Chapter 475

Sophia Frackett watched the man's retreating figure.

Sunlight glinted off the Porsche's polished surface, casting blinding reflections. Only then did she notice the icy gleam of his Patek Philippe watch under the sunlight, the bespoke Armani suit tailored perfectly to his frame.

She looked down at the cake box in her hands, fingers tightening unconsciously.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Langley was accompanying Victoria Langley through the mall. She'd skipped her specialized course—today was just group presentations anyway, with Hannah Flores and Liam Kalmien handling it.

Tomorrow was the book signing. Victoria had rummaged through her closet but couldn't find a single suitable outfit.

"You look beautiful in anything, sweetheart," William Langley said sincerely.

For once, Victoria didn't laugh.

"Mom, let's go shopping!" Evelyn immediately understood. "With so many malls in the city, we'll find something you love."

Victoria's eyes lit up. "Yes, let's!"

William scratched his head, bewildered.

......

SKP Mall.

The glass elevator ascended slowly, luxury shops on the first floor shrinking below them. Victoria gasped. "This place is enormous!"

They'd meant to go to the clothing sections on the second and third floors but missed their stop, ending up on the fourth.

"Is that...?" Victoria was drawn to a poster outside the bookstore, so the family stepped out.

Beneath the "SKP RENDEZ-VOUS" sign, the air blended coffee aromas with the scent of books. The entrance held a café, followed by a dining area, with bookshelves and文创 displays in between.

Most striking was the promotional wall—the cover of Seven-Day Tales dominated the prime spot, flanked by bold labels like "Bestseller" and "Hot Release."

Inside the reading area, Seven-Day Tales commanded the central shelf. Nearly every customer held a copy.

Victoria blinked, dazed. "Is this really my book?"

"Of course!" Evelyn bought a copy and handed it to her. "See for yourself."

Victoria opened to the title page. Seeing her pen name, she finally smiled. "It really is mine."

"Dad, you need new clothes too," Evelyn suddenly turned to William.

"Me?" William waved his hands. "I have plenty. You two go ahead."

"At tomorrow's signing, if readers ask who you are—the man behind the queen of suspense—you can't embarrass Mom."

William paused. "Good point."

He couldn't let his wife down.

They took the elevator down to the men's section. William had kept his figure well—several suits fit him perfectly.

"Sweetheart, which one looks best?" William asked Victoria.

Evelyn also looked expectantly at her mother.