Clara looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. "I knew it would be."
She turned slightly from side to side, admiring the way the skirt flowed around her. "I absolutely love it."
Nina smiled politely. "I'm glad you like it, Miss Clara."
Clara was about to say something when Nina's attention suddenly shifted toward the entrance.
The change in her expression was immediate. The smile disappeared from her face, replaced by a respectful seriousness. She straightened her posture.
Another assistant noticed the change and followed Nina's gaze. The moment she saw who was entering, her expression changed as well.
She leaned slightly toward the employee beside her and whispered, "She's here."
The words were barely audible. But the effect was immediate. The employees who had been arranging clothing stopped what they were doing. Those who were assisting customers quickly made sure everything was in order.
Even the manager, who had been speaking with another employee near the reception desk, turned toward the entrance.
The atmosphere inside Angel by Anne changed almost instantly.
There was no panic.
No chaos.
Just a quiet sense of respect that seemed to spread throughout the store. Madison noticed the sudden change.
She looked around curiously. "What happened?"
Eva followed the employees' gazes toward the entrance. "I think someone important has arrived."
Sophie turned as well. Olivia slowly followed their line of sight. Then the glass doors at the entrance opened.
A young woman walked into the store. She was dressed elegantly, but there was nothing excessive about her appearance. Her outfit was sophisticated and refined, clearly expensive without appearing flashy.
Her long hair was styled neatly, and her posture was graceful. There was a quiet confidence in the way she walked. She didn't need a crowd around her to draw attention.
Her presence alone was enough.
Only Megan walked beside her, carrying a tablet and several files.
A short distance behind them, Daniel followed as security.
The moment the employees saw her clearly, they greeted her respectfully.
"Good afternoon, Miss Anne."
"Welcome back, Miss Anne."
"Good afternoon, Miss Anne."
Anne smiled warmly. "Good afternoon, everyone."
She slowed down for a moment and looked around the store. "How is everything today?"
The manager immediately stepped forward. "Everything is running smoothly, Miss Anne. The new collection has been receiving excellent feedback, and the VIP appointments are going according to schedule."
Anne nodded with satisfaction. "Good."
Her gaze moved briefly across the store. "And don't forget to make sure the staff takes their breaks. We have a busy evening ahead."
The manager smiled. "Of course, Miss Anne."
Anne nodded before continuing to look around. Her eyes moved across the displays, the racks, the mannequins, and the carefully arranged collections.
She noticed even the smallest details. A display that was slightly out of place. A gown that needed to be repositioned. A section that could be arranged more elegantly.
This was more than simply a store to Anne. It was something she had built with her own hands.
Every collection represented hours of work.
Every display reflected her vision.
Every employee knew that she cared about the smallest details.
And that was why her arrival changed the atmosphere.
She wasn't merely the owner walking into her business. She was the person who had created this place. The person everyone respected. The person whose presence reminded them of the standards they were expected to maintain.
Anne was still looking around when a familiar voice suddenly reached her.
"Anne..." She stopped. Her gaze moved toward the voice.
Madison was looking at her. For a moment, emotion filled Madison's eyes.
Anne's expression softened. "Mom."
Madison smiled warmly. "You're here."
She took a step closer. Then she paused, looking at her daughter with visible surprise. "But didn't you say you were busy today?"
Anne smiled faintly. "You remembered that?"
"Of course I remembered," Madison replied. "You said you had a tight schedule. How did you manage to come?"
Anne glanced briefly toward Megan. "I had a meeting nearby, so I decided to stop by and check on the store."
Madison's eyes filled with pride. She looked around the elegant boutique and then back at her daughter. "You've become so successful."
Anne gave a small smile. "I'm just doing what I love."
Madison reached for her hand. "And you've done it beautifully. I'm so proud of you."
Anne looked at her mother for a moment. There was something warm in her eyes.
She gently squeezed Madison's hand. "Thank you, Mom."
For a brief moment, the two women simply stood there together. Then Anne's attention shifted. Her eyes landed on Eva.
A small smile appeared on her face. "Aunt Eva."
Eva's expression softened immediately. "Anne."
She opened her arms slightly before Anne stepped closer. "Anne, sweetheart, how are you?"
Eva looked at her lovingly. "You've grown even more beautiful."
Anne laughed softly. "You're only saying that because you're my aunt."
Eva smiled. "Of course. That's what aunts are supposed to do."
Anne laughed again. "But how are you?"
She looked at Eva with genuine concern. "You're taking care of your health, right?"
Eva immediately placed a hand over her chest in mock offense. "Of course I am. How do you think I'm supposed to compete with you youngsters if I don't?"
Anne laughed. "Compete with us?"
"Absolutely." Eva smiled proudly. "I have no intention of becoming old quietly."
Anne shook her head, amused. "You haven't changed at all."
Eva smiled. "And neither have you."
For the first time since Anne had entered the store, the tension in the room seemed to ease.
The warmth between them made the atmosphere feel almost like a family gathering. But then Anne's eyes moved further.
She saw Sophie. Her expression became slightly more reserved. The warmth in her eyes faded into polite composure.
"Mrs. Smith."
Sophie smiled politely. "Anne."
There was a brief silence. Neither woman said anything more.
Anne's relationship with Sophie had never been particularly close, and there was no reason for either of them to pretend otherwise.
Anne simply gave a small nod before her attention shifted again.
Then she saw Olivia.
Olivia was still standing near the small platform, wearing the dress she had chosen. Their eyes met. For several seconds, neither of them spoke.
Olivia was the first to smile. "Sister."
Anne looked at her calmly. "Olivia."
Olivia stepped down from the platform. "You look beautiful." Her gaze moved over Anne's outfit. "I can see where you got your sense of style."
Anne gave her a polite smile. "Thank you."
Her eyes then moved toward Olivia's dress. "It's beautiful. Is that from the new collection?"
Olivia nodded. "Yes."
She glanced down at the dress before looking back at Anne. "I was looking for something to wear for the engagement."