Chapter 36

Shelly looked a little diffident. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

How did Eva know about that?

Mia didn't expect to hear about something like that. She pulled out her phone to show Shelly her invitation. "Take a good look at this—I'm attending the awards ceremony because my capabilities got me to where I am.

"I'm not like some people who only know how to pull strings and buy their way in because they don't have any skills to back themselves up."

Shelly's blood boiled. She hadn't expected Mia to make it to the finals. She looked at the evening gowns the salesperson held. "Hey, you. Wrap all three of those dresses up for me."

The salesperson looked conflicted. Shelly's expression darkened. "Did you not hear me? Wrap those dresses up for me. Don't you know who I am?"

"Yes, Ms. Barrett."

"Hold it!" Eva stopped the salesperson. "We came first."

Shelly laughed derisively. "So what? It's not like you can afford them. Why are you trying to make yourself seem better than you are?"

"W