Bought For A Baby, Kept For A Lifetime-Chapter 236: New CEO

When Anne returned home to change, she asked for Razia’s help in picking what to wear. The latter was quite surprised because she had never seen Anne wear any of the luxury items in the closet before, but also excited to dress her up.

In the end it wasn’t only Razia who came along to help Anne pick something to wear. Due to her warm personality, a few of the maids came over and when Anne didn’t repel them away sternly, they felt even more comfortable. It looked like a game of dress up was being played in the massive closet.

For the first time, Anne allowed herself pick out of the abundant options, trying on several clothes and the women would all vote showing approval or disapproval.

The space was suddenly filled with laughter and loud chatters that it drew butler Jones who heard the noise in the mistress’s bedroom.

He was appalled to see half the household maids in the mistress’s closet talking so freely and even touching her clothes.

"Mistress, mistress try this one. It’ll look beautiful on you."

"Don’t listen to her mistress, it’s green, the color is so dull, wear this one it’ll suit you better."

"What’s your problem with the dress I picked Katie? It might be green but it’s a solid color, mistress has such a fair skin, solid colors will make her stand out so much."

"It’s not just the color, the style itself is off, don’t mislead mistress when there are so many other options she could choose from."

Anne was at a loss with the two maids arguing. Before she could speak up to tell them she would try both on first and pick the one she liked most, someone interrupted.

Butler Jones’ stern voice could be heard from the entrance of the closet.

"What is going on here? I can see you’re all ready to lose your jobs by blatantly ignoring all the rules in this house, am I right?" Butler Jones was like the scariest teacher in a school whose mere presence would silence the whole class in an instant.

All the chatter ceased at once and the maids rushed to stand in a straight line by the side with their heads hung low.

"Butler Jones, please don’t scold them. I actually called them here to help me pick out clothes for the company banquet tonight." Anne immediately spoke up for them and the maids exchanged smiles at how the butler suddenly looked stunned.

"Ah, in that case... I’ll step back." Butler Jones acquiesced however he didn’t fully leave the room.

Now having the permission of their superior, the young women didn’t hold back, they returned to arguing and picking out clothes for Anne.

Butler Jones merely watched at the side with a strict look as if waiting to put them back in line if they happened to cross beyond their boundaries. Even if Anne asked them to do it, they should still maintain their place and not get too comfortable, however in the end butler Jones couldn’t help but get immersed in the search for the ideal attire.

Anne came out of the changing section in the closet wearing a deep green gown with a wide lower part that spread out, the dress looked beautiful but anyone could see that something was missing.

"I told you it was that style, it’s just off." One of the maids complained.

"But at least admit the color suits her."

"Yes, yes, the color isn’t bad."

After witnessing the maids make terrible fashion choices for a while, butler Jones cleared his throat gaining everyone’s attention then he stepped into the closet calmly.

He reached out and picked a dress which was hung up and held it out.

"How about this one mistress?"

Some of the maids brightened up.

"It’s pretty! Why didn’t I see that one earlier?"

Anne thoughtfully looked at the white dress butler Jones held up and reached out to take it giving the older man a grateful smile.

"I’ll try it on."

They all waited until Anne emerged wearing that very dress, with one look, excited squeals filled the closet space.

"It’s the one! It’s the one!" They all echoed over one another.

The bright atmosphere made Anne feel warm, and happy.

"Butler Jones has a good eye!"

"I can’t believe butler Jones picked a better dress than mine." Another grumbled under her breath and butler Jones’ chin raised confidently.

The dress he picked was a stunning floor length gown, made of smooth form fitting fabric, it’s silhouette designed to highlight the wearer’s figure with sophistication.

The gown had an off the shoulder neckline, with a beautifully draped fold over details that wrap around the shoulders and upper arms. The sleeves were long balancing the exposed neckline giving it a timeless, regal appeal.

Anne looked pure and the white highlighted her naturally beautiful features that even with the soft makeup she was already wearing, she didn’t seem to need much more.

The maids helped her do her hair, arguing over putting her hair up or letting it down, in the end the team voting for an updo won and Anne’s hair was held up in a beautiful messy bun kind of look that complemented her dress, several tendrils of her hair falling over her face. The hairstyle allowed her oval shaped face to stand out. They went on to add simple jewelry and stepped back when they were done, all of them excitedly gushing over their work.

All the household staff followed her out watching her step into the car. Even the driver was surprised to see a small crowd follow Anne out.

She waved at them smilingly before stepping into the car and the driver helped her close the door before circling to the other side and driving away.

Butler Jones could only smile as he watched her leave.

The mistress...was indeed different in her own way. It was no surprise someone like her had won the master’s heart. She drew people in even without doing much, her energy made people comfortable, it was a normal trait one would usually find in genuinely kind people.

Anne had taken part in designing the banquet venue, but even she didn’t think it would end up looking this good.

Towering crystal white chandeliers hung down from the beautifully detailed white coffered ceilings, they cast a warm golden glow across the gigantic space of the hall.

The walls were lined with tall arched windows, draped in rich burgundy curtains with gold accents giving the hall a regal atmosphere. Soft uplighting enhanced the cream colored walls.

Round and rectangular dining tables were arranged across the hall at each side of the wide entrance space where a plush royal looking red carpet led straight up to the massive stage. Elegant candlestands were used to adorn each table covered in champaign colored linens, along with floral arrangements and small green trees in tall planters that brought a natural feel to the hall.

It was this beautiful space that meets the gaze upon entrance.

Anne slowly walked in, her eyes searching around the vast space for Andrew among the crowd of guests. She didn’t find him, but she spotted someone familiar who waved her over.

"Anne!" Donald enthusiastically waved at her smilingly. His blonde hair was styled smoothly giving him a mature feel, he was dressed in an impeccable suit that brought out his charm.

"Should I start calling you big sis now? You’re married to my brother after all." Donald joked.

"You can call me whatever you want." Anne said as she came to stand next to him, eyes still looking around searchingly.

"You look stunning, will Andrew cut off my tongue for saying that?"

"Thank you. Speaking of your brother, have you seen him?" Anne replied to his complement quickly before asking about Andrew.

"I have two brothers, one of them is over there..." Donald said pointing to a certain direction.

Anne followed where he pointed and her gaze landed on Gabriel who was standing by the bar at the far other side laughing loudly at something the girls around him had said. As expected, he was surrounded by a number of women who were eagerly chatting him up, one couldn’t be sure if one, two or even more of them would end up being his next prey.

Anne looked away disinterestedly.

"Of course I know he’s not the brother you’re looking for." Donald remarked chuckling to himself with the way Anne looked at him with expectation.

"Why should I tell you where he is when he was the one who took you from me. Let’s be honest, if you didn’t marry my brother, you would have been my girlfriend by now right?"

If he were to be fully honest, looking at her he still felt some regret, but if she was happier with Andrew, he was more than willing to let go, or should he say he had let go already.

Anne gave him a soft glare which made him laugh and raise his hands up in surrender,

"Okay, okay, I was just kidding. I know you always saw me as a kid and I already let it go."

"And you’re a good one Don, I don’t deserve to have the affection of someone like you. I’m sure there are a thousand girls who would make a long line till the entrance of the estate all wanting for your heart. You’ll find someone who deserves you more."

Anne didn’t take Donald’s affection for her too seriously, he was young and it was easy to be infatuated with an idea of a person. She was certain he was only momentarily fascinated with her in the past and when he would find someone to love for real, only then would he understand that.

"But for now I’ll have to help you find your husband right? That’s cruel to me, but you’re my sister in law, I have no choice but to deliver you into my brother’s hands."

Anne smilingly shook her head at his dramatic jokes.

"If you want to see your husband, look over there." Anne followed his pointed finger and her gaze settled on the entrance of the hall and Anne kept her gaze there.

"...ladies and gentlemen, the new CEO of Sterling Enterprises... Andrew Sterling!" Someone on the stage suddenly announced at this moment and the doors opened.

The lights in the hall seemed to have suddenly gone dim, highlighting the shadows of the majestic man at the entrance.

Loud applause could be heard filling the hall along with conversation from many who were surprised to hear who the new CEO was after the rumors going around.

Anne was shocked herself.

She watched the tall man walk into the hall like a monarch in his own kingdom. His strides were long, his hands buried in each pocket, he looked crisp and untouchable, mid stride his eyes shifted subtly and moved in her direction as if something had pulled his gaze towards her.

His eyes settled for barely a few moments on her before he looked away, focusing on the path in front of him.

Anne suddenly felt her heart twist.