Chapter 36: The Price To Pay

I opened my mouth, intending to decline—knowing well those fabrics would be absurdly out of my reach. But then, I remembered: they thought I was an official Ashford. Perhaps it was time to use that assumption to my advantage.

Closing my mouth, I nodded with the calm authority I imagined an Ashford would exude. "Bring them out," I said simply.

Roderick's eyes glimmered with a renewed eagerness. He called over a few of his boys, who scrambled to bring out the limited stock. Moments later, they returned, bearing fabric stacks that seemed to glow with luxury.

As each fabric was unveiled, I couldn't contain my reaction. A gasp slipped from my lips, followed by another as they revealed fabric after fabric, more stunning than the last. My fingers reached out instinctively, brushing against each piece as if I needed physical proof of their existence. The touch of each weave sent a thrill through me as I realized the rarity of what lay before me.