lesson.”
Chapter 288
Seeing him approach, Dorothy quickly masked her usual sharp and spiteful demeanor with a forced calm, though a hint of her temper slipped through as she muttered under her breath, “Always looking out for everyone but your own.”
Susan lost a bit of her earlier firmness, simply asking, “Why’s that?”
“Well, I promised my grandma I’d get her a few custom outfits.”
Gregory couldn’t help but chuckle, Tm bringing Jane over this weekend to get her thoughts. If you’ve got her all riled up and she gives me the cold shoulder, how am I supposed to explain that to Grandma?”
At that, Dorothy’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief, “You’re taking her to meet Adah?!”
“And what’s it to you?” Gregory shot back, his patience clearly wearing thin.
Dorothy scoffed, “Adah has always been big on decorum and reputation. How could she possibly approve of someone… like her?” “Considering what she’s put up with from you, I think she’d love Jane,” Gregory retorted, not bothering to spare Dorothy’s feelings even in front of Susan.
Holding back her frustration, Susan conceded, “Fine, well drop it for now, for your sake.”
“Much appreciated.”
Gregory’s tone was dismissive as he practically showed them out, his indifference enough to grind anyone’s gears, yet leaving them powerless to retaliate.
Once the mother–daughter duo was out of earshot, I turned to thank him, “I appreciate it. What brings you here?“.
“You owe me three dinners now.”
Gregory casually pulled up a chair and slumped into it Like I said, I’m here for business.”
I was skeptical, ‘Since when are you so charitable?”
He’d always been a man of profit, never one to make a losing deal.
With a smirk, he teased, “Starling to catch on, are you? You’re night, I’m here to propose a business deal.”
“And what’s that?”
“You’ll make a few outfits for my grandma, and in return, you’ll owe me a favor
I frowned, “So, I make the clothes and owe you a favor… How is this a deal?”
It seemed like I was getting the short end of the stick with no real benefit in sight
Gregory leaned back, stretching out his legs in a relaxed pose, “Mrs. Ferguson, or rather, the former Mrs. Ferguson…”
I cut him off, “I have a name, Jane.”
For some reason, he always liked to address me formally, which felt more like mockery coming from him.
“Alright, Jane,” he corrected himself nonchalantly, “Ill pay for the custom work, but, you know, those high society ladies in Vista Town love nothing more than to gather around and play their card games with her.
“I see where you’re going with this ”
It clicked for me. I got it. Custom work was usually for the high–end folks, and the Ford family was the cream of the crop in Vista Town, a link anyone would die to have.
Having Adah Ford wear something I designed would certainly open doors for me. Still, Leyed him warily. “What’s this favor you want?”
After a past event, I had learned to be cautious. Gregory was unpredictable and often operated without clear principles.
Thaven’t decided yet.”
He shrugged, looking genuinely intrigued by me, “What do you think you have that I would go out of my way to deceive you for?”
I was at a loss for words, pondering for a moment before agreeing, “Alright, I’m in.”
Although he was enigmatic, he hadn’t done anything to harm me. For a shot at the Vista Town market, it was worth the gamble.
With the deal made, he showed no signs of leaving.
“Are you not going to leave?” I asked, puzzled.
Gregory fiddled with his phone, not looking up, “I’m waiting for you to finish