Introducing them, Doreen said, “Professor Perez, this is Ste Anderson, the woman I work for, founder of our studio.


    ”


    Then, turning to Ste, she added, “And this is Alissa Perez, my professor.


    ”


    Ste extended a polite greeting to Alissa.


    The woman who stood before her was in her forties, exuding a mature charm and an elegant grace that seemed to illuminate her surroundings.


    However, Ste couldn’t help but notice Alissa’s lingering gaze.


    Feeling a twinge of self-consciousness, she wondered if her face was smeared with dirt and subconsciously brushed her cheek with her hand.


    Observing Ste, Alissa exined, “I’m sorry, but you look incredibly familiar.


    It’s so startling that I find myself unable to look away.


    My apologies for staring.


    ”


    Ste lowered her hand and offered a forgiving smile, responding lightly, “It’s no problem at all.


    ”


    Alissa continued to gaze at Ste, curiosity piqued, and inquired, “Yourst name isn’tmon around Seamarsh.


    Are you from here, Ms.


    Anderson?”


    Shaking her head, Ste replied, “No, I grew up in Bysea with my grandfather.


    I moved here after I got married.


    ”


    Alissa’s surprise was evident as she continued, “Did you just mention you had a grandfather?”


    The question seemed unusual, and Ste, bewildered, nodded.


    “Yes, he raised me.


    ”


    As Ste responded, she noticed a strange look on Alissa’s face and asked, puzzled, “Is something wrong?”


    Alissa quickly dismissed her concern.


    “Oh, no, it’s nothing.


    I might have confused you with someone else.


    ”


    Brushing aside any lingering awkwardness, Ste got straight to the point.


    “Professor Perez, I’vee to seek your help.


    I’m currently working on a project that requires embroidery.


    You’ve seen the pattern earlier.


    Though I’m not skilled in embroidery myself, I’m hoping you could assist me.


    ”


    As she spoke, Ste unfolded a design draft and pointed to a specific pattern.


    “The previous embroiderer said it would take two days toplete this pattern, but she had to attend to an emergency and couldn’t finish.


    We need this dresspleted by tomorrow.


    Could you help us meet this tight deadline and ensure the work is up to standard?”


    Alissa didn’t respond right away.


    Ste worried she had reservations and blurted out, “We’ll do everything we can to meet your needs, whatever they are.


    ”


    Alissa shook her head.


    “I don’t need anything,” she said.


    “The pattern isn’t too hard, but it’ll take at least a day.


    I have sses tomorrow morning, so I can’t start until the afternoon.


    ”


    Ste’s heart sank.


    ording to Be, Margery needed the dress finished by tomorrow.


    If Alissa started embroidering in the afternoon, it would definitely go past the deadline.


    “Is there any way to shorten the timeframe?” Ste asked anxiously.


    “Or could you rmend someone? I’m open to anything as long as they can finish it on time.


    ”Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Alissa sighed.


    “Ms.


    Anderson, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help, but this is how long it takes.


    I can’t change that.


    I do have a talented student, but she’s currently studying abroad.


    ”


    Ste felt a surge of disappointment.