Chapter 7 You're Just His Plaything
923 Words
Victoria's face turned ashen, her body seemingly drained of all strength, and she was rendered speechless.
After Owen's blunt statement, he turned and walked away. Zoey picked up the bag handed to her by the clerk and followed Owen out.
"Mr. Owen, thank you for what you did back there," Zoey said softly as they walked.
Owen's expression remained stern as he replied flatly, "It's not about you. That manager was already in violation of his duties."
Zoey pressed her lips, a slight smile forming at the corners. She was beginning to get used to Owen's aloof demeanor.
She knew his care and concern for others were often shown through his actions, not words.
It was a beautiful day, with warm sunlight streaming down from the dome of the mall.
She followed behind Owen, watching his tall shadow cast on the ground.
She was no longer as afraid of Owen as she had been. She had once feared that he might force her into something, but in reality, he had always been there to help her.
Zoey was lost in thought, savoring the memory of Owen's assistance like a bee relishing nectar.
Suddenly, she accidentally bumped into Owen's back!
Owen turned around, looking at her disapprovingly. "What are you thinking about?"
Zoey quickly waved her hands, a flash of embarrassment crossing her face. "Nothing, nothing at all!"
She caught a glimpse of a flower shop and quickly changed the subject. "I was just thinking that maybe I could... I could use some flowers to enhance the dress I bought."
"Let's go," Owen said, leading her towards the flower shop without further comment.
Zoey breathed a sigh of relief, still unsure what had caused her flustered heartbeat.
As they entered the flower shop, neither of them knew that Victoria was lurking nearby, following them.
Her eyes were filled with hatred and jealousy. She pulled out her phone from her expensive handbag, swiftly slid it across the screen, and dialed a number.
The moment the call connected, she spoke, resembling a venomous snake, "I need you to investigate someone..."
*****
When Zoey finally put the last few stitches in the dress, it was almost time for the banquet.
She stood in front of the mirror, reviewing the dress she had skillfully altered.
The originally bulky waistline was now perfectly tailored to fit her figure, and the unique cuts and exquisite details made her look both elegant and vibrant.
Owen knocked gently on the door. "Zoey, are you ready? We need to leave soon."
"Just a minute, Mr. Owen," Zoey replied, picking up her handbag and stepping out of the dressing room.
They were about to step into the waiting luxury car when Owen's phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at the caller ID, his expression changing slightly. "Mia? What's wrong?"
A soft female voice, like a gentle violin melody, came through the phone.
Whatever was said on the other end caused Owen to frown and reassure her, "Don't worry. I'll be right there."
After hanging up, Owen turned to Zoey. "Zoey, I have an urgent matter to deal with. I'll have Robin take you to the banquet."
Zoey nodded calmly. "No problem, Mr. Owen. Please go ahead."
After watching him leave, Zoey got into the car with Robin.
After the car slowly drove into the banquet venue, Zoey, accompanied by Robin, entered the grand hall.
She could feel the admiring glances around her, letting her know her alterations to the dress were a success.
She was quietly pleased. This success was not just about the dress but a validation of herself.
"Ms. Zoey, you are free to enjoy the banquet. If you need anything, feel free to call on me," Robin told her.
Zoey nodded in thanks.
After parting ways with Robin, she mingled through the crowd, only to unexpectedly run into Victoria again.
This time, Victoria lacked her previous arrogance. She looked more like a venomous snake in the shadows, her eyes coldly on Zoey.
She approached Zoey with a sneer. "Do you know why Owen isn't here with you?"
Before Zoey could respond, Victoria continued, "It's because of Mia. She's the most talented and valued designer in the entire company. Whenever she needs something, Owen is there at the drop of a hat... But you? You're just his plaything, like a pet in a cage, easily disposable."
Pet.
Disposable.
Zoey must admit that these words stung her sharply.
Yet she wouldn't let Victoria get the response she had expected.
So, she retorted, "If saying that kind of thing makes you happy, enjoy your petty pleasure."
Unlike the last time, Victoria just sneered and didn't get angry at Zoey's comeback. Instead, her eyes showed a hint of pity, as if looking at a doll about to break. Suddenly, her hand slipped, spilling red wine all over Zoey's dress on purpose.
"Oh, sorry, that was an accident. Are you okay?" Victoria feigned an apology.
The surrounding whispers and sideways glances made Zoey feel both embarrassed and humiliated.
Just then, a commotion at the door drew attention.
"Look. Owen's brought Mia along."
Zoey turned and saw a beautiful woman entering the hall arm in arm with Owen.
The woman was as graceful as a swan, but Zoey, in her stained dress, felt utterly out of place at this lavish event.
Before Owen could see her in disarray, Zoey clutched her skirt and hurried away.
She was unaware that behind her, Victoria watched with a sinister smile, her eyes gleaming like a predator watching its prey getting hooked.
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