Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Suzanne looked at Seline with a deadpan look on her face. "Seline, what nonsense are you spouting now?"

This was the 21st century, not the ancient days when women were expected to stay quiet and look pretty. For Seline to claim Suzanne was jealous of a mere mistress was downright laughable.

Seline looked up at her in disbelief. "Suzanne, you—"

But Suzanne, looking at Seline's angry expression, only felt like she was watching a clown. "If we're comparing jobs, I'm a shareholder of Yates Corporation while you're just a minor department manager. If we're comparing alter egos, I'm Jane Smith, and you're nothing but a half-baked designer. As for men..."

Suzanne suddenly let out a light laugh. "Jenson isn't even fit to shine my man's shoes. Seline, did you come here just to amuse me?"

Every word hit like a knife, stabbing straight into Seline. She clenched her fists so tightly her entire body trembled uncontrollably.

Bitch! This damn bitch!

She glared at Suzanne with venomous hatred.

But Suzanne merely curved her lips and continued softly, "Let me share some news with you. I'll also be attending the Fawley family's banquet—and I was invited before you."

Seline's eyes widened in shock as she jerked her head up to stare at Suzanne.

What? Suzanne had been invited earlier?

Seline had thought she could flaunt her invitation and use it to shatter Suzanne's sense of superiority, but now? Now, it all flipped on her.

Frustration surged up, and all she could do was scream internally.

Suzanne gave her a mocking glance, turned with her coffee, and walked out. Seline stared daggers into her back, so furious her chest ached.

That damned bitch! What was there to be so smug about?

No, she couldn't let Suzanne get away with this. She had to find a way to ruin her.

Seline bit down hard on her lower lip, desperately trying to think about her next

move.

Because of the Fawley family's

banquet, Suzanne had been busy the past three days, working ahead tonoveldrama

clear her schedule. After all, this was ar the first time Austin had personally invited her to attend such an event.

Just after lunch, she was getting ready to choose a dress. But as

soon as she reached the main She

entrance, she saw Austin returning from Qutside. She looked at him, momentarily dazed. "Why are you back at this hour?"

Austin had been especially busy lately, even working on Saturdays. She had assumed he would only come back after work so that they could go to the banquet together.

He looked at her and gave a faint smile as he walked steadily over. "To take you for styling."

Suzanne lowered her gaze to

Austin's hand holding hers, a warm

feeling flowing through her heart. So, Austin actually cleared time just for her? Her lips curved into a smile as she followed him out the door.

About an hour later, the two of them stood in front of the largest storefront on the busiest street in downtown Dudore. From afar, the shop seemed to dominate the entire view.

The word "Originelle" hung above the entrance, making the place look all the more upscale and exclusive.

Suzanne was, of course, familiar with Originelle. It was the country's largest and most elite styling club. Countless top-tier celebrities had to wait ages just to get an appointment with them.

Austin took her hand naturally. "Let's go."

She nodded, and the two of them stepped inside.

The store interior, decorated in white and silver, had a cool yet luxurious feel.

Large origami-style designs gave the whole space a sense of refined artistry. "Welcome, sir and madam. Do you have an appointment?"