Chapter 232: Catherine Holloway Eyed Paige Lawson with Equal Suspicion

Catherine Holloway eyed Paige Lawson with equal suspicion.

Paige flashed a saccharine smile. "Auntie, would you like me to pick some outfits for you too?"

Catherine glanced at Miriam Caldwell trying on clothes and scoffed inwardly. As if having a personal stylist was special. She had one too!

Her face instantly brightened. "Of course, dear. I trust your taste."

She conveniently forgot how she'd mocked Paige's "tacky" fashion sense just weeks prior.

Paige sprang into action, weaving through clothing racks while bossing sales associates around with theatrical flair.

Clara Whitmore worked differently.

She meticulously examined each garment's cut, gently tested fabric quality between her fingers, then selected a few pieces for the attendant.

"Aunt Miriam, I chose these two sets. Would you like to try them?"

Miriam accepted the clothes eagerly, eyes sparkling.

She adored Clara's selections—each ensemble perfectly aligned with her aesthetic.

Truthfully, she enjoyed shopping with Clara more than with her own daughter.

Some connections just clicked.

Paige reappeared. "Auntie, I've picked yours too."

Catherine entered the fitting room.

She emerged first in a red spaghetti-strap dress paired with a French-style designer jacket—an ensemble that did make her appear younger.

After a satisfied twirl before the mirror, she nodded. "Not bad."

Paige demurred, "It's your figure, Auntie. You're slimmer than me."

Catherine's smirk froze when Miriam stepped out from the adjacent booth.

Clara had selected a pale teal modernized qipao with subtle bamboo embroidery—understated yet exquisite.

The tailored silhouette accentuated Miriam's statuesque frame, elevating her natural grace.

By comparison, Catherine looked like an aging socialite desperately clinging to youth.

The second outfits magnified the contrast.

Paige had been confident in her selections.

Catherine's petite frame limited options, and she'd done her best.

But Clara's styling was transcendent.

Miriam's innate elegance made Catherine's designer pieces appear garish by comparison.

Miriam gasped at her reflection. "Clara, I've never worn this style before, but I love it! How did you know?"

The silk camisole and wide-leg black trousers radiated effortless power.

Statement silver earrings added an edge of rebellious charm.

If the first look embodied grace, this one screamed confidence.