A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood

Gracie?" Ama challenged as she face

e's basement, she wore a striking gold floor-length dres

es. No, it's definitely not too much," Gracie s

attention," Ama asserted, crossing her arms. "

You get one shot to shine among the high and

ke a prized doll," Ama replied firmly

drop it. "Fine, I'll find you something else," she said, head

ress, standing confide

lth. She didn't have the funds for fashion school, so she worked multiple part-time jobs to gather materials and studied fa

find the dress beautiful, right?" Ama c

e replied, he

refer plain and simple dresse

shouted triumphan

bounded out with a dress bag i

declared, opening the dress bag

. "Put it on, Ama," she insis

red gown with a deep V-neck and a daring slit. Without h

her, and she couldn't deny that it was

ch cleavage?" she asked, obser

se accept this one because I'm out of options," Gra

l appear

ou! Just look at how it hugs your curves; even I, as

Gracie. That's the motivation I

you the truth," Gracie g

urned t

borrow one of your dresses. I truly appre

my designs at the biggest event of the year?"

," Ama said, tak

racie, who carefully pl

at your feet, begging for your attention. I'll be living vicariou

a replied, placing her hand over her he

the playful formali

*

reflection, fully focused whi

a from Mr. Reynolds, which arrived via mail. Along with

luck, M

recognizing that she would need

sting atop her bed. She admired it for a moment, recognizing its beaut

f strands frame her face. Lacking any extravagant jewelry, she chose simple stud earrings and l

nt her, knowing that such an iconic d

reflection with determination, feeling a surge

decision because she needed a place t

to her mother's room

er had descended further into depression, rarely

too, and if you feel like eating, make yourself something or don't; it's yo

*

atmosphere. The upper side radiated a different energy compared to the lo

mansion gate because only approved vehi

a challenge given her unfamiliar heels. The compound w

head of her. She confidently joined the queue, surrounded

scared it wouldn't happen," the girl in fr

n didn't arrive early. I thought I'd missed out

ck and their intentions to catch the at

er eyes at t

slip with steady hands. He scrutinized it for a moment, then look

fused to let fear consume her. The Blackwoods would not intimidate h

Miss," the sec

hough she was surprised. Was

e replied, maintainin

in, Miss," he repea

him with purpose as she entered the ha