When Left
CHAPTER 146

Chapter 146: Apologize to My Daughter!

When Skylar burst into the office, her breaths came in shallow, anxious gasps, manifesting her palpable agitation. One need only glance at her to discern the depth of her concern for Kimberly. Her protection of Kimberly was unwavering and absolute.

When Kimberly saw her backer arrive,she put on a pitiful expression, her eyes welling up with tears. “Mom, I just wanted to support her business since she got divorced and now they’re calling me a dog!”

Skylar’s brow furrowed as she shot me a venomous glare. “Hope Royston, show some gratitude! Apologize to my daughter!”

“Birds of a feather flock together,” I muttered under my breath.

Elissa could no longer contain her exasperation. “Gratitude? Who asked your daughter to help our business in the first place? We declined her order, but she kept harassing us!”

And who exactly do you think you are, speaking to me that way?” Skylar’s voice dripped with disdain as she shifted her threatening gaze to me. “Hope Royston, I spared her last time because of you. If she doesn’t hold her tongue today, I make sure she vanishes from Jacquar”

Elissa, never one to be cowell, was even more Incensed by this. “I think you’ve been eating garbage and forgot to brush your teeth. What a foul mouth…”

“Elissa!” I interrupted, my voice urgent as I reluctantly commanded, “Enough. Go back to the office and wait for met“:

I wasn’t concerned for my safety, but I was alarmed at the prospect of Elissa being entangled in my conflicts.

Kimberly and Skylar from the Harris were adept in malevolence. Their threats made it clear: I couldn’t risk Elissa’s well–being.

Elissa hesitated, her reluctance palpable. Til stay here with you…”

Go inside and wait for me,” I insisted.

Kimberly had come to provoke me, and with Skylar now present, their combined intent to dominate was undeniable. If Elissa stayed, her temper would undoubtedly Bare, endangering both of us

I forcibly ushered Elissa into the office. Even as she stubbornly protested. “Hope, they’ll bully you!”

“Let them talk; it’s not going to make a dent in me.

In the beginning, a brand’s reputation requires us to bend over backward for clients. Future clients might be even more demanding. If I wasn’t prepared for this, I’d have no place in the custom design business. For now, let’s call it a rehearsal.

I smiled, trying to reassure Elissa. Just watch from inside. If they start something physical, you can step in, and I won’t stop you.”

“But you…” Elissa hesitated, worry creating her brow. “Just keep your distance from them in case they try something I can’t intervene in time!”

“Deal.”

Taking a deep breath,, I gently closed the office door behind Elissa.

I returned to my earlier seat, my gaze firm on Kimberly “Ms. Harris, shall we discuss your needs and preferences?”

“Apologize to Kimberly first!” Skylar cut in, her tone harsh and dismissive. “She specifically asked for your design because she’s kind and broad–minded. But you have no sense of gratitude. Do you still imagine you’re Mrs. Valence?

I offered a polite smile. “Mrs. Harris, I actually don’t need Miss Harris’s kindness or magnanimity to sustain my business, Perhaps it would be best if you both left?”

“You’re really pushing your luck!” Skylar stood abruptly, gripping Kimberly’s arm. “Kimberly, we’re leaving! What could someone like her possibly design? I’ll get you a top designer from abroad immediately.”

I couldn’t be happier

However, Kimberly seemed hesitant. “Mommy, I really want her to design it. That way, Christopher will see how well I treat his ex–wife and appreciate

me even more.”

Chapter 146 Apologize to My Daughter!

She wrapped her intentions in the guise of generous compassion, but I recalled her conversation with Christopher at the hospital vividly. It was anything but noble.

Skylar seemed to accept this reason, helplessly nodding her head. “You always think about Christopher Valence!”

Kimberly obediently smiled. “He’s such a good man. Some people don’t know how to cherish him, but I must, right?”

Kimberly always had a knack for mocking me.

I found it mildly amusing but had no desire to spar with her. I just wanted to expedite this process and asked again, “So, can you tell me your requirements now?”

“It must be elegant!” Kimberly stated imperiously, then added, “It must have lots of diamonds, be very sparkly, with a neckline encrusted with Australian white opals, looking very expensive. And don’t forget the rubies; I love red.”

By the end, I felt a strange mix of amusement and challenge. Diamonds, Australian white opals, rubies. This wasn’t a dress; it was an ostentatious display case. I couldn’t tell if Kimberly genuinely liked this style or was simply attempting to complicate things for me.

I pursed my lips, attempting a neutral tone. “Ms. Harris, these elements might be excessive and could overshadow the overall design”

Kimberly’s disparaging tone came swiftly. “Hope Royston, you’re just jealous, arent you?

Kimberly’s face radiated the entitlement of someone thoroughly spoiled. “You’re jealous that my dress can have a budget in the hundreds of thousands, right? Too bad! You don’t have that fortune.”

Madwoman. 1 swallowed the word that almost escaped my lips. “Are you certain you want all those elements?”

She lifted her chin proudly. “Of course! On my engagement day, I must be the center of attention. No one can outshine me.”

Then, she leaned on Skylar. “Mommy, am I right? I am your and Dad’s daughter. I can’t embarrass you.”

Skylar patted Kimberly’s hand with visible satisfaction. “Of course. The Harris family’s daughter lacks nothing!”

Disinterested in prolonging this charade, I attempted to conclude the interaction. “Alright, I’ve got it. I’ll send the design draft to Ms. Harris’s email. Any necessary adjustments can be made online.”

Hopefully, this would be our last encounter.

Kimberly frowned. “Don’t you need to take measurements?”,

“No need. Don’t worry; the dress will fit.”

I had observed Kimberly’s figure closely enough to be confident. Wasting more time wasn’t an option.

Kimberly exploded on the spot. “I think you’re just brushing me off, not taking the Harris family seriously! Mommy, look at her…”

Skylar sneered. “Hope Royston, do you think you can make money without putting in the effort? It seems you haven’t transitioned from your role as a wealthy man’s wife.”

Skylar’s demeanor grew dark, a stark contrast to her earlier warmth toward Kimberly. She continued, “If you can’t transition, I don’t mind helping you

out with that!‘

It was clear she had no intention of letting this slide. From the moment they stepped in, Skylar and Kimberly seemed to have come with the agenda of teaching me a lesson.

“Skylar!” A lazy voice cut in from the right rear.

Jerry strode over, his long legs exuding an effortless grace. His demeanor was entirely nonchalant. “You can’t bully her now.”