The woman stopped a respectful two paces away, her face instantly smoothing into a perfectly practiced, professional smile.
She gave a subtle, knowing look to Neisa, the kind of cold, dismissive glance that wealthy gatekeepers used to make the poor realize they didn't belong in the same breathing space, before turning her sparkling eyes back to me.
"Welcome to Madame Clarisse's, my lady," the manager purred, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness.
"What an absolute honor it is to host a daughter of the Solyne family on such a beautiful morning. Pray tell, what can I help the ladies with today? Are we looking for a new morning gown to celebrate your... recent good tidings?"
Without thinking for a single blink, I leveled my gaze directly at her and spoke with absolute clarity. "Get something nice for the lady beside me. The finest dress you have in your autmn collection."
