Mystery: Gray Walker

Chapter 63 Everything Has a Price

Time flies.

The next morning, Henry, accompanied by a shrewd-looking middle-aged tailor carrying a large toolbox, visited the underground warehouse again—no, it should now be called the underground office.

He was followed by two assistants carrying several coat hangers covered with dust cloths.

"Mr. Maurice, Miss Anaïs."

Henry bowed and smiled:

"This is Mr. Rosen, the senior tailor of Silver Moon Silk. Considering the time constraints and to avoid unnecessary disturbance, I specially asked Mr. Rosen to bring over a few carefully selected sample garments for Miss Anna to try on and choose from."

Green was initially puzzled as to why he didn't go to the tailor shop, but when he saw Henry's expression and the respectful way he looked at him, he instantly understood.

"This is just a show for myself," Green thought with a cold laugh.

Henry not only had to ensure the clothes fit, but also had to ensure that the process of "dressing up his female companion" was completed in front of Green.

Every detail, from the carefully selected tops to the "door-to-door service," reinforces Henry's image as a considerate person and Green's "control" over Anaïs.

"This Henry, he's really mastered the art of social maneuvering," Green thought to himself, but didn't bother to point it out.

"Let's begin."

Green nodded, walked behind the desk and sat down, adopting a relaxed posture.

Thus, poor Anaïs became nothing more than a puppet to be manipulated.

She was led behind a makeshift screen and, with the help of her female assistant, began trying on the sample garments one by one.

As each piece was brought out, Henry and the tailor Rosen would exchange a few quick, whispered words, discussing whether the color was "appropriate and not garish," whether the style was "fitting their status and highlighting their strengths," and whether the fabric's sheen under the light was "just right."

The conversation between the two was very professional, but between the lines it conveyed the message that "Mr. Morris must be satisfied."

The screen was pulled back, and Anaïs came out in different dresses. Each time, she was so nervous that she didn't know where to put her hands and feet, her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were darting around. She didn't dare to look at herself in the mirror, let alone at Green sitting there.

"Anna! Have you already forgotten the etiquette you learned yesterday?!"

Henry was instantly furious when he saw her still looking timid. He had been hoping this girl could win Green's favor, since controlling her was much easier than controlling Green.

"Straighten your back! Hold your head high! What did Lady Eleanor teach you? You're not trying on a tattered sack, you're trying on an evening gown! An evening gown! It's about Mr. Maurice's reputation!"

Henry gritted his teeth, not daring to scold too harshly, but the look of disappointment on his face was infuriating.

Anaïs shuddered, took a deep breath, and immediately straightened her back and raised her head.

Although her eyes looked flustered, at least her posture barely met the "resemblance" that Ms. Eleanor required.

Green sat behind his desk, silent, simply watching.

Henry's outburst was expected, and perhaps even necessary.

He needs to be strict with her, after all, Anaïs is now part of his "investment".

Anaïs also needed this kind of wake-up call; she needed to confront her own inferiority complex and timidity.

As for Green... a final evaluation is needed. Can someone who's even hesitant to try on clothes hold their own at a banquet?

Green needs a capable assistant, not a fragile vase.

Mr. Rosen the tailor seemed not to hear Henry's rebuke. He professionally and quickly circled Anaïs, holding a measuring tape and safety pins, pinching and pinning them here and there, muttering the measurements and suggestions for alteration.

Henry stood to the side with his arms crossed, his brow furrowed, scrutinizing every detail as if inspecting a crucial shipment.

"This one won't do; the color is too dark and makes me look listless."

"The neckline is too low; it's inappropriate for your status."

"The lace on the sleeves...remove it, it's too cumbersome."

Anaïs was like a delicate doll, being judged and manipulated at will by two men.

She pressed her lips tightly together, trying to maintain her composure. She could even feel Green's gaze on her; though calm, it put more pressure on her than Henry's reprimand.

I can't make mistakes, and I can't let him down.

The final result is in.

A light gold dress with a simple design and smooth cut was kept.

With minimal embellishment, the dress exudes elegance solely through its superior fabric and well-fitting cut. Tiny pearls adorning the collar and cuffs gleam with a gentle, understated luster under the gaslight.

"This one will do," Green finally said.

Rosen immediately bowed: "You have excellent taste, sir. This color and style are perfect for this young lady, both elegant and understated. I'll go back and make the final adjustments, and I guarantee the perfectly altered dress will be delivered before sunset, ensuring it won't delay the dinner."

Henry quickly smiled and said, "Don't worry, sir, everything will be arranged. The carriage has also been booked; it will wait for you at the port authority entrance at seven o'clock tonight."

"Can."

After the tailor Rosen and his assistants left with the sample garment, Henry pulled a small, dark blue velvet box from his pocket.

"Mr. Morris..."

He stepped forward, placed the velvet box on Green's desk, then pushed it gently, folding his hands in front of him with a respectful posture, but his eyes were somewhat unfocused, as if he were carefully considering his words.

Again.

Green glanced at the box, then looked at Henry.

What is it this time? Jewelry? Is he eager to increase the stakes?

"This is..." Green glanced at the box, then looked at Henry.

Henry cleared his throat, forcing a smile, but a hint of pain was clearly visible in it:

"Well... considering that this is Miss Anna's first time accompanying you to such an important occasion, a proper dress is certainly important, but... a little embellishment is always needed to make it look... um... more appropriate."

He avoided using words like "brilliance" and "beauty," which might seem frivolous.

"This is a little thing I... came across by chance. I've kept it all this time, but haven't had much chance to use it. I thought that Miss Anna has a calm and composed demeanor, so perhaps... it would suit her better. I'm sure it won't bring shame to you or Miss Anna."

He spoke casually, but Green wasn't stupid; he could see the reluctance in the other person's eyes.

Henry opened the box. Inside, lined with black silk, lay a necklace.

Very delicate, made of silver, the pendant is a teardrop-shaped sapphire, deep as the midnight sky, not large, but perfectly cut and internally pure. Although not overly decorated, it possesses a serene and noble aura.

Anaïs gasped and instinctively took a half-step back. Even if she wasn't an expert, she could tell that this thing was no ordinary object.

"Manager Henry, this is too valuable! I can't..."

“Miss Anna,” Henry interrupted her, “please listen to me. Tonight, you represent not only yourself, but also Mr. Morris, and in a way… also the dignity of our Port Authority Liaison Office.”

He glanced at Green, and seeing that the other did not respond, he continued:

"This thing only shows its value in the right place and on the right person. In my cold safe, it will always just be a stone. But wearing it on you, accompanying you and Mr. Maurice on tonight's mission... then it has achieved its greatest value."

His words were partly polite and partly sincere.

Investing in Anaïs is investing in the future of his relationship with Green.

Giving away this treasured item is painful, but if it makes Anaïs more radiant, makes her mission easier, and solidifies her position in Green's heart, then it's worth it.

This is a shrewd and highly purposeful "gift".

Who does she think she is? Worthy of all this investment? Does Henry lack women? His walls are covered in them!

Green was silent for a moment, then looked at Anaïs: "Manager Henry is very thoughtful. This is indeed more suitable than the hastily purchased ornaments."

He paused, then added, "Since it's Director Henry's kind offer and for the sake of the mission, just accept it. Remember this... price for 'decency'."

The last sentence, spoken softly, sent a chill down the spines of both Anaïs and Henry.

Anaïs understood the warning: that investments should yield returns. But Henry interpreted it differently—was it tacit approval or a warning?

He was warned not to try to influence or control Anaïs in this way.

"Yes... I understand." Anaïs took a deep breath, stepped forward, and took the velvet box with trembling hands.

"Thank you, Manager Henry. I... I will keep it safe and... use it well."

"If you're happy, then I won't bother you any longer."