Chapter 245
“Of course not,” Claire said right away, shaking her head. “It’s just, I finally have a day off. I wanted to dress up a little, you know? And since I’m visiting some relatives, I figured I should look a bit more formal p>
She’d told everyone last night that she was going to see some elders. It had been ages since she’d been to Cabinda, so she felt it was about time she paid a visit. While buying gifts yesterday, she even picked something up for Padgett.
“You look amazing. So classy. They’re definitely going to be impressed,” Linsey said, eyeing Claire with open envy. Claire’s outfit really was gorgeous, making her look effortlessly elegant. Standing next to her, Linsey felt like a plain little duckling, always blending into the background.
“Thanks. I hope they like it,” Claire said, catching the jealousy in Linsey’s eyes. She decided not to dwell on the topic of clothes.
“Is that from SUNNY’s anniversary collection?” Wendy asked quietly. She was usually reserved, but it was obvious her family wasn’t short on money. She recognized the brand right away. Her older sister had brought her SUNNY clothes from abroad before and always mentioned that SUNNY’s head designer was from Solenia, which made their designs fit Solenian tastes perfectly. At the same time, the brand was making waves overseas. In just three years, it had become super popular. Wendy had a few SUNNY pieces from her sister and had even seen the brand’s magazine. She remembered seeing this exact skirt in one of their issues. Some people even wore it to engagement parties or as special occasion dresses.
“Yep, it’s the anniversary edition,” Claire nodded. SUNNY released a limited collection every year for their anniversary.
“SUNNY’s stuff is gorgeous. My sister said this collection is almost impossible to buy. You can’t even get SUNNY clothes here in the country,” Wendy said.
Claire remembered Jenny talking about coming to Solenia soon and smiled. “I heard SUNNY is about to open in local malls p>
Wendy’s eyes widened. “Seriously? Which mall managed to bring SUNNY in p>
“VIA Metropolis p>
VIA Metropolis was a classic. It had been around forever, way longer than all the new malls popping up lately. Still, younger people liked to hang out at the trendier, newer places, so VIA Metropolis wasn’t as popular anymore. If they managed to get this partnership, though, it could really bring the crowds back.
Wendy knew VIA Metropolis, of course. There was one in Apex. She just hadn’t expected them to land such a huge brand. “That’s awesome p>
Claire agreed with a nod. No matter which side made money, she was getting a share, so it was all good.
“Alright, I have to get going,” she said, grabbing her things.
Nanette and Linsey weren’t allowed to go out to see the flag-raising ceremony. Their teacher said no, since their group was heading home to
today. Contentbehead
Claire didn’t have time for a long goodbye, but she had prepared small gifts for all three girls. It wasz some moisturizing cream she’d made herself a while back. She didn’t say she made it; she just told then it was a traditional, handmade formula that wasn’t sold anywhere but worked really well. Since Claire used it and her skin was always glowing, they believed her right away.
She hurried downstairs and spotted Norris, who was waiting with another good- looking guy.
“Claire,” Norris called out, waving.
The guy next to Norris stepped forward with a friendly grin. “You’re Claire, right? I’m Owen, your third cousin p>
Norris shot Owen a look. Before coming, he’d told him not to be too intense. Clearly, Owen hadn’t listened at all.
“Hi,” Claire replied, not using the
cousin title. Even though the
Churchill family felt familiar
everything still felt a little threat
“Claire, you look incredible today. Even prettier than the first time I saw you at the airport p>