Chapter 493

Tomorrow was Jean's birthday. Ella's meticulously prepared surprise had been ruined by Aeolian, leaving Ella in a foul mood. However, Aeolian was a member of the Soar family, and even though the Morrises were one of the wealthiest families, alienating the Soars was impractical. Furthermore, Aeolian hadn't acted intentionally, making a harsh reaction inappropriate.

"Ms. Morris, although I didn't mean to ruin the birthday gift you prepared for Mrs. Morris, it's my fault. I'll cover all costs and provide another gift," Aeolian said clearly. Ella, the eldest Morris daughter, held a position equal to Aeolian's; open conflict was unnecessary.

Ella's expression softened slightly. "There's no need, Ms. Soar. You were careless, but I won't blame you," she replied. Aeolian's apology feels condescending, like she's doing us a favor. Does the Morris family need her money for a gift? Ella thought.

"It's the least I can do. Please don't be courteous," Aeolian said with a faint smile, instructing someone to retrieve a gift from the car.

Ella's impatience grew. Spotting the maid escorting Maeve, she rushed forward. "Maeve, you're here! I'm so sorry to trouble you again."

"Where's 'Wings of Love'?" Maeve asked directly.

Ella pointed to a box. "I didn't expect it to be touched, even though it was kept in the box. I told them to wear gloves, but someone didn't listen." She didn't want to lose Maeve's friendship over someone else's mistake.

Aeolian's surprised and slightly disgusted voice cut through the air. "Maeve Reese? Why are you here?!" Maeve caused my punishment and charmed my friends. How unlucky! Aeolian thought.

Ella asked Maeve, "Do you know the Soar family?"

"No, just a few brief encounters," Maeve replied, approaching the box and placing a small toolbox on the table. She donned white gloves and began examining the gown.

Ignoring Maeve, Aeolian offered an insincere smile. "I didn't expect you to be so vengeful, Ms. Reese. I merely offered suggestions on your lousy and vulgar design. If you didn't appreciate it, fine, but why ignore me? Aren't you a little too arrogant?"

The other socialites immediately formed negative opinions of Maeve, the adjective "lousy and vulgar" carrying considerable weight. Aeolian held significant social standing; her words could ruin a prestigious family's daughter. If her words spread, Maeve's future would be jeopardized.

Ella frowned. "Ms. Soar, Maeve is my guest, and the designer of 'Wings of Love.' Calling her design terrible is essentially mocking my taste."

No one, including Aeolian, expected Ella to defend Maeve.

Aeolian languidly played with a necklace. "Ms. Morris, you've misunderstood. I'm stating the truth. The fashion industry is rife with copycats. How do you know your admired designer isn't one?" she said. "And you mentioned the gown resembles your great-grandmother's. Could they share a source?"

This subtly implied Maeve plagiarized Harry Morris's design—a vicious tactic. Even Ella fell silent. Maeve hadn't anticipated Aeolian's scheming. Aeolian's boldness stemmed from Maeve's lower social standing.

Maeve smiled. "Ms. Morris, you mentioned having only a photograph. Where is it now?"

"In my grandmother's study. It's rarely removed," Ella replied. "I've only seen it a few times; you're unlikely to see it."

Glancing at Aeolian, Ella added, "When I said they were similar, it was an emotional observation, not a statement of identicality. I didn't expect you to interpret it this way, Ms. Soar."

"Not everyone understands human language," Maeve calmly replied.

The onlookers giggled; it was the first time they'd seen Aeolian, who always pretended to be noble, suffer.

Aeolian's face fell. Retorting Maeve wouldn't be dignified. I'm a Soar; I won't stoop to her level, she thought, feeling slightly better. She remained, observing Maeve's actions.

Maeve wore a misty blue dress with dark lilies. The unique design enhanced her elegance. As she carefully repaired the gown, her demeanor resembled that of an ancient noblewoman.

Zephyr arrived looking for Aeolian. Seeing the scene, he turned and left without knocking.

Inside, Ella and her friends watched Maeve seamlessly repair the damaged leaf by covering it with embroidered butterflies.

She put away her needle. The butterfly wings seemed about to flutter.

Ella's friends gasped. "You're the first designer I've seen use crewelwork so skillfully. It's a work of art! It's impossible to embroider complicated patterns so quickly and well without at least ten years of experience. I believe you created the gown alone."

"I haven't asked your name yet. Shall we exchange contact information?"

"I heard you own a studio. Need investment? I have several hundred thousand dollars I could invest."