Chapter 283 Conflict
At the salon …
+8 Pearls
Melody had dragged Kelly to Scaville’s most famous salon, a place known for completely reinventing people’s appearances. Socialites and wealthy heirs flocked here to transform themselves and select the perfect gowns.
“Do I really have to wear this?” Kelly stepped out of the fitting room, glancing at the dress with hesitation.
She was tall and slender, and the off–shoulder gown fit her like a glove. The mermaid silhouette hugged her curves, accentuating her figure beautifully.
Melody’s eyes practically sparkled. “What did I tell you? Clothes make the person, and beauty comes with money!”
Kelly studied herself in the mirror. “Do people really dress this formally for the chamber’s gala?”
“You grew up with TV. You’ve seen the gowns celebrities wear to these events, right?” Melody laughed, taking Kelly in from head to toe. “We’ve got to outshine Clarissa tonight. This dress will make Zev dig deep into his pockets.”
“This is a collection of Mr. Lockhart’s mother’s, stored in the vault. Let’s choose some pieces to match your outfit.” The attendant’s gaze was filled with awe. Kelly hadn’t even applied makeup yet, but she already looked striking.
“Do we really need to use … Zev’s mother’s jewelry?” Kelly asked, her nerves creeping up.
“Your mother–in–law’s, don’t worry! Zev gave you everything of his,” Melody grinned, pulling Kelly toward the vault. A whole wall was lined with glittering, top–tier jewels–the ultimate symbol of wealth.
“How much… are these worth?” Kelly asked, her voice cautious.
“The cheapest set here could probably buy your family a small house,” Melody replied, her excitement barely contained. “You have to understand, Zev’s mom was a collector–almost like an artist. And Uncle Sylvester always pampered her, so the pieces she got were some of the finest auction treasures.”
Sylvester had always spoiled his wife. If Helena liked something, he never hesitated.
“Mrs. Lockhart, how about this set?” the attendant asked, holding up a royal purple jade necklace. “It pairs perfectly with your pearl–white gown. Plus, with your fair skin, it’ll look stunning. This set was the one Mr. Lockhart’s father gave Madam Wagner when he proposed.”
Kelly inhaled sharply. Even without being a jewelry expert, she knew this wasn’t something that came cheap.
The Lockharts really were in a different league…
At least, the inheritance Zev received from Sylvester and Helena was more than enough to sustain his lifestyle. No wonder he always seemed to look down on Wade’s wealth. After all … if you have enough money, why bother chasing more?
“It’s beautiful … ” Melody’s eyes shone with excitement. “This is the one.”
Kelly hesitated. Tonight’s gala wasn’t just another event–it was a statement. She had no choice but to go all
- in.
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Chapter 283 Conflict
+8 Pearls
She knew the chamber’s gala was an exclusive gathering for the most powerful figures in business. The women there were either clite heiresses or top models, actresses, and singers. If Zev wanted to take control of Lockhart Group, he had to make an impact.
This was Zev’s chance to build connections.
As Zev’s wife, Kelly understood: she couldn’t afford to fall behind.
The makeup was perfect, the hair flawless, and the stylist gently placed the jewelry on Kelly.
The pieces fit her as though they had been crafted just for her.
It was as if Kelly had been chosen, as if she were meant to wear them–Helena’s chosen daughter–in–law.
Melody grinned, satisfied. “If Aunt Helena were here, she’d love you. You’re stunning, Kelly. Like a glowing pearl in the dark.”
Kelly blushed, laughing awkwardly.
She glanced at her reflection, equally shocked.
Top–tier makeup artists really could work wonders.
“Mr. Lockhart, Mrs. Lockhart is ready,” the attendant called from the door, announcing Zev’s arrival to pick up Kelly.
As soon as Kelly stepped out of the dressing room, Zev froze. His eyes widened in surprise.
Who is this stunning woman? Oh, right… she’s mine.
Kelly smiled nervously, feeling a bit awkward. “Do you think … it’s too much?”
Zev cleared his throat, his ears turning pink. He couldn’t help it. Seeing his wife looking this beautiful made him bashful. “Whose wife is this?”
Melody rolled her eyes, smirking. “Mine, obviously.”
Zev immediately reached for Kelly’s hand, holding it tightly. “Nope. This one’s mine. I have to keep a hold of her.”
“Quit gloating,” Melody teased, striding toward the door. Even in her gown, she moved with the speed of someone who was in a hurry. “We can’t miss the red carpet. Let’s make them blink.”
Melody and Oscar were also invited. Though neither of them was part of the business elite, Oscar’s ties to the Wagners gave them influence in Seaville. Both the Wagners and Lockharts were powerhouses in the business world.
The Wagners had steadily risen in recent years. Shawn had quietly forged a path from Hallowick, becoming one of Seaville’s most talked–about new elites.
While he wasn’t yet at Sylvester’s level–Seaville’s once–in–a–generation business genius–Sylvester was dead. Many speculated Shawn might be the one to break the myth of Sylvester’s dominance.
“Hey … ” Zev paused, reaching out to stop Melody. He hesitated, then spoke. “Oscar knows Shawn’s coming, right?”
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Chapter 283 Conflict
Melody blinked, then nodded. “Is there some kind of issue between them?”
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