After Whitney's fever had completely subsided, Veronica made her way back home. The upcoming banquet had been lingering on her mind, and with no suitable dress in her wardrobe, she decided to spend the afternoon shopping for one.
The high-end boutique she walked into was buzzing with activity. Several attendants and the store manager were fussing over a particular dress, their attention so focused that they barely noticed her entrance until she was a few steps away.
"I apologize, miss. How may we assist you today?" The store manager finally looked up, his practiced smile appearing on his face.
"I'm just browsing," Veronica replied with a polite smile.
"Of course. Please take your time."
Despite being part of the affluent Dennis family for years, Veronica had rarely attended formal events. Cullen and Seraphine had never deemed it necessary to include her in their social calendar, and Cook had withdrawn from the spotlight long ago, showing no interest in society gatherings.
While Veronica wouldn't call herself a fashion expert, she had absorbed a fair amount of knowledge from Whitney, who worked in high-end fashion. This had given her a discerning eye for quality and style.
However, the abundance of exquisite dresses in the boutique made decision-making challenging. Veronica wasn't aiming to be the center of attention; she merely wanted something elegant yet understated.
As she moved through the racks, her eyes were drawn to the dress that had been commanding the attendants' attention earlier. It was a masterpiece – a light purple semi-sheer chiffon gown with a waist-cinching design that would accentuate the wearer's silhouette. Delicate floral details cascaded down the fabric, catching the light with each movement. On the display mannequin, an opulent necklace complemented the dress, enhancing its ethereal beauty.
Almost instinctively, Veronica approached the gown, her hand reaching out to feel the luxurious fabric. But before her fingers could make contact, the store manager's hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly. The unexpected action caused her to wince.
Recognizing his error, the manager quickly released her, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I deeply apologize, miss. I had no intention of causing you discomfort. This particular dress is a bespoke creation for one of our exclusive clients. It's a one-of-a-kind piece and carries a significant price tag. If anything were to happen to it, we'd be in a precarious position..."
"It's no problem," Veronica responded, though a tinge of disappointment colored her voice. The dress had captivated her, and knowing it was already spoken for left her with a sense of loss.
The boutique offered an array of gowns, with price points ranging from tens of thousands to well over a million dollars. Yet, even the most expensive pieces seemed to pale in comparison to the light purple dress that had caught her eye.
After careful consideration, Veronica settled on an ivory silk gown adorned with intricate floral embroidery. As she waited for the dress to be packaged, she couldn't help but overhear two attendants conversing in hushed tones nearby.
"They say the complete ensemble – the necklace and dress – is valued at over 30 million dollars. It's like wearing a mansion on your body. The extravagance of the wealthy is beyond comprehension."
"I couldn't agree more. And the irony? They'll probably don it just once..."
The revelation left Veronica momentarily stunned. Even if the dress hadn't been claimed, it would have been astronomically beyond her budget. With a resigned smile, she collected her purchase and departed.
Upon returning home, Whitney called with an invitation for dinner the following night. When she learned about Veronica's upcoming banquet, Whitney insisted on coming over the next afternoon to assist with her styling.
Veronica might have had a good eye for fashion, but Whitney's expertise in makeup transformed her. By the time Whitney was done, Veronica's natural grace and elegance had been enhanced to perfection.
When Dario arrived to escort her that evening, he momentarily froze at the sight of her. "You look absolutely breathtaking. That dress seems tailor-made for you."
"Thank you," Veronica replied, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.
As they settled into the car, Dario turned to her with a question. "So, you're officially returning to the company tomorrow?"
"Perfect timing, especially with Niall joining us." Noticing her quizzical expression, he elaborated, "She's the algorithm genius I mentioned earlier. Her first day is tomorrow as well. I'll make sure to introduce you to her."