Chapter 24

“Mrs. Hall, here’s a letter for you!” The butler entered, extending a letter.

Emma accepted the royal blue envelope, opened it, and saw “Vark College” printed at the bottom.

“What is it?” Liam inquired.

“It’s an invitation to a Vark College welcome party this weekend,” Emma replied.

“Do you want to go?”

Emma hesitated. She had unfinished business; her past life's memories indicated a significant person at Vark College whose assistance would greatly benefit her future endeavors. However, this individual was notoriously elusive. Attending the party offered her a chance to interact with him.

“I’ll go, but…” Emma felt awkward. “I don’t have a suitable dress.”

Liam’s demeanor subtly shifted. He immediately sent her a two-million-dollar tiara and a stunning pink diamond ring. While her wardrobe overflowed with high-end clothing suitable for daily wear, she lacked an appropriate gown for a formal party. The Icovine Estate had none.

“I’ll take you shopping this afternoon,” Liam offered without hesitation.

Emma felt overwhelmed. “Actually, I can go alone. You must be very busy.” She knew Liam, though rarely at the company, often worked long hours in his study.

Liam, despite his demanding schedule, always prioritized her. “You said yourself it’s better to shop together. Let’s go.”

Emma's heart swelled as Liam prepared to leave.

Their initial exchange at the Vark College party echoed in her mind:

"If I want to buy something, wouldn't it be better to have you accompany me, Mr. Hall? If you have time, would you go shopping with me?" she'd asked.

"With pleasure," he'd replied.

She was surprised he remembered.

An hour later, they arrived at a high-end custom boutique in Sees World, a prime location in the city's top-tier mall. Emma knew the brand; even basic items cost eight to ten thousand dollars, with custom gowns exceeding any price limit. The clientele consisted of the city's wealthiest residents.

Liam, seated in his wheelchair, attracted attention as they moved through the mall. Unfazed by the whispers of onlookers, Emma proudly held his hand, feeling no awkwardness.

As Emma closed the fitting room door, she overheard two women gossiping:

“Did you see that tall, gorgeous woman? Too bad her boyfriend’s in a wheelchair!” one woman sneered.

“Yeah, the one in the black suit. He probably can’t even… you know,” the other replied, finishing the thought with a crude implication. They continued to criticize Emma's perceived dependence on her wealthy companion, contrasting her lifestyle with their own. Their conversation culminated in self-absorbed comments about their own purchases and social media posts.

When Emma emerged from the fitting room, the women froze.

“What are you doing?!” they exclaimed.

“Ladies,” Emma responded calmly, “remember to be mindful of your surroundings when speaking ill of others. And,” she pointed to one woman’s clothing, “this brand's logo is on the inside. Your selfie will be quite amusing.”

The women’s faces flushed with embarrassment and anger, defending themselves as consumers.

“Is that so?” Emma smiled. “Then, which item will the consumer who takes photos without buying anything purchase?”

Enraged, the women's attempts at dismissal only fueled their own humiliation. Emma didn’t mind the personal criticism, but she wouldn’t tolerate disrespect towards Liam.

One woman tried to regain composure. “She’s nothing more than a mistress, dependent on her wealthy benefactor.” The other echoed her sentiment, mocking Emma's presumed inability to afford the clothing.

Their taunts continued, fueled by their assumptions of Emma’s financial dependence and Liam's physical limitations.

Emma remained composed until a sales assistant announced that Mr. Hall had already purchased the gowns Emma had tried on. The cost of those gowns silenced the women.

One woman muttered something about Liam's physical limitations and their effect on his intimacy with Emma; however, Emma, with her exceptional hearing, caught every word.

In a swift move, Emma grabbed the woman's wrist, dragging her from the fitting room.

“Watch your foul mouth!” Emma reprimanded, releasing the woman’s wrist. “Judging by appearances and gossiping? No wonder even expensive clothes look hideous on you! Look at your pants – they’re dragging on the floor! And you,” she addressed the other woman, “don’t wear fluorescent colours if you’re not fair-skinned. Fashion is about more than just expensive clothes.”