Chapter 280: At the Changing Rooms
Oscar and Hannah changed and stood before the large floor-to-ceiling window. Hannah wore a slip dress adorned with pearls and golden sequins. The slender shoulder straps revealed her perfect collarbones, and the plunging neckline partially concealed, partially revealed her breasts. The dress’s slitted skirt showcased her long legs, which would be fully exposed as she moved. The dress fit her flawlessly, highlighting her figure.
Before the staff could offer compliments, a voice broke the silence. "Wow, you're so beautiful! How can you be so beautiful?"
Hannah turned to see Susan. Far behind her sat Manuel, propelling his wheelchair unaided.
Hannah frowned. "Why don't you help Manuel?"
Susan's response was sharp. "I don't even want him to come with me."
Hannah's unspoken question hung in the air: How could she possibly help him? If her father hadn't pressured her to attend the banquet with Manuel, she wouldn't have gone. Of course, her father couldn't force her; he'd simply threatened to prevent Henry from attending. For Henry, such banquets represented invaluable opportunities. Married to her, he'd become the son-in-law of the Phillips family, opening doors professionally. Now, however, married to Manuel, Henry's prospects depended entirely on him.
The thought infuriated Susan. Yet, she'd agreed. She desperately wanted to see Henry. Over a month had passed since their wedding, a month devoid of contact or even a glimpse of him. Uncertainty gnawed at her.
"Susan," Hannah's voice was noticeably louder.
Susan snapped back to the present. "What?"
Hannah's brow furrowed. "What are you thinking about?" Her suspicion was clear.
Susan evaded Hannah's gaze, quickly changing the subject. "Why did you call me so loudly?"
"I was talking to you, but you weren't listening. I'm asking why you're suddenly here."
"To get dressed for your company's anniversary celebration!"
"Your dad asked you to do this?"
"Yes."
"And you listened to him?" Hannah's skepticism was evident.
"I'm bored, okay?" Susan's impatience was typical. Hannah wasn't surprised Susan would attend; it was her accompaniment that was unusual.
"I'm going to choose a dress," Susan declared, walking away.
Hannah glanced at Susan, rose, and started toward Manuel, only to have her arm seized and be pulled into someone's embrace.
Hannah frowned. "Oscar, what are you doing?!" She'd been on her way to assist Manuel.
"Change into another dress," Oscar stated flatly.
Hannah's face darkened. "Don't I look good in this dress?"
"It exposes too much skin," he replied frankly.
Hannah was speechless.
"Get changed," Oscar insisted.
"I'm not wearing it for you. Whether it's revealing or not is none of your business!" Besides, weren't evening gowns designed this way? A modest evening gown was the anomaly. This dress wasn't just sexy; it was gorgeous, perfect for a wealthy woman. Its design had caused a sensation in Celina's design department.
"Then it's even more important you change," Oscar remained firm.
Hannah bit her lip, unhappy but reluctant to argue publicly.
A staff member interjected, "Mr. Wells, you and Ms. Hannah are wearing matching outfits. Your jacket's golden stripes use the same fabric as Ms. Hannah's dress, and the pearl buttons match her pearls."
Oscar paused, and Hannah flushed slightly. She'd designed the suit in Oscar's size, never imagining he'd wear it. It was intended as an exhibit piece; only Oscar's last-minute need for dinner attire prompted her to have it retrieved. Now, her secret was out.
"Don't overthink it," Hannah said, unable to bear his gaze. "You're very handsome, and there will be many guests. I wanted you to be a 'free model' to promote Celina."
Although Hannah claimed this, everyone knew Oscar Wells was the country's most handsome man.
After changing, they emerged, leaving the staff speechless. They were breathtaking.
"Then wear it for me when we're alone," Oscar finally decided.
"Who wants to wear it for you?" Hannah retorted, annoyed.
Ignoring her, Oscar instructed the staff member, "Get her a more conservative dress."
The staff member looked to Hannah for guidance.
Hannah gritted her teeth. "A black dress. Extremely conservative. Preferably, ugly."
"As she says," Oscar agreed, feigning ignorance of her displeasure.
The staff member quickly returned with a relatively modest black gown. Hannah stormed into the changing room.
Oscar then approached Manuel, who was still maneuvering his wheelchair alone.
"How are you feeling?" Oscar asked.
"The wounds have healed. I can feel my left leg, though it's weak, and I still can't stand. I haven't regained feeling in my right leg."
Oscar nodded, and Manuel fell silent.
"Get him a suit," Oscar instructed the staff. A staff member presented a black, high-end suit.
"Sir, do you need assistance?" she asked, aware of the difficulty he'd face dressing himself.
"Do you have a male colleague?" he inquired.
"I'm sorry, sir, but my only male colleague is on leave. If you don't mind, I can..."
"Thank you, but it's not necessary," Manuel declined, turning to Oscar for confirmation. Oscar nodded.
Just then, Susan emerged from the changing room in a black strapless dress with a high, fringed slit, accentuating her figure. She looked stunning.
Oscar didn't linger on her appearance. He simply ordered, "Help him with his suit."
"Can't he change himself?" Susan objected.
"Can he?" Oscar countered, his tone unfriendly.
"There are plenty of staff," Susan protested.
Oscar's response was cutting. "So Manuel avoids female staff because of a dog?"