Chapter 59
Chapter 59:
“It’s an investment,” she said.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the charity case p>
The voice was loud, braying, and familiar. Aurora turned to see Tyler, a classmate from the advanced economics program she had just enrolled in at the university. He was standing with an old man who looked like a thicker, meaner version of him.
Tyler scanned Arthur’s outfit with a sneer. “Shopping for a funeral suit, old man? That’s the only time you’d need something this nice p>
Aurora stepped between them. Her eyes went cold. “Walk away, Tyler. Before you embarrass yourself p>
“Or what?” Tyler laughed. “You going to hit me with your financial aid application p>
Arthur bristled. He straightened his spine, his pride stinging. “My granddaughter is the smartest student in your program. She is going to be number one in the Professor’s ranking p>
Tyler burst out laughing. He doubled over, slapping his knee. “Her? Top? Everyone knows the scholarship kids act tough and score low. To get into Professor Yinn’s inner circle, you need breeding, not just books p>
Tyler’s father smirked. “Don’t waste your breath, son. Let them dream p>
“It’s good to dream,” Aurora said, her voice cutting through the laughter. “But it’s better to win p>
Tyler stopped laughing. He stepped closer. “I’ll tell you what. The rankings for Yinn’s seminar come out Monday. If she’s number one, I’ll eat my designer loafers right here in the lobby p>
He pointed to his shoes—expensive, polished leather. A small crowd of shoppers had gathered, drawn by the commotion.
Aurora looked at the shoes. “Italian leather? That’s tough to chew. You might want some water p>
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“You’re delusional,” Tyler spat.
Aurora turned to the sales assistant who had ignored them earlier. She snapped her fingers. “You. Come here p>
The assistant hesitated, looking between Tyler’s expensive watch and Arthur’s worn shoes.
“Pack this suit,” Aurora commanded. “And the three next to it. Also, bring me a pair of those loafers in the display case. Size ten. For the gentleman to practice with p>
“Miss, these are very expensive…” the assistant began.
Aurora reached into her bag. She pulled out the black card. It was heavy, made of anodized titanium. She slapped it onto the glass counter.
CLANG.
The sound echoed like a gunshot.
The assistant’s eyes widened. She recognized the card. It was invitation-only. No limit.
“I… of course, Miss Vance. Right away p>
The attitude flip was instantaneous. The assistant was suddenly bowing and scraping.
Tyler frowned, looking at the card. “That’s fake. It has to be p>
“Counterfeit,” his father muttered, though he looked less sure.
Aurora took the receipt and whispered to Arthur, “Get ready for a show on Monday, Gramps. We aren’t just buying a suit. We’re buying respect p>