"Pack that dress and send it to the Ashford residence."
The assistant nodded to Adrian's order. Elena took out the credit card from her purse and she was about to pay for the dress when Adrian stopped her. "Elena, no need for you to pay, consider it my birthday gift to you since I missed your birthday the other day."
"But uncle that's your latest design and I don't want anyone to think that you're being biased towards me."
Elena had never liked the idea of free things given to her. This was not because she had money, but it was because taking free things made her feel like she owed someone a favor. And Elena hated this feeling.
However, Adrian insisted, "Elena, don't you call me uncle? Then don't I, as your uncle, owe you a birthday gift? I'm giving you this dress as your birthday gift. Just accept it, okay?"
Elena sighed. What could she say when Adrian put it this way? It was like if she didn't accept the dress as a gift, Adrian would owe it to her. When she herself hated being put in such a situation, how could she put Adrian in the same situation?
A dazzling smile appeared on Adrian's face. Adrian was truly handsome and it was a shame that her godfather was homosexual. Most of the women felt attracted to him because of his charismatic aura and God-like face.
Adrian turned to face Vanessa and gave her a foul look. His expression clearly stated that he didn't like her at all. Vanessa, however, ignored the look that Adrian had on his face. Instead, she felt happy about Adrian noticing her presence. This made her think that her popularity in the industry would surely be boosted if he mentioned even one word of support towards her.
However, her hopes were dashed again. "Please pay for the dress and see your way out. I don't have time to associate with you," Adrian said to Vanessa clearly. There was no confusion in his words and they were as clear as a day.
Vanessa was expecting Adrian to talk to her but she wasn't expecting that he would say this. The surrounding people snickered and their soft murmurs about Vanessa being shameless reached Vanessa's ears, making her face turn red with anger. She didn't deserve to be treated like this and she wanted to get back to Adrian for this insult but she couldn't let go of the pretentious image she had created in the hearts of the people.
Vanessa could only smile helplessly after which she looked in Elena's direction, "Elena, let's go," she said in a sweet voice.
"Sorry Vanessa, I can't come with you. I need to go with my Uncle Adrian. I'll make it up to you next time, okay?" Elena also replied sweetly but Vanessa's lips twitched in annoyance as she didn't expect Elena to reject her outrightly.
Elena was like a dog that would follow her everywhere she went, but what changed? Vanessa felt that the person in front of her was not the Elena she knew. The person in front of her exuded a radiance of maturity and elegance that she had never seen in Elena and she didn't like this change at all.
However, what could she do? She had no other option. She went to the billing counter and looked back at Elena. Elena knew that Vanessa wanted her to pay for the dress as always but she acted like she didn't see Vanessa looking towards her. Vanessa couldn't do anything if Elena didn't offer paying the bill. After all, she couldn't ask money from Elena in front of so many people, right? Her reputation would be utterly ruined if she did so. Having left no choice, Vanessa gritted her teeth and paid for the dress reluctantly.
After the unhappy Vanessa left the boutique, Adrian led Elena to his office. He ordered his assistant to bring him two cups of tea. As Elena took her seat, the assistant arrived and placed the cups on the table.
Adrian picked the teacup and gazed towards Elena, "Elena, tell me honestly. Why didn't you leave with your friend?"
Elena picked up her cup and took a sip before saying, "She's not my friend. Not anymore." Her tone was flat as if she wasn't the one who would follow Vanessa around like a puppy. It was as if she was devoid of any emotions for Vanessa.
Adrian raised his left brow in amusement and curiosity, "Oh? Why is that?" He couldn't help but ask what had happened for Elena to say this about Vanessa.
Elena replied calmly, "She's a fake, and I don't like fake people. Also, I feel like she's bad news."
Adrian's lips curved into a genuine smile, "Finally! Finally, you've opened your eyes. I thought you would hang out with her until the day she ruined you!"