The Fifth Year of Marriage to Him novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226

“I… ” Maricela’s smug grin froze mid–smirk. Her voice shrank. “I’m… his friend…”

The assistant offered a polite smile and fell silent–a clear refusal.

“Wait! You said you only serve regulars. Since I’m Mr. Maynard’s friend, doesn’t that make me one?”

Maricela fumed.

“Apologies, madam.”

The assistant’s smile remained. “The definition of ‘regular‘ rests solely with us.”

“You… just some lousy tailor!

Who do you think

you are!”

Maricela spat. “Let me tell you, every garment in this dump combined isn’t worth Mr. Maynard’s-”

Cedrick cut her off. “Maricela, I’ll handle this.”

He stepped between her and the assistant. “Regulars start as new customers. When they bring friends, those friends become regulars too. Correct?”

The assistant maintained her professional smile. “Yes, we accept referrals from regulars.”

Cedrick smiled. “Then-”

“Sorry, Mr. Maynard.”

Her tone stayed firm. “Had Ms. Radford brought a friend, we’d oblige. But for your friends? We must decline.”

“What nonsense!

Mr. Maynard’s status eclipses Lucille’s!

Ask anyone on Seaston’s streets–they’ll know him, not her!

You’re putting the cart before the horse!

Lucille’s just an unemployed housewife!

Are you blind-”

A lazy voice drifted down the spiral staircase. “What’s the ruckus?”

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Chapter 226

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A man in avant–garde attire descended, a diamond stud glinting in his right ear, arrogance etched on his face.

Maricela whispered to Cedrick, “That’s Helen. His studio and brand are both called Ding Yi.”

The assistant briefed Helen on the situation.

“Mr. Maynard?”

Helen’s eyes lit with recognition. “Ah, our recent visitor.”

Cedrick reached out. “Pleasure, Mr. Taylor.”

Helen glanced at his hand but ignored him, walking straight to the coffee machine.

Maricela flared up again. “What kind of attitude is that…”

Cedrick didn’t even have time to stop her, though he prevented her from finishing.

“Mr. Taylor.”

Cedrick began, “This time…”

“Mr. Maynard.”

Helen cut him off. “My attitude is perfectly fine. If you think otherwise, that’s your problem. You shouldn’t have come here in the first place.”

Cedrick had enjoyed smooth sailing these years, rarely encountering anyone who could embarrass him. Anger sim- mered inside him, but then he saw Maricela’s desperate longing for one of Helen’s dresses. Swallowing his pride, he offered a gentle smile. “She’s young and straightforward. Please don’t take offense. We came because we’ve long ad- mired your reputation and sincerely wish to commission a gown.”

“Young?

Straightforward?”

Helen scoffed.

“What do you

mean?

Are you discriminating against women’s age?”

Maricela seized the opportunity, her voice rising again.

Helen laughed contemptuously. “As a qualified designer, I consider age an asset. The beauty accumulated through years rivals youthful charm. I can make even a 90–year–old radiate graceful elegance.”

He chuckled again. “Mr. Maynard, better take your little girl home. My words won’t get prettier – leave before I turn truly vicious.”

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