Chapter 17
Chapter 17:
Rosanna pressed her lips tightly, anxiety flickering in her eyes as she glanced at Maia. “You’ve only just gotten back on your feet. I’m guessing you’re still figuring things out financially. This isn’t really the kind of thing you should be looking at. Why not consider something more reasonable p>
“More reasonable?” Stacy snapped, lifting her chin with exaggerated disdain. “I’m certain she can’t afford anything in this entire store. Someone like her should know when they don’t belong. If I were in her shoes, I’d have turned around the second I saw the entrance — no way I’d humiliate myself like this p>
“Stacy, that’s enough p>
“I mean it, Rosanna. Don’t let her ruin the day for us.” Stacy tugged her away from Maia and made her way to the display. Then, with practiced confidence, she said to the sales associate, “We’ll take that dress p>
The staff member offered a polite, professional smile. “I’m sorry, ladies. That gown isn’t available for purchase. It’s part of our display collection, and only Supreme VIP members of MCN can place an order for it p>
Being a Supreme VIP at MCN meant more than just wealth. These were elite patrons who spent over seven million dollars annually and were personally approved by Pattie, the brand’s co-founder. Influence and status were mandatory — money alone couldn’t buy access.
Only a handful of clients worldwide had ever made the cut.
Stacy and Rosanna both faltered, their confidence shrinking just a little. They had known this gown was nearly impossible to obtain. Today had been nothing more than a hopeful gamble.
Still, Rosanna’s gaze lingered on the “Blue Sea.” She had dreamed of wearing it at her engagement to Vince. That dress was supposed to be her grand entrance.
She had already tried every route she could think of — called in favors, begged connections — but none of it had worked.
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Now here it was — so close that she could almost touch it. Yet still, somehow, just out of reach.
Rosanna’s mood sank all at once.
“Let’s not waste time. That gown’s out of reach. Let’s check out some other options,” said Stacy, gently pulling her away toward another section of the store.
But as they turned away, Stacy caught a glimpse of Maia still standing nearby.
Her annoyance boiled over. She snapped at the associate, her voice sharp and scornful, “What kind of place is this? You just let anyone walk in off the street? Someone like her doesn’t belong here. Get that ex-con out of the store p>
“Um…” The sales associate hesitated, clearly torn. MCN had built its entire brand around treating customers with respect. Expelling someone from the boutique? That had never happened before.
“What are you standing around for? She has a criminal record. Are you really going to wait until something goes missing? These dresses cost a fortune. If she pockets something, are you going to cover it?” Stacy’s sharp voice quickly attracted attention, stirring murmurs among nearby shoppers.
“Seriously! When did MCN start letting criminals walk in like it’s a discount store p>
“How are we supposed to shop with someone like that hanging around? Throw her out already p>
Though Rosanna kept her expression sympathetic, a quiet spark of satisfaction danced in her eyes.
Now even the sales associate started second-guessing whether this woman would really try to steal.
With hesitation replaced by discomfort, she finally approached Maia and said stiffly, “I’m sorry, miss, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave p>
Instead of reacting, Maia stayed composed. Her eyes narrowed just slightly as she looked the woman over. “Are you serious? Is that how MCN handles its Supreme VIPs p>