Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks

Just when everyone thought the matter was over, Cherise spoke slowly and calmly. "Who said it's settled? Being criticized so much and then letting it go wouldn't be fair to us, would it?"

Lucia felt awkward. "But... Ms. Jarrett, who brought you here, didn't say anything. Why are you still holding on to this?"

"Who's really holding onto this? Cherise's expression suddenly darkened, her tone serious as she addressed her.

Stella, noticing the sudden shift in atmosphere, stepped forward. "Cherise, right? I wasn't sure what happened earlier in the fitting room, but if Lucia has misunderstood you, I'll apologize on her behalf. "Maybe, for Jean's sake, we can let this go. She is the wife of the diplomat from Hesperia to Clusia."novelbin

Cherise said nothing, simply staring at Stella.

Stella, for a brief moment, felt a sense of awe from the young woman standing before her.

It wasn't because of Cherise's beauty, but because of the aura she exuded.

The presence was unique, one that even someone like Stella, who had spent years moving through political circles, rarely encountered. It gave off an almost overwhelming pressure.

"She's the diplomat's wife?" Cherise said with a slightly indifferent tone.

Lucia and Stella thought that, considering Lucia's status, Cherise might back down, and they could settle this matter without

any

further conflict.

To their surprise, Cherise continued, "No wonder she's acting so high-handed. But, this is Clusia, not Hesperia. For her to be so presumptuous and pushy without understanding the full truth of the matter... "Well, I guess the Hesperian diplomats don't have the best taste when it comes to choosing their wives."

Lucia, clearly offended, shot back. "You... You're also the one being arrogant!"

She pointed at Cherise, then directed the blame toward Jean.

Jean, having grown up somewhat familiar with political affairs, couldn't help but interject. "Ma'am, why are you pointing at

me?

"I'm not sure what Ms. Walton just said to you, but I understand why you're saying that. Honestly, it was Cherise who brought me here.

***

"The shopkeeper allowed us in because of her. So, I think you owe her an apology for your unfounded actions."

Lucia's eyes widened in disbelief, and Stella hesitated for a moment.

Clearly, they had misunderstood the situation, thinking that Jean had used her influence to get Cherise inside.

Maybe it was because they had been in Hesperia for so long that they were unaware of the current situation in Clusia.

At that moment, Xenia, who had just finished her business, hurried down the stairs. As soon as she saw the scene, she spoke up. "What's going on here? "Huh? Cherise, what are you doing here? Hurry up. I've been waiting for you for ages. Jean came along too? Great, I just ordered three cups of coffee." As she came downstairs, she couldn't help asking when she saw the situation.

Xenia arrived and was immediately recognized by the waitstaff. Good afternoon, Ms. Taylor."

The customers knew her well, as Xenia's posters were displayed throughout the store.

But everyone was puzzled, wondering how Xenia seemed to be so familiar with the beautiful young woman who had just had a confrontation with Lucia,

Xenia walked straight up to Cherise and threw her arm around her shoulder.

Cherise, seeing Xenia's friendly gesture, didn't pull away. She allowed Xenia to embrace her with a playful smile. "It's nothing, just a loudmouth blocking the way," Cherise said. Everyone watching them could see the closeness between them, and it became clear to them all what was really going on.

Lucia, realizing she had angered the wrong person, began to regret her actions.

Jean had already filled Xenia in on everything that had happened.

Xenia, being such a loyal supporter of Cherise and seeing her as an idol, wasn't about to let this go.

Furiously, Xenia turned to Lucia. "It doesn't matter who you are or which country's diplomat's wife you are. With that kind of behavior, it's hard to imagine how many people you've bullied

"So what if Cherise came into Taylor Vogue without an invitation? If she wanted the whole store, I'd gladly give it to her. And by the way, many of the clothes you just tried on were designed by Cherise.

"The overall design of Taylor Vogue's interior is her work too. Haven't you heard that there's always someone better? Look at you, all sharp and nasty. How dare you mock others?"

When Xenia spoke, everyone was stunned.

No one had expected Cherise to be the mastermind behind Taylor Vogue's design.

One customer, standing a little further away, recognized Cherise and called out. "Wait. She's Mr. Morris' wife, Cherise, also the famous architect Duskson. No wonder I've always loved Taylor Vogue's design. It was Duskson's work!" As soon as Duskson and Morris were mentioned, the realization hit everyone, especially Stella, who hadn't been in Clusia for nearly ten years. She now understood Cherise's true identity.

Stella hadn't initially connected the dots. Jean's cousin was Morris, the son of the late Hilda Jarrett, and one of the wealthiest and most influential men in Clusia.

Lucia knew him as well. She was from Clusia, and her husband often spoke about Morris.

Lucia now realized there was no way out of this situation.

Xenia kept pushing Lucia to apologize, while Cherise's intimidating gaze bore down on her.

Lucia, feeling helpless, turned to Stella for support. "Stella, what should I do?"

000

Stella paused for a moment, then stepped up to Cherise. "Mrs. Leach, right? Hello, I really didn't expect to meet you here. I

with Hilda, Morris's mother. grew up

"She's a few years older than me and always took great care of me. You really are beautiful. Morris is so lucky to have you. a shame that Hilda didn't live long enough to see you."