Chapter 3 The Fifth Avenue Takeover

It was ten in the morning. Sunlight on Fifth Avenue spilled straight onto the glass showcases, highlighting the luxury textures within.

Vivienne pushed open the heavy brass handle. The men's slippers on her feet dragged across the marble floor, a dull scrape echoing through the place. The hem of the oversized windbreaker swept over the cashmere carpet by the door. She tugged the collar higher, and the strap of her dress brushed her collarbone.

“Well, if it isn’t the bankrupt heiress.” Chloe was lounging on the Hermès leather sofa in the middle. Champagne in hand, she ran her fingertips along the gold - rimmed edge. The rhinestones on her nails sparkled under the soft lighting.

Whispers spread through the boutique. Socialites stopped rummaging through their designer bags, their heads turning in unison to stare at Vivienne.

The store manager clicked over in her seven - centimeter heels. She halted half a meter from Vivienne and waved a hand in front of her nose. Then she pointed toward the door. “Sorry, ma’am. This is a VIP - only joint. Your getup’s gonna ruin the mood for other customers. Scram.”

Chloe set her champagne glass down on the glass coffee table with a sharp clink. She stood up, crossed her arms, and sauntered over to Vivienne, covering her mouth with a laugh. “Come on, store manager. Ease up. She used to be loaded.”

Chloe reached out with her red - manicured finger, aiming for Vivienne’s shoulder. Vivienne sidestepped, and Chloe’s finger missed.

“Vivienne, can’t even afford a burger, can you?” Chloe pulled two hundred - dollar bills from her designer bag and let them flutter down at Vivienne’s feet. “Here, go chow down at the takeout place across the street.”

Vivienne stared at the money on the floor. She reached into her windbreaker pocket, feeling the card. “I’m here to buy clothes.” She looked up and met Chloe’s gaze.

“Buy clothes? You couldn’t afford a button if your life depended on it.” Chloe leaned back, a mocking smile on her face. “Your dad’s dead, and your uncle got his legs broken. You’re a nobody. Practically homeless.”

The store manager turned and motioned to the side. Two security guards emerged from behind the shelves. “Throw this nutjob out. Don’t mess up the new stock.”

The guards rushed at Vivienne. She tensed, gripping the card in her pocket and stepping back. “I’d like to see who has the guts.”

The glass door burst open. Four black - clad bodyguards shoved past the decorative potted plants at the entrance and took their positions. The plants swayed, and a few leaves fluttered down onto the carpet.

Alexander strode in, his dark - gray suit hanging open. One hand in his pocket. His shoe crushed the money on the floor.

The guards froze. They backed away fast.

Chloe’s mouth dropped open. She quickly fixed her hair and stepped forward. “Mr. Alexander, what a surprise.” She held out her hand. “I’m Chloe. We met last month.”

Alexander walked right past her. Chloe’s outstretched hand hung in mid - air, then curled into a fist.

He stopped in front of Vivienne. Glanced at her wind - reddened ankles, then turned to the store manager. “Why didn’t you use the card?” He adjusted his cufflinks.

Vivienne started to speak, “I - ” Alexander cut her off with a flick of his finger.

The assistant stepped up. Pulled out a black Centurion card from his briefcase and slapped it on the glass countertop. “Wrap up everything in the store, warehouse too.” He flipped open a document to the signature page.

The store manager stumbled, grabbing the display case. “Everything? That’s at least twenty million bucks.”

Alexander took out a pen. “How much for the store?”

The store manager’s fingers dug into the display case.

The assistant made a call. After a couple of minutes, he swiped through his tablet and showed it to Alexander. “Sir, we bought the building at a 30% premium. Papers’ll be done in two hours.” He hit the enter key. “This store’s Mrs. Pierce’s now.”

“Her? Your wife? You married a bankrupt nobody?” Chloe stepped forward, pointing at Vivienne.

Alexander twirled his pen. He glanced at the bodyguard.

Slap! Chloe’s head whipped to the side. She hit the floor, blood on her lip.

“Throw her out of Fifth Avenue,” Alexander said, pocketing his pen. “Tell every brand selling to her means war with the Pierce family.”

Two guards hauled Chloe out, her feet dragging across the marble floor.

The store manager let go of the display case and sank to her knees.

“You’re fired. Take your snobbery and get lost.” Alexander loosened his tie.

The store manager scrambled up and ran out.

The boutique went dead silent.

Alexander turned to Vivienne. He touched the corner of her eye, then ruffled her hair. “Remember, Mrs. Pierce. Anybody gives you trouble, outspend them. Can’t? There’ll be consequences at home.”

Vivienne stared at his lapel, clutching her windbreaker.

The assistant approached with a black, top - secret folder. “Sir, we found out. Vivienne’s dad’s bankruptcy was a setup pulled off by the old Wall Street sharks. And they’re after you next.” He showed Alexander the photos in the folder.

Alexander skimmed the file. He put his arm around Vivienne. “The game’s just starting.”

Vivienne looked past his arm at the emblem on the document. Her nails dug into her palm. What kind of scheme was hidden behind this sudden marriage?

She gripped the black card in her pocket tight