Chapter 20 Pay Every Penny Back
+5 Free Coins
“Who said I don’t have money? I just didn’t bring any with me today! And besides, Clarissa likes my brother–she’s practically my future sister–in–law. This mall is hers, which basically makes it mine too. Why would I need to bring money to shop in my own home?” Chloe flared up like a cat with its tail stepped on, glaring at Clarissa. “This mall is your family’s, so just take it as if you’re getting them for me. Quickly pack them up and come out–we’ll go see my brother together.”
With that, Chloe tugged Yara’s arm and tried to leave, but the manager and a few store assistants blocked their path.
I’m sorry, miss, but there’s no such thing as shopping without paying,” the manager said with a polite smile, though her tone- was firm and left no room for negotiation. “If you can’t pay today. I’m afraid you won’t be going anywhere.”
“You” Chloe didn’t dare lash out at the manager, so she turned her glare on Clarissa. “Clarissa, are you really going to just stand there and watch them humiliate me in your family’s mall?”
“Isn’t paying for what you buy just basic decency?” Clarissa answered lazily. “Besides, you already owe them a million. It’s perfectly reasonable for them to stop you from leaving.”
Chloe stared at Clarissa in utter disbelief. She couldn’t believe those words had actually come out of her mouth.
And then, in that moment, the truth hit her like a brick.
“You’re not broke at all… You have money. You just don’t want to pay for me!”
“That’s right.” Clarissa smiled, looking completely unbothered. “I just don’t want to pay for you.”
“You!” Chloe’s voice shook as she looked at her like she was seeing a stranger. What the hell is wrong with her today? She used to treat me so well–what changed?!
“Clarissa, if you treat me like this, aren’t you afraid I’ll tell my brother?”
“Go ahead.” Clarissa responded with a light chuckle. “Why don’t you go tell him right now?”
The calm, fearless look on Clarissa’s face left Chloe utterly powerless. Everyone was still watching, and Yara’s gaze had already shifted–there was something cold and distant in her eyes now. Chloe felt so humiliated, she wished the ground would just open up and swallow her whole.
“Clare… Just cover it for me this time, please? Or… Or let me put it on the tab again. I’ll bring the money next time and pay you back, I swear.”
“It’s not impossible,” Clarissa said, her smile turning sly. “Since we’re from the same village and all, I’ll give you a little
discount.”
The moment she mentioned “same village,” Chloe’s eye twitched. As expected, Yara’s expression shifted again. After all, Chloe had always sold herself as a high–class heiress. She’d never once mentioned she came from a rural village.
Chloe wanted to disappear. Clarissa’s definitely doing this on purpose–trying to humiliate me.
“Out of the kindness of my heart, I won’t bother you about the million you already owe. Just pay me today’s total–131,750. Pretty generous of me, right?”
For a second, Chloe actually felt relieved by the first half of the sentence, but then the second half landed like a slap. She jumped. “I don’t have that kind of money!”
“No money?” Clarissa smiled. “You’re saying you can’t pay, huh? Well, that’s a problem. I guess we’ll have to call the police. Spending over 130 thousand without paying counts as a major default. That’s at least three years, right?”
Clarissa looked to the manager, who added immediately, “And ten years max.”
Chloe and Yara both panicked. Yara rushed to distance herself, waving her hands in protest. “This has nothing to do with me! She’s the one who wanted to buy clothes for me! I–I’m leaving!”
With that, Yara bolted.
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Chapter 20 Pay Every Penny Back
Chloe’s face turned pale. “You-
She started after her, but the manager and staff stepped in again.
“If you can’t pay, we have no choice but to contact the authorities. Someone, call the cops!
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