Edith’s brows knit together as she instinctively stepped in front of Jayne, shielding her while fixing her gaze on the saleswoman. “Can you even afford these earrings?” she asked coolly.
Chanel jewelry–luxury with a capital L.
Even for a simple pair of earrings, the price tag started in the five figures.
Her question left the saleswoman momentarily speechless, but it only made her more brazen than before.
“Maybe I can’t afford them, but at least I’m not wasting someone’s time at work, am l? I don’t know what you two are playing at. If you can’t afford it, why not browse brands in your price range? Why come here and waste our time?”
Jayne tugged on Edith’s sleeve, quietly urging her to let it go.
Edith understood her mother’s temperament. Jayne had always believed it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
But the problem with always turning the other cheek was that people with nasty dispositions started to see you as an easy target.
Edith wasn’t about to back down. She pressed her lips together and shot back, “Have we wasted your time? Isn’t your job to help customers? Even if I don’t buy a thing, the moment I walk in, I’m a customer.”
The saleswoman rolled her eyes so hard Edith thought they might get stuck. “Don’t give me that ‘customer is always right‘ nonsense. Here, sales are king. If you’re not buying, then leave.”
Jayne looked torn, unsure whether they should buy something or just leave.
Edith stood her ground, eyes narrowed. “I never said I wasn’t buying. And even if I did, you have no right to throw us out.”
The saleswoman sneered, nearly tipping her head back with the force of her eye
roll.
Tension crackled in the air–until a low, unhurried voice broke the silence. “We’ll
take them.”
One word, spoken with quiet authority, drew every eye in the boutique.
Edith looked up and saw a familiar profile. Strong features, a hint of aristocratic
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reserve, and an effortless air of command. Even a single word from him drew all
the attention in the room
Justin, having spoken, let his gaze sweep over everyone present. In his eyes, Edith saw only one word; untouchable.
He strode over and came to stand beside Edith. When he looked down at her, his expression softened, gentler than anyone would expect.
“We’ll buy them,” he said, “but not from her.”
Then he looked up at the now–flustered saleswoman. “Call your manager, please, We might be making a larger purchase”
For several long seconds, the saleswoman stood frozen, utterly at a loss–then, as if compelled, she turned and hurried off to find the manager.
Edith sneaked a glance at Justin.
He wore a tailored grey suit today, the tie perfectly knotted, lying crisp against his chest. Even the subtle movement of his throat as he spoke hinted at a quiet strength.
Edith narrowed her eyes. That saleswoman didn’t seem like the type to take orders from anyone. But with just a few calm words, Justin had her running,
She couldn’t help but wonder: What was it about him?
Jayne, meanwhile, regarded the man beside her daughter with open astonishment. “Edith, is this a friend of yours? I don’t think I’ve met him before.”
The truth was, since Edith had married into the Vance family, she’d barely had any friends at all. Beckett preferred his wife kept a low profile, and Edith had played the dutiful hostess, even giving up her beloved painting. Socializing and making new acquaintances had been out of the question.
Justin, catching Jayne’s uncertain gaze, offered her a polite, almost deferential smile. His whole demeanor softened. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” he said warmly. “I’m your son–in–law.”
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