His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 283

"Tessa?" Wendy's internal alarms blared as her expression darkened. She strode forward, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "What are you doing here?"

Seated elegantly on the couch, Tessa lifted her gaze slowly. A mocking smile played on her lips. "Well, well. If it isn't my doppelgänger. For a moment there, I thought some long-lost sister had appeared. Since when did you start playing the 'substitute' game?"

Wendy's face drained of color. Tessa had noticed?

Recovering quickly, she forced a scoff. "Copying you? Don't flatter yourself. Why would I need to imitate you?"

Tessa examined Wendy from head to toe. Then, she burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Wendy sneered.

"Just remembered an old tale." Tessa tilted her head, eyes glinting with malice. "Ever heard of it? Some knockoffs only highlight the original's superiority."

Wendy's manicured nails dug into her palms. Of course she knew the parable—the ugly peasant girl whose clumsy imitation of a beautiful woman became proverbial ridicule.

Wendy crossed her arms, looming over the seated figure. "You think you own this aesthetic? That no one else can possibly share your tastes without being a copycat?"

Tessa's amusement deepened. "Oh, I get it. The matching outfit is a coincidence. The identical hairstyle—pure chance. Even the same perfume? Just cosmic serendipity. By all means, keep telling yourself that."

Wendy frowned, and before she could retort, a man called out, "Tessa!"

Wendy was stunned to hear Zachary's pleasant voice, while Tessa stared at him coldly.

Wendy hissed, "You were waiting for Zachary? After all this time, you're still chasing after him? Are you that desperate for male attention?"

Tessa scoffed. "Not everyone mistakes trash for treasure."