Another day had passed, and it was only a few days before lissa’s big day. Seated in a restaurant, lissa was all smiles with Celestine Lancaster across from her. She had gone shopping with Celestine and had just experienced VVIP treatnt she had never encountered before.
They had security while they shopped, and the head manager escorted them throughout. They also had access to all boutiques and were given priority!
"For you."
Surprise overtook lissa’s face as Celestine Lancaster handed her a paper bag. She accepted it with gratitude, but her surprise remained as she glanced at the brand on the bag.
"My advance gift to you for your engagent," said Celestine. "I saw you looking at it earlier, so I thought you might like it."
lissa bit her lips, containing her excitent. "Thank you. You didn’t have to, but I do like it."
"Don’t your father or Derek spoil you with these things?" Celestine quipped. "How could you not buy it when you liked it?"
"Ah, hehe..." lissa chuckled awkwardly, not wanting to admit that the price of this necklace was over her budget. Even though she was earning her own money, she had other expenses to consider. Besides, her shopping budget had been cut down because Lawrence wasn’t ho.
"Well, I wasn’t born rich," she said ekly. "Back then, my mother and I lived in a humble ho. Maybe because of that, spending too much on sothing feels a little excessive."
"That’s impressive."
"Saving has beco my second nature," lissa’s smile stretched further. "So, I feel guilty when I have to spend on big purchases. Had it not been for my mother and my endorsent contracts, I would still be using the sa things. But the entertainnt industry is all about appearances."
Celestine nodded, impressed. Initially, she hadn’t liked this young girl simply because lissa was the daughter of a howrecker. Celestine didn’t want to associate with such people, even if lissa was marrying into the Lancasters’ family.
However, lissa wasn’t that bad. At least, she had been proving that Celestine hadn’t made a mistake in inviting her.
"Treating yourself is not a sin, especially since you’ve been working hard for your future," Celestine said. "However, the entertainnt industry is fickle and chaotic altogether."
"I know. That’s why I’ve been investing lately."
"Oh?" Celestine’s interest piqued. "Where have you been investing?"
"For now, I’m investing in the agency," lissa smiled. "The big cut of my paycheck goes to stocks. My agency is one of the biggest right now, and with and a few artists signed to the agency landing big projects like Angel’s Revenge, the stocks have been rising."
Celestine smiled in satisfaction. "I see. Investing is wise, especially at your age. It’s how I built my wealth outside of NL Group. However, lissa, I’m going to say this because I see you as soone very important to my nephew."
"Investing in the entertainnt industry is high risk," she continued calmly. "Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Take it slow and study the market carefully."
"Thank you," lissa smiled. "I am being careful with my investnts, and I’ve done my due diligence."
"If you say so," Celestine nodded. "Anyway, I have prepared an invitation for Mrs. Bennet. Will you deliver this to her?"
She reached for her handbag and handed the invitation across the table. lissa accepted it with slight surprise.
I didn’t get an invitation when I was invited, only a text, she thought.
"The Bennets are old money in the country of Anteca," Celestine explained as if reading lissa’s mind. "I’ve been interested in them since they dominate many markets in the country, and their influence reaches Novera because of our countries’ ties. So I prepared this invitation especially for her."
"Oh." lissa nodded. "That’s why."
She didn’t think much of it at first, but her curiosity led her to look up the Bennet family. When she did, she understood just how influential the family was. In her own opinion, the Bennets might be just as powerful as the Lancasters in Novera.
If soone heard her "opinion," they might argue—it wasn’t just an opinion; it was a fact. Or rather, the Lancasters wouldn’t even compare.
anwhile, Celestine maintained a poised smile. Her explanation had been a deliberate lie. Everyone received a proper invitation to her tea parties, but only those she wanted in her circle. She hadn’t sent lissa an official one for several reasons. The only reason she had invited lissa via ssage was because she knew lissa had a connection with Mrs. Bennet.
I might send her a formal invitation once I’m sure she’s not as bad as I feared, Celestine thought.
"I will send this to her along with my engagent invitation," lissa mused happily. "Mrs. Bennet sent her address, so I’ll bring it to her."
"Mhm." Celestine nodded, rocking her head. "By the way, have you asked Mrs. Bennet, the last ti you t, if she knew about the G fashion show in Novera?"
lissa froze at the question. Seeing her reaction, Celestine chuckled.
"It’s fine," she waved dismissively. "I’m simply curious. I’m a sucker for fashion, and I’ve been leaning into investing in the fashion industry for a while now."
"I was too excited when I t her again, and it slipped my mind," lissa apologetically explained. "I’m sorry."
"Oh, please don’t be, dear. Being able to invite Mrs. Bennet to our tea party is already a good thing," Celestine reassured her. "I can bring it up to her once I et her. After all, I was told the designer of the G brand is eccentric and chooses her guests carefully. I’m simply curious since the Bennet family is a big na."
"I’m sure she has connections," lissa said with certainty.
Celestine nodded, having to admit to herself that even with her influence, she couldn’t easily secure a spot in this show. It was one of the reasons she was interested in Mrs. Bennet. After all, she had leverage; she could advise Mrs. Bennet about Novera’s market, and Mrs. Bennet could pull strings for her.
Having said that, the won smiled at each other and enjoyed the rest of their ti together over good food and tea.
*****
anwhile...
"G fashion show?" Lola knitted her brows as she listened to Amala’s voice on her phone. "What the heck is that?"
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