Chapter 106
The afternoon sun cast golden rays over the city as Isabella Sinclair and Olivia Montgomery made their way to the upscale SKP shopping center near Muisvedo. Their departure preparations were complete, and a little retail therapy seemed like the perfect way to unwind before their trip.
To their surprise, a gleaming new Chanel boutique had just opened its doors.
“Look, a new store!” Olivia’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the elegant window display.
“Let’s check it out,” Isabella said, already stepping forward.
Before Olivia could respond, Isabella had already entered the boutique, her gaze immediately drawn to the centerpiece of the display—a breathtaking haute couture gown.
“Isn’t that from the latest runway show?” Olivia whispered, her fingers brushing against the luxurious satin fabric that shimmered like liquid silk.
Isabella nodded, her expression calm but intrigued. “It’s stunning.”
The dress was adorned with delicate rhinestones along the hem, and at its center, a magnificent ruby—known as the Mermaid’s Tear—glistened under the boutique lights. The gem had recently made headlines after being auctioned for a staggering sum.
Dresses like this rarely made it to store displays. Whoever owned this boutique had serious connections.
Without hesitation, Isabella handed her black card to the saleswoman.
The saleswoman hesitated, her eyes flickering between the dress and Isabella. “Miss, this is a custom piece—”
Before she could finish, a sharp voice cut through the air.
“This dress is perfect. Wrap it up for me.”
A woman in oversized sunglasses pushed past Isabella, pointing at the dress as if it were already hers. “It will look divine on my daughter.”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Ever heard of first come, first served? We were already looking at it.”
She couldn’t stand people who thought they could bulldoze their way through life—especially when Isabella clearly wanted the dress. Turning to the saleswoman, Olivia’s tone turned sharp. “You haven’t processed our request yet. We were here first.”
The woman—Genevieve Delacroix—slowly lowered her sunglasses, eyeing them with disdain. “You two?” She scoffed. “You must be lost. Even the saleswoman doubts you can afford this. Maybe you should take a taxi to the wholesale market instead. They might have something more… suitable for your budget.”
Olivia glanced down at her outfit—a simple white blouse and a sleek black skirt, practical for her long shifts at her father’s company. Not exactly runway material.
As for Isabella, her wardrobe consisted of custom-made pieces, many of which she designed herself. Their understated elegance often went unnoticed by those who only recognized flashy labels.
Olivia smirked, her tone scathing. “At least we don’t look like nouveau riche. By the way, those earrings you’re wearing are from three seasons ago. Futuristic Technology, wasn’t it? They don’t exactly complement your outfit.”
Instead of engaging, Genevieve turned to the saleswoman, her patience clearly wearing thin. “And you—what are you waiting for? I don’t have all day.”
But the saleswoman didn’t move. Instead, she slid Isabella’s card back across the counter, her voice icy. “You two should stop causing trouble. Flipping through fashion magazines doesn’t make you part of this world.”
Then, with an obsequious bow, she turned to Genevieve. “Madam, the dress is yours.”
Genevieve laughed coldly, standing taller as if the situation only confirmed her superiority. “You see? Some people dress for the occasion, but they’ll never truly belong. No matter how elegant their words, they can’t hide their lack of means.” She waved a dismissive hand. “I don’t have time for this. Just tell me the price.”
She was already imagining how perfect the dress would be as a wedding gift for her daughter—a piece that would solidify her status in front of her future in-laws.
The saleswoman smiled sweetly. “Don’t worry about them, Madam. We get people like this every day. They look but never buy. Always saying they need to think about it when it’s time to pay.” She shot them a disdainful glance. “I wonder when they’ll learn. If you can’t afford it, don’t waste our time.”
