Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Improper dress

Just when Claire was about to shrug off Serena, the arms around her suddenly slackened. The man's face shifted slightly, brows drawing together before he let go of her.

Serena glanced at her waist with a fake smile. "Sis, are you sure this dress fits? Kinda looks a bit baggy on you."

In these high society circles, banquets were basically fashion battles-dresses, jewelry, handbags, all part of the unspoken competition.

Which designer's limited edition you wore, whose exclusive piece you scored-it was all the ladies talked about. Wearing last season's stuff? Social suicide. Worse yet, anything fake? Yikes.

So a dress that didn't fit just screamed awkward, and the snickering started almost right away.

"Seriously? Mrs. Cooper can't even get a dress her size? Pathetic."

"Cut her some slack, maybe? Word is she just got back from being exiled overseas or whatever. Getting any decent dress is a miracle. That hair though, sheesh... No wonder Mr. Cooper can't stand her. Hope he dumps her soon and gets it done."

"."

Serena acted like she didn't hear any of it, sighing at Nelson. "Nelson, how could you let Claire wear something like this?"

Claire watched her little sister's act with a stony face. She saw this coming a mile away. The performance was just. embarrassingly childish.

What caught everyone off guard was Nelson stepping up, calmly explaining, "Didn't have time to get Claire's measurements. I figured you two were about the same size, so I asked the designer to go with yours. Looks like it didn't work out, and now there's no time to fix it."

The chatter around them died instantly.

Serena's polite smile almost cracked.

She could feel the gazes-people clearly sizing her up, whispering she was bigger than Claire.

That dress... she had fallen in love with it at the Sprince spring/summer showcase. It hadn't even dropped yet; getting it straight from the designer was the only way. And now Claire had worn it first.

And Nelson? Not only gave the dress to Claire, but actually stood up for that woman?

Serena took a long breath, forcing her expression to stay calm. She said lightly to Nelson, "I see. Well, maybe next time, pay a bit more attention."Nelson lowered his eyes, gaze falling on Claire, and gave a quiet "mm."

Serena clenched her jaw, but when she turned to Claire, her smile was back in place as she reached out to take her arm. "Oh right, sis. Nelson had a bunch of dresses sent over for me this time, all in different sizes. If you don't mind, maybe try one on? That one doesn't fit too well."

Claire was about to say no.

Sure, the dress wasn't a perfect fit, but it was loose enough to be comfy. Still, just as the words were about to come out, she curved her lips into a smile. "Alright."

"The dresses are in the room you used to stay in. Just pick whichever you like. There are still guests here, so I won't walk you over," Serena said, pulling her hand away.

Claire nodded. "See you in a bit then."

She lifted her skirt, turning to leave, but before she could take a step, someone bent down behind her to help carry the hem.

Nelson looked expressionless. "I'll walk you over."

Claire instinctively looked at Serena.

That split-second of resentment didn't escape her notice. But when Claire tried to get a better look, all she saw was Serena's picture-perfect, sweet smile. "Nelson, Claire already gave me a birthday present. Don't tell me you forgot mine?"

Claire smoothly shot him a glance. "You know, when girls get upset, it's not that easy to fix. You might want to get her gift first."

She turned and walked away without the slightest hesitation.

Nelson's fingers subconsciously tightened, but the silky fabric still slid right through his grip. When he looked up, all he saw was her slim figure slowly walking toward the villa.

On the second floor, Claire headed straight for the furthest room down the hall.

Before Serena came home, Claire used to live in the master bedroom with the balcony up here. But once the real daughter was back, Claire naturally had to give it up.

Back then, Serena didn't even try to hide how much she didn't like her. Any time she saw Claire, she'd burst into tears about how hard life had been growing up outside the family. Honestly, not having to sleep in the maid's room had already been generous by Miss Serena's standards.

But to be real, it wasn't the remote room that stung-it was the feeling of being unwanted that was way worse. Ironically, that little room had been her sanctuary, the one space where she could breathe.

With a sigh, Claire reached out, pushed the door open, and walked in.

The instant she flipped the light switch, the door slammed shut behind her with a loud bang, followed by the sound of the key being yanked out from outside.

Her instincts kicked in. She spun around, only to feel a strong grip suddenly grab her arm...