Chapter 208

He was practically holding his breath, desperate for her to leave before the Main family lost even more face.
Steven already knew the essentials about the Gates family. Samantha had three sons, all impressive in their own ways. Donald was in the military, Roger worked at a hospital, and Kenneth was a big name in showbiz. All three were about the same age as Olivia. Honestly, marrying into that family would be a dream come true for the Mains.
“Samantha, let me introduce my youngest daughter. This is Olivia,” Steven said, gently nudging Olivia forward, ready to make the perfect introduction.
But Samantha wasn’t interested. She completely ignored him and hurried over to Charlotte instead, grabbing her hand with a bright smile and a teasing wink. “Charlotte, it’s been ages!”
Ages? Steven, Elizabeth, and Olivia all stared in shock. Since when did Samantha know Charlotte?
Eighteen years apart really was a long time. Charlotte just gave a small, knowing smile, her eyebrows raised as if to say, “Aunt, you’re really putting on a show.”
“You’re gorgeous,” Samantha said, holding onto Charlotte’s hand like she never wanted to let go. “Next time you come shopping, at least let me know. I’d love to join you.”
Samantha, going shopping with Charlotte? Olivia couldn’t wrap her head around it. How had Charlotte ever met someone like Samantha, let alone get on her good side? Steven was just as confused. From the way Samantha looked at Charlotte, she clearly adored her. If Charlotte ended up with one of the Gates boys, that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
“I overheard you’ve got your eye on two outfits, right?” Samantha asked.
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed a little. She nodded.
“Wrap them up,” Samantha told the staff. “Actually, wrap up everything in the store that would look good on Charlotte. I’ll take care of it.”
Buy it all? For a second, everyone else just stood there, stunned. With Charlotte’s face and figure, she could put off anything in the store. Was Samantha really about to buy the whole place for her? That sounded insane.
Before anyone could react, Samantha waved her hand. “Forget it. Just ring up the
entire store. Charlotte can take her time choosing what she likes.”
The Gates family was rich, sure, but this was next-level. Why would Samantha go all out for Charlotte? Was she actually thinking of setting her up with one of her sons? Olivia glared at Charlotte, fuming. Besides her looks, what did that country girl even have? If Samantha wanted a daughter-in-law, it should be her.
Elizabeth caught on to what was happening. She clenched her hands and stepped up quickly. “Samantha, 1 was actually planning to let Charlotte have the dress. But the brand specifically requested Olivia wear it at the competition,” she explained, sneaking in a little brag about her daughter Charlotte isn’t even competing, so there’s really no reason for her to insist on this one. Don’t you think?”
Samantha turned around and shot Elizabeth a frosty look. “So, there’s really nothing you can do?”
Her tone was sharp, her smile icy.
“That’s right,” Elizabeth said, standing her ground. “We already signed the contract. Our hands are tied.”
Samantha just huffed and turned back to Charlotte, her voice softening again. “Is this really that important to you?”
If Charlotte said yes, Samantha was ready to buy the whole brand and make it her personal closet. If not…
“I’m not that interested anymore,” Charlotte said, reclining casually on the sofa.
That made things easier. Samantha gently pinched Charlotte’s cheek, smiling warmly. “Just watch. I’ll handle it for you.”