Chapter 14: The Trip and the Dress

BELLA

I couldn’t tear my eyes from Veronica, standing quietly beside Mrs. Thalassa, her posture almost robotic in its obedience. My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me out of the trance. Glancing at the screen, I read the message: We’re having a workers' trip.

“What?!” The word escaped far louder than I intended. Immediately, I cringed, realizing I wasn’t alone.

Mrs. Thalassa arched a brow, her lips curling into an amused smile. “What’s the matter, angel?”

Embarrassment washed over me. A trip wasn’t worth screaming about, no matter how exciting.

“We’re having a workers' trip,” I repeated, trying to sound calmer.

Her smile widened, and her tone was laced with playful curiosity. “A trip, hmm? Then we must prepare. Let’s make sure you have everything you need.”

I blinked, surprised by her sudden interest in fashion. Mrs. Thalassa could outshine any designer, no doubt, but her attention to me was unsettling.

The day turned into a whirlwind of shopping. By the time I returned home, exha