely different.
“I’ve heard about you from Draco. You are a talented designer.” Mandy’s arrogance was no match for Natalie’s indifference. Her contempt was visible in her eyes now. “But your distinguished guest stole the desserts I bought What should we do about it?” She repeated, voice slightly rising.
