Chapter 6 Ex and Current Lover

Conrad was waiting by the elevator, tall and intimidating, with that harsh aura about him. When Lillian opened the door and saw him, he didn't even look her way.

She quickly put on a smile. "Hi, Mr. Conrad."

The elevator door opened, and he stepped forward to enter. Lillian hurried to grab his sleeve.

"Let go."

"Mr. Conrad... how about coming in for some coffee?"

He looked at her with a mocking smirk. "What are you clinging for?"

Lillian was shameless when it came to asking for favors. "I... I was hoping to borrow some money."

He scoffed, shaking her hand off. "Go ask your dear Mr. Mark."

And with that, he stepped into the elevator and left.

Lillian stomped her foot. What a petty man!

Now what... He held grudges, and she'd clearly crossed the line with him. She'd wanted things to end amicably, but that was definitely out of the question now.

Lillian went back inside, exhausted, and ended up falling asleep.

Outside, one of Conrad's bodyguards glanced over at him smoking in the car. "Still waiting, sir?"

Conrad shot him a look. "Did I say I was waiting?"

The bodyguard immediately started the car and drove off.

In the evening, Lillian was woken by her work alarm. She noticed it was still dark out, and the streetlights were on. Pulling the blinds, she saw the leaves on the trees outside were already turning yellow. She touched her forehead, realizing she might have a slight fever.

She had about thirty minutes until she needed to be at work, so she drank some water, got dressed, and headed out without taking any medicine.

As soon as she walked into the store, the owner greeted her warmly. "Finally, you're here! Sales drop whenever you're not around-those rich ladies only buy what they see on you!"

"I've been a bit busy."

"Yeah, well, I trust your skills. You'd look good even in a potato sack. But heads-up, we've got some tricky customers upstairs."

The owner leaned closer and pointed toward the staircase. "Conrad's here with some woman buying clothes. She's got that... 'cheap' look, but you two kinda resemble each other. If he ever went for you, you wouldn't have to work this hard."

"Go change and head up there; you'll get a good tip."

Lillian hadn't expected to run into Conrad here. This man was really something-entangled with her that afternoon and already with another woman shopping tonight. She couldn't help but wonder how many other women he'd had over the three years they were together.

"If you don't take this job, the other models will jump on it," the owner whispered.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll go," she said, smoothing her hair and giving a seductive smile. "Who'd turn down easy money?"

Especially when it was Conrad's money; she'd take it without hesitation. Pride and dignity weren't going to cover hospital bills or expensive treatments. They certainly wouldn't bring her grandma's health back.

As she stepped onto the second floor from the side escalator, she heard Evelyn's voice.

Lillian stopped, her head feeling even dizzier.

"Mr. Conrad, are you really buying this for me? I've never been to a place like this. Shouldn't I try things on myself?"

Alice chimed in. "No need. There's a model to try on anything you like. If you want it, it'll be tailored to your exact measurements and delivered to your residence."

Someone beside Evelyn exclaimed, "Evelyn, you're so lucky! Mr. Conrad treats you so well."

Lillian stared blankly at the row of clothes-casual wear, cocktail dresses, all lined up.

Lillian knew that once the curtain outside the dressing room was opened, Conrad and Evelyn would be sitting there, ready to look her up and down like she was on display, critiquing her like she was in an exhibit.

But she didn't care; as long as he paid, the clothes would be Evelyn's, but the commission would be hers.

Lillian ran her fingers over the luxurious fabric of the dress as she slowly undressed. The store owner noticed the marks on her skin and raised an eyebrow. "Rough night with your boyfriend?"

"It's nothing," Lillian replied. "The clothes will cover it up."

The store owner chuckled. "Looks like you were in a hurry, though." She glanced at Lillian's fair skin, where faint handprints and kiss marks still lingered-a clear reminder of last night's intensity. Blushing, she added, "Just be a little more careful. Luckily, today's client seems to be a college girl, picking out modest clothes, so no one will notice these marks."

"Thanks."

"You're our top salesperson, I won't hold it against you."

Lillian finished changing. As the red curtain drew back, she stepped out in a simple white suit dress. With her graceful aura and long, silky golden hair, she looked effortlessly elegant and innocent.

Evelyn's face darkened the moment she saw her-it was her!

Keeping her gaze steady, Lillian focused on showcasing the outfit professionally. The manager stepped in to explain how it could be paired with a scarf or jacket, making it a versatile choice.

Seated next to Conrad, Evelyn's eyes couldn't help but drift to him. As a woman, she had to admit Lillian's beauty drew every gaze in the store. But was Conrad's gaze drawn as well? Did he still feel something for her?

Alice, sitting nearby, pressed a hand on Evelyn's shoulder, stopping her from saying anything.

Remembering Alice's usual warnings, Evelyn bit her lip, staring daggers at Lillian.

"Evelyn, that model looks so much like you! You'd look amazing in this-make Mr. Conrad buy it for you," her friend Janet urged.

Evelyn whispered, "That model is the one I told you about-Lillian."

Janet's gaze snapped to Lillian, then to Conrad, whose eyes were fixed on Lillian with an unusual intensity.

Janet narrowed her eyes. "That shameless woman! She's still clinging on, trying to seduce your man. Watch me-I'll put her in her place."

"Hey, could you turn around already? Twisting and turning like that, who can even see the clothes? Are we supposed to be looking at the outfit or at you?" Janet's sharp voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention.

The customers in this store were wealthy, well-mannered types-not exactly the kind to make a scene in a marketplace.

Evelyn felt a twinge of embarrassment, but Janet, thinking she'd made her point, kept going. "Didn't you hear me? You're not being very professional."

Lillian turned around calmly.

"Ugh, that dress is hideous. Go change. Keep changing until we're satisfied."

"What a tacky outfit-no class at all. Low quality!"

The manager's face fell. If Conrad weren't there, she'd have told Janet off already.

Lillian went back and returned in an elegant gown. The sheer white fabric traced her curves perfectly, while red roses bloomed along the skirt. With her hair swept up, her slender neck gave her an air of poise and allure.

Evelyn's lips tightened unconsciously.

Janet rolled her eyes. "Now dance in it, let's see if it's prone to any... wardrobe malfunctions."

Lillian spun gracefully, each step smooth and controlled thanks to her strong dance background. The hand-sewn petals on the skirt flared out like scales, catching the light and making her look like a mystical rose spirit, each movement full of allure.

"What a flirt! Dressed like that, trying to seduce everyone. Just look at that neckline, those legs-totally intentional!" Janet sneered.

"Mr. Conrad, I don't think any of these outfits suit Evelyn. Maybe we should skip buying anything here," Janet suggested.

"Is that so? Then why don't we let her try on something else," Evelyn said, leaning close to Conrad. "What do you think?"

All eyes turned to Conrad. Lillian had changed into at least a dozen outfits by now, and still, no one seemed satisfied.

Conrad's lips curved into a slight smile. "Yeah, they're not quite right for you."

Seeing his response, Evelyn threw a smug glance at Lillian and softened her tone, saying, "Forget it. Lillian works hard, and it can't be easy for her, right? I'm sure she's strapped for cash. Conrad, I can pick whichever outfit you like."

"Still want to keep changing?" Conrad asked, looking directly at Lillian.

Lillian smiled back calmly. "My job is to keep changing until the customer's happy."

He looked at her coldly. "Then change as much as you like."

Without missing a beat, Lillian turned and stepped off the platform, determined to keep her composure in front of him.

The store owner hurried over. "What's Conrad's deal? Those two women are clearly picking on you. You know them?"

With a neutral expression, Lillian forced down her frustration. "People with money always have a few quirks."

She knew Conrad's temper all too well. He was still holding a grudge over her telling him to get lost-he wasn't one to forgive easily.

When she came back out in a casual outfit, it looked fresh and lively, perfect for someone like Evelyn.

"Well? Do you like it?" Conrad asked Evelyn, his gaze on Lillian.

Evelyn paused. "Yeah, I actually like this one."

"Then we'll take them all," he replied.

The manager, relieved to be done with them, quickly offered her thanks. "Thank you, Mr. Conrad!"

Alice went to handle the payment.

"Miss Evelyn, please come with us for measurements," the manager said.

Janet, practically bouncing with excitement, said, "Evelyn, you'll let me borrow one of these, right? I've never worn a jacket that costs six figures!"

Evelyn blushed. "I'll ask Mr. Conrad."

"Oh, come on! He adores you; he'll definitely get it for you. Unlike some people-" Janet sneered, looking Lillian up and down. "Women like her can only try on these clothes. You're in a whole different league."

Lillian ignored her, indifferent to whatever Janet thought. The sales counted toward her numbers, which meant her commission for tonight would be impressive. Deciding to take a break, she headed to the restroom.

When Evelyn saw her there washing her hands, she couldn't resist a jab. "I heard you're desperate for cash. Consider those sales my little gift to you. You did date Conrad once, after all."