Chapter 64
So the two of them began to browse through the racks.
Suzan had a sharp eye for these things. Whenever Adeline fancied something, Suzan would immediately step forward and pay for it herself.
She understood the saying: you have to spend money to make money.
After all, her father had given her a high-limit credit card-she could swipe it as much as she wanted.
She figured it was an investment, and every penny was worth it.
Adeline noticed all this and was quite pleased.
This, she thought, was the generosity of old money—so different from Effie, who always gave off that tacky, small-minded vibe.
Of course, Adeline conveniently forgot that Effie had gifted her plenty of designer brands and luxury cosmetics over the years.
But Adeline had always looked down on Effie and never bothered to remember her kindness.
They continued strolling through the designer boutiques.
As soon as they stepped inside, a sales associate caught the scent of money and hurried over to greet them. “Madam, welcome in! These are our latest pieces— elegant and refined. I think they’d suit you perfectly.”
The salesperson’s eyes lit up at the sight of Adeline and Suzan, both decked out in high-end labels.
Especially Adeline-her jewelry sparkled, and her entire presence screamed wealth.
“Auntie, try these two dresses,” Suzan said, handing over a pair of gowns. “I think they really suit your style.”
In truth, Suzan’s heart ached a little. She’d already spent a small fortune-far more than she’d ever splurge on herself.
But she had no choice. She needed Adeline’s approval, and badly.
If she could become Mrs. Lloyd in the future, she wouldn’t have to worry about money ever again.
For now, she was careful not to spend Mitchell’s money-unless he insisted on buying her jewelry or handbags himself.
And, to be fair, she always made sure to return the favor.
Adeline took the dresses and headed toward the fitting room.
Just then, a sales associate near the door exclaimed, delighted, “Mrs. Etheridge, you’re here! We were just about to send the new collection to your house for you to browse at your leisure.”
Mrs. Etheridge?
Adeline turned to the entrance and saw Lindy Etheridge.
Lindy wore a slate-blue dress paired with a classic handbag, radiating poise and quiet luxury.
Her very presence announced her as a woman of means.
Lindy Etheridge rarely went out; she preferred tending her garden and painting at home, and had little interest in shopping.
Every season, the fashion houses delivered their newest collections straight to her door, giving her first pick.
She came from an old, cultured family-well-educated, graceful, and serene. After marrying Friedman, she’d been utterly spoiled, living a life of ease and privilege that let her keep an air of innocence even now.
Though nearly fifty, she looked a solid decade younger.
Many people wanted to get close to Lindy, but she kept her distance, making only brief appearances at the occasional social gathering.
She was always polite but reserved, never overly warm.
Lindy understood her own position-she knew plenty were eager to cozy up to her, and she had no interest in inviting trouble.
Birds of a feather stick together, after all.
Still, plenty of people racked their brains trying to find a way into her inner circle.
Adeline’s eyes lit up when she saw her and she quickly stepped forward, smiling. “Mrs. Etheridge, it’s been ages!”
Lindy paused, then replied coolly, “Mrs. Lloyd, hello. What a coincidence.”
Her tone made it clear she wasn’t keen to chat.
Before Adeline could continue, Lindy waved toward the doorway and called out with a warm smile, “Effie, over here!”