Chapter 20 I Promise I Won’t Steal
Chloe nodded quickly and took off running. Chin up? Chest out! Chin up, chest out!
She marched into the store like a little chick, puffed up and full of pride.
Marvin watched her back and couldn’t help but chuckle. She’s really cute. And she was smart, too,
Pretty capable for someone her age. But as soon as the thought crossed Marvin’s mind, he shook his head hard. No, no, no. Not cute at all. Not even a little bit.
Chloe trotted into the store on her short legs, her confident air slowly fading into nervous tension.
A store clerk spotted her and walked over with a frown. “Are you lost, sweetheart?“.
Chloe politely shook her head. “No, ma’am. My brother brought me here to buy clothes. He told me to wait for him in this store for a little while
The clerk’s expression changed; she looked Chloe up and down.
The girl was wearing an old, donated dress–sky blue with thin straps and tiny faded stains here and there. On her feet were worn–out doll shoes, scuffed and creased
Her entire outfit couldn’t have cost more than 15 dollars.
And here, even a single button on one of their dresses cost more than 15 dollars. What kind of broke kid thinks she can shop here?
The clerk’s mouth curled into a mocking smile, her voice thick with sarcasm. “Sweetheart, I think you’d better wait outside. You’re kind of in the way of business. Wouldn’t want you to bring in any germs–our other little customers are very precious. you know.”
Chloe blinked, glanced outside, and couldn’t see Marvin anywhere.
She shook her head firmly. “No, if I leave, my brother won’t be able to find me. He just went to the bathroom. He’ll be back
soon.”
The clerk’s smile twisted crueler. “That’s not how it works. You can’t just stand around in here if you’re not buying anything. We don’t even know who your brother is–what if you’re here to steal something? You need to leave.”
Chise frowned. I would never steal.
She tried to reason with her. “Ma’am, my brother really did say to walk for him here. I can’t leave! Please just let me stay a little longer–I promise I won’t touch anything!”
But the clerk forcefully started pushing her out. “I said no, and no means no. Stop making a scene already. What is wrong with you!”
And just like that, she grabbed Chloe like a chick and tossed her outside.
Chloe looked around helplessly. Still no sign of Marvin. Her hands clutched the sides of her skirt in confusion. Then I just wait here.
The clerk saw her still standing at the entrance and her face darkened. Out of patience now, she snapped, “Are you deaf or something? I told you to leave! You’re so poor–looking, you’re driving away our real customers!”
Chloe flinched, her chubby little face full of panic. “Can’t I just wait for my brother at the door?”
The clerk was harsh. “No, you can’t! Your brother couldn’t afford a single button in here–what are you waiting for?”
Chloe’s expression changed. She was starting to get angry. “You can’t say that about my brother! My brother’s not like that! He told me to wait here–and I will! Don’t you dare make fun of him!”
The clerk raised a brow, her features scrunching with mockery. “Wow, touched a nerve, huh? Aw, look at you–trying to protect your family. Aren’t you a bold little thing?”
Marvin was just walking back from the bathroom when he saw Chloe arguing with the clerk near the store’s entrance.
12:27 AM P p
Chapter 201 Promise I Won’t Steal
Emished
His brows furrowed.
Chloe’s face was flushed red with frustration as she shouted, her tiny voice full of herce energy. “You can say I’m poor, but you can’t say that about my brother! He’s so good–looking, like a prince! He’s not like what you’re saying
She spoke clearly, each word precise and strong. “And his dad gave him money. That’s why he brought me here. You’re not allowed to talk about him like that!”
The clerk burst out laughing, shooting smug looks to the small crowd that had gathered. “Oh wow, should I feel sorry for you or praise you for being so clever? You’re quite the dramatic little thing.”
She crouched down to Chloe’s eye level, her tone dripping with scorn.
“Sweetheart, our clothes here aren’t for kids like you. Your brother probably came in by mistake–or maybe he’s just clueless, And standing here like this? You’re ruining the image of our store. How are we supposed to sell anything with you in the doorway?”
She looked Chloe over with a sneer. “Judging by how you look, I bet your brother’s just as pathetic. The two of you must come from the same shabby little world.”
Chloe’s mind buzzed with fury. She shoved the clerk. “Don’t dare
you
The woman barely bulged, but her expression turned furious.
y that about my
brother!
She shoved Chloe back. “Are you crazy? Who told you you could touch me? Filthy little thing!”
Chloe fell to the ground hard, her eyes instantly brimming with tears.
