Chapter 78
Chapter 78:
“How about you fetch your manager?” Rylie gave her a friendly but pointed smile, handing over a sleek black card. “Let your manager decide. Ask him directly if there’s any stock on that bag. If she says no, I’ll leave without another word p>
Though she’d never seen this card before, the shop assistant couldn’t risk offending either woman — especially not with that kind of money in play. She hurried off to brief the manager on the situation.
Taking the card, the manager checked the number, then scoffed. “If we say the bag’s out of stock, it’s out of stock. We make our living on those bundles. Even a black card can’t change store policy p>
The manager’s words trailed off as her eyes grew wide and her fingers started to shake. In a hushed voice, she leaned toward the shop assistant. “Wait — this is Vantage Mall’s only unlimited black card. The cardholder is that Owen family daughter who just came back p>
The shop assistant felt her knees turn to jelly. “You’re kidding p>
Voice barely steady, the manager whispered, “I got the memo last night. She was expected to shop today — the Owen family’s patriarch bought out the whole building just for her p>
Color drained from the assistant’s face. “I figured the Owen family’s daughter would be surrounded by security. I never guessed she’d look so normal. Oh no — I’ve probably just insulted her p>
Not even five minutes passed before both the manager and the shop assistant came hurrying out together.
Spotting their rush, Tessa curled her lip in contempt. “Finally. Are you going to sell me that bag or not p>
Without glancing at Tessa, the manager bowed deeply to Rylie, her tone nothing but reverent. “Please forgive us for not recognizing you right away. It’s an honor to welcome you. Which bag do you like? I’ll have them all delivered to your door. Any unpleasantness before p>
“That was our mistake — please overlook it.” The shop assistant bent low as well, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry — I had no idea who you were p>
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Tessa’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. “You’re apologizing to her? Are you joking? The true VIP is standing next to me. What sort of business are you running p>
The manager hesitated only a moment before turning to Tessa. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Kirk, but we can’t throw out our customers. I hope you’ll understand p>
Tessa’s voice took on a sharp edge. “Maybe you don’t realize this, but Kirk Group is about to sign a partnership with Owen Group — Mr. Owen himself brought the contract! Didn’t Owen Group just buy out this entire mall? I want exclusive access to shop here. How hard is that to understand p>
The manager had meant to keep things civil, but the more Tessa spoke, the more he wondered if the Kirk family understood just how far out of their depth they were.
Turning to Rylie with unwavering respect, the manager asked, “How would you like to handle this p>
Rylie’s face remained unreadable. “Show them the door. And make sure Mrs. Kirk and her darling daughter don’t set foot in Vantage Mall again p>
Tessa let out a derisive laugh. “You’re telling me to go? Who do you think you p>
But the manager calmly motioned for the staff to assist, and soon a small crowd of shop assistants and sales associates formed a gentle but firm wall. “It’s time for you to leave. Our store — and all of Vantage Mall — will no longer serve you p>