Chapter 3

Mia didn't believe a word of it, of course.

She figured I'd been so traumatized that I was hallucinating.

When I dragged her into the luxury shopping district, she hunched her shoulders the entire way, terrified of running into someone she knew.

"Viv, let's just go. The salespeople here all know Linda — imagine how humiliating it'd be if they kicked us out…"

Mia clutched the hem of my sleeve, her voice barely a whisper.

I walked straight into a haute couture boutique.

It was members-only. You couldn't even get through the door without an appointment.

The security guard moved to stop me, but I flashed the black card.

My grandfather had left it to me. Only ten existed worldwide — it wasn't just a bank card, it was a statement of identity.

The guard froze, then did a complete one-eighty, bowing so low he nearly kissed the floor.

"Welcome, esteemed guest. Right this way."

Mia's jaw dropped. "Viv, where did you get that fake ID made? It looks ridiculously real."

I didn't explain. I just pulled her inside.

The store manager came out personally to greet us, all smiles.

"Bring out every new piece from this season. The most expensive ones," I said casually.

That's when a shrill voice cut through from the fitting area.

"Well, well — isn't this the stray dog that just got thrown out? What, here to window-shop?"

Of all the luck.

Faye was standing in front of a mirror in a red strapless gown, posing and preening.

Linda sat on a nearby sofa, coffee in hand, eyeing us with undisguised contempt.

"Security really has gone downhill. Letting in any stray off the street."

Linda set down her coffee and smoothed her skirt with deliberate slowness.

"Manager, get these two out of here. They're ruining my shopping experience."

The manager hesitated, glancing between Linda and me.

Linda was a regular — she only ever bought entry-level pieces, but she was still a VIP.

I, on the other hand, was a nobody.

But people who'd spent years in luxury retail had sharp instincts.

Instead of acting immediately, the manager turned to me with polite caution. "Ma'am, do you have an appointment?"

Before I could answer, Faye cut in:

"An appointment? They can't even afford a scarf in here! That one's a bottom-tier influencer, and this one's a broke office worker. Don't let them fool you, Manager — they'll stain something and not be able to pay for it!"

Mia was shaking with anger. "Faye, that's enough!"

"Enough?" Faye strutted up to Mia and jabbed a finger into her shoulder. "Face reality. One word from Linda and you're nothing. Walk out now while you still have a shred of dignity."

Linda stood and approached me, her gaze landing on the black card. She let out a scornful laugh.

"Cute little sticker. Did you buy that online? The craftsmanship is pretty rough."

She turned to the manager. "If you don't remove them, I'll file a complaint and have every one of my students boycott this store."

The threat landed. The manager clearly didn't want to offend the "etiquette coach" and her network.

She looked at me apologetically. "Ma'am, if you're not purchasing anything, please don't disturb the other customers…"

I smiled.

"Who said I'm not buying?"

I pointed at the red gown Faye was wearing.

"That one. I'll take it."

Faye burst out laughing as if she'd heard the funniest joke of her life. "You'll take it? Do you even know how much it costs? Eight hundred and eighty thousand dollars! You couldn't afford it if you sold yourself!"

I ignored her and pointed at the bags Linda had been eyeing.

"Those too."

Then I looked around the entire store.

"Everything they haven't touched — wrap it all up."

Dead silence.

Even the manager was stunned, her mouth hanging open.

"All… all of it?"

Linda sneered. "Keep up the act. Let's see how you pay. Manager, bring the card reader — let her swipe! And when it declines, call the police for fraud!"

Faye piled on. "Do it! If you don't call the cops today, I'll lose all respect for you!"

The manager brought the card reader over with trembling hands.

Mia was on the verge of tears, gripping my arm with white knuckles. "Viv, stop this — let's just run…"

I gave her hand a gentle pat and a reassuring look.

Then I handed over the black card.

Beep.

A crisp, clean chime.

Seconds later, the machine printed out a long receipt.

Transaction approved.

The manager stared at the number, her hands shaking uncontrollably.

The mockery on Linda and Faye's faces solidified, then shattered into raw horror, as if they'd seen a ghost.

"That's… that's impossible…"

Faye stammered. "The machine must be broken."

I took the receipt without even glancing at it and tossed it to Mia.

"A gift."

Then I turned to the shell-shocked manager.

"Oh, and that red gown — since it's been worn by something unclean, I don't want it anymore. Just cut it up."

The manager snapped out of her daze and instantly switched to full groveling mode.

"Yes, yes! Of course! Whatever you say, miss!"

She whipped around to face Faye, her tone turning ice cold. "Ma'am, please remove the dress. This customer has purchased it and requested it be destroyed."

Faye's face turned a deep, mottled red. She shot a desperate look at Linda.

But Linda couldn't be bothered with her anymore. She was staring at the black card in my hand, eyes flickering with calculation.

"Who… who the hell are you?"

I walked up to Linda, leaned in slightly, and whispered in her ear:

"Who I am doesn't matter. What matters is — your little 'socialite' game is over."