Chapter 4 She Actually Knows Hayley

Vincent's eyes locked onto Brenna with steady intensity. "Miss Fuller, since this engagement was decided long before we were born, it remains valid."

Vincent felt his interest in Brenna grow. Outside, Brenna looked mild and compliant. This image clashed with the woman he had encountered this morning. This morning, she had stayed composed in front of assassins and even spotted danger hidden in his watch. He couldn't reconcile the two versions of her.

His eyes glued to her, he added, "What matters is whether you agree to this arranged marriage."

He silently decided that if she refused, he would find another way to keep her close. He needed answers for why he saw colors around her.

Brenna blinked once, expression neutral. "I'm fine with it. As long as you don't mind a fiancée with a ruined face."

Truthfully, the engagement worked in her favor. What unsettled her was Vincent's reaction. When he looked at her, there was no trace of disgust. If anything, his gaze glinted as if he'd stumbled upon something incredibly precious. She couldn't help but shiver a bit. Must be her imagination. The makeup was deliberately grotesque. No one in their right mind would find it appealing.

Vincent remained composed. "Your appearance isn't an issue. The Todd family doesn't measure people that way."

When Vincent remembered the rumors that Brenna had suffered mistreatment in the Walsh household because of her appearance, his expression darkened as he turned toward Sarah. In a low and threatening voice, he said, "This is supposed to be an engagement ceremony, yet your family could not even provide Brenna with a proper dress. Have you truly sunk so low, or do you think so little of the Todd family?"

Brenna lifted a brow slightly. They weren't close enough for him to defend her, were they?

Sarah's smile tightened. "You've got it wrong," she hastily said. "We did prepare something suitable. Brenna just wasn't comfortable wearing it."

Sarah carefully avoided mentioning that Brenna had run away from home two days ago. No one expected her to walk back in on the engagement date itself. There hadn't been time to arrange anything.

Standing nearby, Noreen quickly produced a formal dress. "I prepared this for you, Brenna. But you didn't seem pleased when I showed it to you before." Her voice trembled slightly. "It's designed by Hayley Watson. I waited a long time to secure it. I know you resent me, but we're still family..."

A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd. Hayley Watson was internationally celebrated, and even her simplest designs started at eight hundred thousand.

Sarah grew anxious. "Brenna, tell everyone the truth," she urged. "You refused to wear it. Don't let Mr. Todd misunderstand."

Under the weight of countless stares, Brenna let out a quiet laugh. "You want me to tell the truth? I doubt you're ready for that." She tilted her head and examined the gown in Noreen's hands. "If I walk in wearing this poor imitation, that would be the real embarrassment for the Walsh family."

Gasps spread through the hall. An imitation?

Vincent's gaze darkened. "Miss Walsh, I'd appreciate a clear explanation."

Noreen's pulse thudded in her ears. "I..."

Noreen couldn't fathom it. There was no way a rude bumpkin like Brenna could know how to distinguish a real piece from a fake one, was there? She steadied herself, forcing moisture into her eyes. "I bought it from the authorized boutique," she said softly. "Brenna, how could you accuse me like that without proof? This is clearly authentic..."

Before she could finish, Brenna cut in. "Hayley's pieces aren't easy to copy. If you're confident it's real, let's have Hayley confirm it herself."

Sarah's patience snapped. "Enough! Brenna, stop making a scene here!" she said sharply. "Hayley isn't even in the country. She's on a private retreat and not taking any appointments. Do you think she can be summoned just because you ask?"

Even the Walsh family had no access to someone of that status.

Hearing this, Noreen relaxed slightly. She softened her voice with a hint of sympathy. "Everyone, please don't be upset with Brenna. She's lived in a backwater town for years and hasn't seen any fine garments. It's understandable if she can't recognize high fashion."

"Fine garments?" Brenna let out a short laugh. "I may have lived simply, but at least my taste isn't questionable."

"You!" Noreen's composure cracked for a moment.

Before she could form a retort, Brenna had already taken out her phone. "Hayley might be resting," she said evenly, "but she'll answer when I call."

A faint curve lifted at the corner of Noreen's lips. "You're not planning to grab some random person and pretend she's Hayley, are you? Then claim you were fooled?"

Her words had barely settled when the video call connected. The screen lit up with the image of a woman with short hair and sharp features.

The moment the woman saw Brenna, her face brightened. "Brenna, you finally decided to call me? I've been trying to drag you out for dinner forever..."

A ripple of shock spread across the hall. That was really Hayley on the line! She belonged to one of the most powerful and wealthy families, and her designs were in such high demand that many wealthy women would have given anything just for a chance to see her, let alone own one of her signature pieces.

On top of that, Hayley was known for keeping her distance from others. Yet judging by her tone, she and Brenna seemed to share a close friendship.

"They look close," someone whispered. "Hayley talks to Brenna like family."

Several guests exchanged stunned looks.

Felix stared at the screen, disbelief written all over him. He clearly remembered hearing that Brenna had grown up somewhere remote and obscure, with little access to high-end fashion, let alone being acquainted with a globally renowned chief designer.

Felix leaned toward Vincent and whispered, "Dude, can you believe this? That ugly-looking woman... I mean, Miss Fuller, actually knows Hayley!"