Chapter 1347:
But as Meagan’s eyes fell on Melany—drenched and mud-streaked—her brow furrowed. “Stop. Don’t come any closer.”
Melany froze immediately.
Meagan dismissed her with a sharp wave of her hand. “Gill, have someone escort her to change. I don’t want that wet smell near my room.”
Gill offered a quick, apologetic smile. “Don’t take it personally. She’s always like this. Come on, let’s get you changed.”
Melany remained unfazed. Once she had changed into dry, clean clothes, she made her way upstairs without delay.
Deandre started to rise, but Gill blocked him gently. “My mom’s getting measured. You really want to watch that?”
He shot her a brief look, then settled back into his chair. “Your mother isn’t exactly easy.”
Gill’s jaw tightened for a moment, but her voice stayed steady. “Relax. No matter what, she won’t make things difficult for a seamstress.”
Meagan was lounging on a chaise, leisurely drawing an ivory comb through her perfectly styled hair.
“So, you’ve arrived.” She examined Melany with a sharp, appraising look. “Set your tools on the table over there. And stay off my carpet.”
Melany placed her kit on the table without a word, pulled out her measuring tape and sketchbook, and waited in silence.
𝖳𝗿𝗲𝗇𝖽𝗶𝘯g 𝗇𝗈𝘃𝘦𝘭𝘀 oո 𝗀𝘢𝗹𝗻𝗈v𝗲𝗅s.со𝗺
Meagan lingered another ten minutes before finally rising and extending her arms. “Begin.”
Melany moved closer, her motions careful and deliberate.
“Mrs. Kennedy, I need to check the sleeve length. Could you lift your arm slightly?”
Meagan raised her arm with lazy indifference. “The last gown Sweetberry made had the waistline all wrong. I looked thicker at that party. If it happens again, I won’t pay the remaining balance.”
“That won’t happen,” Melany replied calmly, jotting it down without protest.
Once the measurements were done, Melany had barely put away her tape when Meagan settled back into her seat and lifted the comb with a soft sigh.
“My hair’s been such a nightmare today.”
Melany said nothing, methodically arranging her notes.
“Come comb it for me,” Meagan said offhandedly, as though summoning a servant.
Melany paused for a moment, then looked up.
“Of course.”
She moved closer, took the comb, and drew it through Meagan’s hair with gentle, even strokes. Meagan closed her eyes, visibly relaxing.
Five minutes later, Meagan spoke again. “That’s enough. The kitchen’s been busy. Bring me some fruit—chilled cherries, and use the crystal bowl.”
Melany set the comb on the side table and descended the staircase quietly.
By now, most of the guests had gone, and neither Deandre nor Gill remained in the living room. She went directly to the kitchen, selected the cherries from the refrigerator, rinsed them carefully, arranged them in the crystal bowl as instructed, and carried it back upstairs.
Meagan sampled one, her brow creasing. “Still not cold enough. Chill them again.”
Melany returned to the kitchen without a word and began again.
After three trips, Meagan finally gave a faint nod, savoring a cherry while her gaze drifted toward the expansive walk-in closet.
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