Chapter 5 - A New Beginning
Tessa stared at the billionaire in stunned silence before quickly nodding. “Yes, Mr. Hartwell. I manage all the preparation for the private appointments. Ms. Carter’s file was completely ready. I steamed the gowns myself this morning.”
“Good,” Julian said, offering her a rare, warm smile. “From this moment forward, you are acting salon supervisor. Your hourly wage is doubled, effective immediately, and Hartwell Capital will cover the remainder of your design school tuition.”
Tessa covered her face with both hands, letting out a sob of pure shock and gratitude. “I... Mr. Hartwell, Ms. Carter... I don’t know what to say. Thank you. Thank you so much!”
“You earned it by showing basic human decency when it wasn't easy,” Naomi told her with a gentle smile. “Now, do you think we could finally see that private fitting suite? I’ve been dreaming about trying on a dress all week.”
“Right this way, Ms. Carter!” Tessa said eagerly, wiping away her happy tears.
Two security guards from the building lobby, summoned quietly by Arthur minutes earlier, entered the salon. Arthur pointed toward Vanessa, who was sitting slumped on a velvet ottoman, staring blankly at the floor in ruined silence.
“Please escort Ms. Cole from the premises,” Arthur instructed crisply. “She may retrieve her personal handbag. All other corporate belongings and keys remain here.”
As Vanessa was escorted past the display windows under the silent, condemnatory stares of everyone inside, she didn't look up. The very prestige she had worshiped had become the instrument of her absolute public humiliation.
Naomi took Julian’s hand as Tessa led them toward the grand double doors at the back of the boutique. The private salon was an expansive, sunlit rotunda lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, plush cream carpeting, and private dressing alcoves adorned with fresh white roses.
“Julian,” Naomi whispered, turning to him once they were alone in the vestibule. “Buying the building? Threatening the entire franchise? You didn't have to do that.”
Julian cupped her cheek in his hand, his eyes filled with fierce devotion. “Naomi, you spend your life saving children and expecting nothing in return. You drive a seven-year-old sedan because you use your bonus checks to buy pediatric medical supplies for underfunded clinics. I will spend every dime I have before I let someone look down on you for having a servant's heart.”
Naomi felt the prick of tears behind her eyelids, but this time, they were tears of profound gratitude. She leaned into his touch, kissing his palm.
“I love you,” she murmured.
“I love you more,” he replied softly. “Now, let’s see this dress.”
Tessa wheeled in a tall rolling rack covered in protective white muslin. With careful, reverent hands, she unzipped the cover to reveal the magnificent ivory silk gown Naomi had admired earlier.
In the soft, natural light of the private rotunda, the gown looked even more ethereal than it had on the sales floor. The delicate pearl embroidery cascaded down the bodice like gentle morning frost, catching the light in subtle, shimmering waves.
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“Go on,” Julian said with a smile, taking a seat on the grand sofa. “I’ll close my eyes if you want it to be a surprise, or I can sit right here and admire the most beautiful woman on earth.”
Naomi laughed, feeling the exhaustion of her night shift finally wash away. “You stay right there. I want you to see this.”
