Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Despite the tumult of emotions within her, Rose composed herself. Her voice strained with emotion as she spoke, “Very well, I will help you. Please, stand up. Let me take your measurements and see if we have anything suitable available.”
Clarissa gripped her hand tightly. Tears filled her reddened eyes. “Thank you…”
After dismissing her staff and assistant, Rose attended to Clarissa personally, carefully taking her measurements. Once done, she presented three evening gowns that she believed would suit Clarissa.
“How do you find these three options, Ms. Sparks? If none are to your liking, I can certainly offer more selections,” Rose offered.
But Clarissa didn’t deliberate long. Hastily, she grasped a dark green dress as if afraid Rose might retract her offer. “There’s no need to trouble you further. I’ll take this one. It’s perfect,” she said, her voice tight with emotion.
Rose observed Clarissa’s tension with a pang of sadness. “Ready-made garments may not offer the same fit as bespoke ones. There might be some adjustments needed. I recommend trying it on in the fitting room for the best result. If alterations are necessary, I’ll take care of it.”
Clarissa hesitated briefly before she walked into the fitting room.
Innumerable memories flooded Rose’s mind like relentless nightmares, leaving her heart in turmoil. She made her way to the fridge, retrieved a chilled bottle of water, and drank it all, hoping to quell the unrest within her.
At this moment, a thud emanated from the fitting room, jolting Rose. Hastily, she approached and rapped on the door, concern evident in her voice. “Ms. Sparks, is everything alright? Ms. Sparks?”
No one responded. Rose felt something was off and barged into the fitting room.
“Ms. Sparks!”
Clarissa had fainted, her upper body exposed. Clarissa’s back was covered with bruises and scabs formed by old injuries.
Rose was stunned for two seconds before she swiftly took off her coat to cover Clarissa’s body. Then she carried her up.
“Ms. Sparks, wake up!”
As Clarissa gradually regained consciousness, Rose’s relief was palpable, yet her concern lingered. “How did you get these injuries, Ms. Sparks?”
Avoiding Rose’s probing gaze, Clarissa turned away, tears brimming in her eyes.
“Are you being abused? Did Josh do this to you?” Rose’s eyes blazed with fury, their depths tinged with scarlet intensity.
“Ms. Emerson, this is a private matter. Please don’t ask.”
Clarissa struggled to get up. She frantically wore her clothes. “I will transfer the money to you shortly. I will ask my assistant to collect the gown from you. Sorry for the trouble!”
As Clarissa prepared to flee, Rose’s voice cut through the air, “Ms. Sparks, domestic abuse isn’t a singular event¡ªit recurs, relentlessly haunting its victims. You understand more than anyone the anguish and torment you’ve endured all these years.
“Are you truly willing to spend the rest of your life with that pretentious bastard? No matter how much you endure, your body will inevitably falter under the strain. Are you resigned to the possibility of meeting your end at his hands one day?”
“Then, what am I supposed to do? Do I have a choice?”
Clarissa finally broke down, unleashing the pent-up hatred she had suppressed for so long. “I’m barely clinging to life as it is. If I fight back, I’ll only end up dead.” “Bullshit!” The domestic violence had struck a nerve in Rose. She shrieked, “You will end up dead if you don’t retaliate! Ms. Sparks, it’s still not too late for you. As long as¡ª”
Before she could finish, the door slammed shut, cutting her off.
Rose’s features hardened, her body tensing with suppressed fury as an unsettling idea took root in her mind.
Just as Clarissa’s car made its way out of the studio, a sleek luxury vehicle swept in. Disregarding the marked parking areas, it brazenly parked sideways in front of the studio, demonstrating utter arrogance and a disdain for the rules.
“Mom, what sort of dump did that awful woman pick to live in? It’s so remote, and the drive was pure torture!” A woman clad in a pink lace dress complained as she stepped out of the car, her eyes brimming with disdain as she stretched in discomfort.
She was Jamie Emerson, Rose’s sister from another mother.
“It’s because the housing in this area is affordable. That despicable woman is probably pinching pennies, maybe even saving for her dowry,” commented a stout, stern-faced middle-aged woman walking closely behind. She was Lydia Carney, Jamie’s mother.
“She parades around as a designer just to boost her status and snag a wealthy husband. Otherwise, she’d be nothing but a shameful illegitimate daughter. If the truth were to come out, who would even consider marrying her? She’s nothing but a source of embarrassment and disgrace.”
“Haha! You’ve got a point, Mom!” Jamie furrowed her well-trimmed brows. “But I still don’t get why we didn’t hire a top-notch designer for my wedding gown. Why settle for this woman’s help? It’s ridiculous.”
“Ah, my dear daughter, there’s more to it than meets the eye.”
Lydia held Jamie’s arm and said seriously, “Your father’s success in business stems from his ability to allocate resources wisely from a young age.
“Having Rose design your wedding dress serves several purposes. Firstly, it would be a waste not to utilize her skills. Secondly, it’s a subtle way for your father to assert his authority over her. She needs to understand her place in the Emerson family.
“She may be an Emerson, but she would always be beneath you. She would have to suck up to you for the rest of her life.”
With a meticulously crafted plan in mind, Lydia and Jamie made their way through the entrance.
“Hi, do you have an appointment?” The assistant approached them.
“Appointment? What for? This little establishment is not that upscale. No need for formalities.” Jamie sneered and rolled her eyes.
The assistant frowned, her demeanor turning frosty. “Ms. Emerson doesn’t entertain unannounced guests. Madam Clarissa from the Schmidt Group was turned away earlier because she didn’t have an appointment.”
Lydia and Jamie exchanged surprised glances. They couldn’t believe someone from the Schmidt Group would come to Rose’s shop to custom-make their clothes.
Though the Emersons held some social sway, they paled in comparison to the Schmidts, one of the four great families.
“Ahem… We’re Rose’s family. Kindly inform her that her relatives are here to see her. She’ll surely come down to greet us.” Unable to meet Rose, Lydia was forced to reveal her identity.
“Huh? If that’s the case, I’m afraid I can’t let you in.”
The assistant regarded them icily. “I’ve worked for Ms. Emerson for many years, and I know her like the back of my hand. Ms. Emerson mentioned that her mother is the only living relative she has. The rest of her family has passed away.”
Lydia’s expression darkened instantly.
“Passed away? How could that bitch say that?” Jamie’s rage boiled over, and she hurled an insult at Rose.
A sudden chill crept up their spines, accompanied by the relentless echo of imposing footsteps drawing closer.
Lydia and Jamie shuddered and whirled around.
Approaching them was an imposing man in a dark uniform, his sharp gaze fixed upon them.
Jamie stared at him blankly, momentarily transfixed. Her heart raced uncontrollably as if it might leap from her chest. He was so strikingly handsome that she felt an inexplicable urge to scream.
Previously, she had always thought her fiance was handsome. She proudly flaunted pictures of him everywhere, basking in others’ compliments. But compared to this man, her fiance paled in comparison.
Alas, there would always be someone more superior.
“And who might you be?” the assistant asked, puzzled.
Silas glanced at Jamie, who had just cursed Rose, with a cold stare.
Lydia trembled and instinctively pulled Jamie closer.
After a brief moment, Silas retracted his gaze and smiled at the assistant. I’ve come to collect two suits Ms. Emerson has finished for me. She informed me they were ready, so I’m here to pick them up.”
With that said, he turned and sauntered over to a nearby couch, crossing his legs as he settled in. His eyes lingered on Lydia and Jamie as though observing a captivating spectacle.
Silas added, “Please take care of your business first. Once you’re finished, attend to my needs. I’m in no rush.”
The assistant was taken aback by Silas’ demeanor. However, interpreting his nonchalant attitude as that of a typical client coming to collect his garments, she proceeded with her duties.
“Jamie, what’s gotten into you? You’re practically ogling. Pull yourself together!” Lydia chided, tugging Jamie’s arm.
“Mom! Look at that man. He is so handsome! I’ve never seen such a pretty face in my life,” Jamie gushed, her excitement palpable.
“Enough of that. You’re a woman of means; act like it. No matter how handsome he may be, he’s still just a man,” Lydia scolded, though she couldn’t help but steal glances at Silas.
Something about him seemed familiar, and his icy gaze sent shivers down her spine.
As the assistant pondered how to handle the situation, the crisp click of high heels echoed from the staircase.
“Are you two quite finished?”
Silas turned his attention to Rose, who had just arrived. His eyes narrowed as he observed the aggression emanating from her demeanor.
“Mom, that bitch is here!” Jamie exclaimed, her expression twisted with disgust and hostility.
Jamie, as the legitimate daughter of the Emerson family, felt deeply unsettled by the impact Rose, the illegitimate daughter, had on the former’s relationship with their father, George Emerson.
Rose surpassed Jamie in various aspects. Not only was Rose exceptionally beautiful, but she also possessed remarkable talent. Excelling academically and displaying exemplary character from a young age, Rose rose to become the most esteemed fashion designer in the country.