บท 7: A tempting Spectacle

Ryett settled the problem and had his people escort the involved parties out of the mall. It wasn't really a mere escort; Arianne literally saw the guards drag out the injured man without mercy, and those male peacocks were also included. Their pleas and cries died after they realized it wouldn't work. Their expressions were lifeless, as if they were given life sentences. Ryett promised her a satisfactory outcome, and he really did.

After all, a lady from the prestigious Cromwell was harassed in one of their business establishments. Ryett was worried if Mr. Magnus would pay them a visit. That man had always been ruthless in handling things.

"Don't worry, Miss Arianne. Those people will be banned from all our stores. You can have a peaceful time now. The Andrews will also provide you temporary bodyguards. If you have anything you need help with, you can relay it to them." Ryett called the manager on the phone, and a few minutes later, a dozen men marched in unison. The people around them almost thought there were terrorists around and began to panic. The manager called the staffs to handle them.

Arianne held her forehead in irritation. She just wanted to buy a dress for dinner tonight and stay low-key, but it seems impossible now. "Rather than being accompanied by bodyguards, I prefer being alone. I still know some self-preservation."

"That won't do. I don't have enough life if ever Miss Arianne encounters something troublesome again. Mr. Magnus will not be lenient." Ryett waved his hands, and the men accepted his order and got into formation.

"I have a proposition. Instead of bodyguards, how about Mr. Andrews spare me some of his time? I can accept this much." Arianne lightly smiled. Her vibrant eyes sparkled with something fascinating. As if a wood without much vitality before had gradually sprouted poignant flowers. Arianne seems to be a different person.

A slight crack appeared in his expression. He nearly exposed his inner thoughts. He thought he had hallucinations when Arianne Cromwell made the suggestion. He reorganized himself by combing the wild blonde tendrils covering his slightly thick eyebrows. "I'll be honored to." He maintained a congenial behavior, but his insides were churning with anticipation. Arianne Cromwell was the ideal type for most men, and he was no exception. He never thought the dull and boring woman before would suddenly change and shed its cocoon, turning into another person—an intriguing one at that. "If you don't mind, I'd like to know Miss Arianne's purpose in visiting our mall."

Arianne was relieved when he accepted it. She didn't want to be surrounded by burly men. "Nothing much; it's just a dress for tonight's appointment."

She only made a single statement, but a long list of 'appointments' flowed through his mind. Arianne Cromwell, the dull bookworm, has an appointment, and it's scheduled for the night. Ryett was three parts curious and one part disturbed. "That's easy. I have several shops with famous branded dresses, whether it's Fanchenco, Guilerr, or Remier. There should be something you'll like."

"Then I'll trouble you. I don't really know much about this." A slight blush crept on her cheeks. Although subtle, Ryett could still notice it because Arianne's skin tone is akin to a boiled egg. Really beautiful, Arianne exuded charm with every gesture.

"Well, you asked the right person." Really the right person? If Mr. Magnus knows of Arianne's request of him to help her choose clothes, will he skin him (Ryett) alive? Ryett's heart paced fast while he thought about it. It was dangerous but exciting. The smile on his face grew.

[+10 favorability points]

Arianne snickered in her heart.

Ryett led her to his private elevator, and the two were the only people in the enclosed place. Ryett kept the conversation lively by trying to find topics women should be interested in.

Arianne knew of his efforts to distract her from boredom. She really didn't mind the silence because she was used to it; only his topics were very engaging, and Arianne found herself drawn in. She underestimated his eloquence, as expected of the nominal heir of a Global Supply Chain, and like the wild wolf in Annette, one couldn't ignore him easily.

The elevator opened, and the glass roof filled with beautifully intricate, colorful mosaics with an Ancient Egyptian theme instantly entered her vision. This must be a room for the VIPs. She concluded.

Ryett beckoned the girls, carrying gold plates and golden cups full of fruit wine. The tangy scent mixed with a tinge of alcohol was surprisingly nice. Ryett picked one up and handed it to her. "It's a free sample from the country's greatest wine maker."

"I don't drink." Her blunt rejection made him laugh a bit. Her expression when she wrinkled her nose and faintly pouted her mouth was very endearing to him.

"Don't worry, it's not strong. You can barely feel anything. The ladies from the Upper Circle order this wine more often", Ryett explained, inching the wine cup closer to her.

Seeing his persistence, Arianne closed her eyes and swallowed it in one gulp. The citrusy aftertaste was very comforting on the throat. It was devoid the peppery, smoky, or spicy flavors that strong wines have. What Ryett said was the truth; it was very suitable for ladies. She licked the corner of her lips.

"How was it?" Ryett asked, gluing his eyes on her pinkish tongue. His throat moved, and half of his face was covered with dim light.

"Not bad", Arianne answered honestly. Her eyes were a little bit hazy.

"Then, if Miss Arianne likes it, I'll send a bottle as an apology for what happened today", Ryett replied. The gaze lingering on her mouth found its way to her tinted cheeks and eyes.

"No, my Brother doesn't like me drinking." Arianne immediately stopped his intention. Her eyes clouded before becoming bright.

"Alright." Ryett was very disappointed but didn't show it outwardly. He immediately switched the topic and brought her inside a boutique.

Unlike the Egyptian theme outside, this place was an entirely different world. It was just a vast white expanse, like a blank canvas with only the dresses on the mannequins as its palette.

Three female attendants garbed in ancient Roman clothing- specifically a toga and a matching golden laurel hairpin on their hair, invited them to sit on a white couch.

Ryett leaned on her ears and said, "Miss Arianne will be assisted in choosing and will be led to a changing room."

His sudden invasion of her personal space made Arianne angry. She stood up and followed the female assistants.

Ryett watched her flee from him, and he was soaked in displeasure; nonetheless, he composed himself, still wore his usual business-warm smile, and instructed the three with caution. "This is Miss Arianne. She is a very important client. Serve her well."

"You can rest assured, Mr. President." The three gave him a respectful salute. Their heads had different thoughts about Mr. Andrew's behavior. It was the first time he used such a tone while bringing a female companion.

Ryett waved his hand, letting them go.

Stepping inside the white fitting room, Arianne massaged her aching brows.

"What kind of dress does Miss prefer?"

Arianne browsed through her nonexistent knowledge of fashion and was defeated. "You can decide. Just bring me something suitable for a private dinner."

The three assistants nodded and immediately presented her with One was knee-length in blue laces with a bare back; the other was white chiffon; and the last one was a silver long dress sequin mesh fishtail with a high slit. She was attracted to the last one. Arianne chose to try it on.

The three assistants quickly followed her inside and started taking off her clothes.

Arianne stopped them and pushed them outside. "I'm perfectly capable of wearing a dress."

The three nodded and retreated.

Arianne exhaled, stripped herself, and put it on.

Meanwhile, the blonde Ryett decided to take matters into his own hands and trotted in the direction of the fitting room Arianne was in.

The three assistants sensed his presence and made way for him.

Arianne was oblivious to what was going on outside. She tried to reach out to the zipper on her back but was unable to. With frustration building inside her, she opened a small gap on the door and presented her back to it. "Can someone help me?"

Ryett tried to avert his eyes from the sight, but his mind didn't heed his command, and only the primal instincts dominated. Men were visual creatures, and the sight before him was more beautiful than any painting he had seen. A burst of heat exploded in the depths of his being, prompting him to take a few steps towards the tempting spectacle.

Arianne felt cold fingers on her back and traveled on her spine, helping her zip up the dress. She was about to turn around and utter a word of thanks, but the system notification made her swallow what she was about to say.

[+15 favorability points. Ryett Andrew's accumulated favorability points: 25]