Chapter 163

 163:
By the next morning, the gown was finally complete.
Per the agreement, she needed to deliver it to Anthea in person. “When you see Anthea later, be sure to pass along my regards,” Coen said, watching intently as Linsey carefully packed the gown.
Linsey gave a quick nod. “Of course, Coen.”
Just then, Cynthia approached with a pleasant smile. In front of Coen, she casually suggested, “Linsey, it might be a hassle going alone. How about I come with you? I could lend a hand.”
Coen glanced at Cynthia and chimed in, “That’s kind of you, Cynthia. Alright, you can join her.”
“Thank you, Coen!” Cynthia chirped, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness.
Linsey’s brow furrowed just a tad, a flicker of unease crossing her face.
However, she bit back whatever comment she might have made. Cynthia, as a member of the Keller family, held a certain sway. Coen, well aware of the Kellers’ prominence and influence, wouldn’t dare risk causing her any public embarrassment.
The drive to Anthea’s villa began. Linsey occupied the back seat, carefully cradling the box containing the precious dress. Cynthia sat right next to her.
Linsey braced herself, fully expecting Cynthia to use the car ride as an opportunity for some more of her snide remarks and petty jabs. To Linsey’s surprise, however, the entire twenty-minute journey passed without a single word from Cynthia.
Cynthia’s uncharacteristic silence puzzled Linsey.
Could it be possible? Had Cynthia actually turned over a new leaf? Was she genuinely refraining from her usual taunts for once? What was she up to? What schemes were brewing beneath that quiet exterior?
Unbeknownst to Linsey, Cynthia had already formulated a plan. She was determined to make a grand entrance, a lasting impression on Anthea.
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Cynthia exuded an air of unwavering confidence.
In the past, Cynthia had bought into the rumors that Anthea was notoriously difficult to satisfy, a woman with impossibly high standards.
However, after witnessing Linsey’s successful negotiation with Anthea, Cynthia realized that those rumors were nothing more than baseless gossip.
Cynthia now bitterly regretted missing out on what she perceived as a golden opportunity. She seethed with resentment that Linsey, someone she considered far less capable than herself, had managed to secure Anthea’s order.
Once they got there, she would surely project an image of professionalism and competence, outshining Linsey. At that time, Anthea would immediately recognize her as the more suitable business partner.
In due course, they reached the villa.
Linsey cautiously exited the car, carefully clutching the gown box. Her sprained ankle had significantly improved, but a lingering ache and stiffness persisted as she moved.
Just as she shut the car door, Cynthia hurried over, saying, “Linsey, your ankle is still bothering you, isn’t it? Allow me to carry the gown for you.”
Without pausing for a reply, Cynthia swiftly took the box from Linsey’s grasp.
Linsey offered a neutral glance in response but remained silent.
Upon entering the villa, Anthea promptly emerged to welcome them. She greeted Linsey with a warm smile, but a hint of surprise flickered across her face as her gaze fell upon Cynthia.
“And you are?” Anthea inquired, evidently not anticipating the presence of another guest.
Cynthia promptly offered a smile and introduced herself. “Hello, Mrs. Blakely! My name is Cynthia Keller. We’ve crossed paths briefly at a few social events—perhaps you recall my parents.”
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