Chapter 5: The Cold Staff

[Arianna's POV]

We stepped into the feminine clothing store. Rose gestured to the female sales representative, who strode over to meet us.

Several young women browsed inside. It was Friday, so the store buzzed with shoppers selecting dresses, handbags, and underwear.

"Welcome, ma'am. What would you like to shop for?" the saleswoman asked kindly. She was tall and fair-skinned, dressed in a yellow top, black straight skirt, and low-heeled black shoes.

Rose gestured to me. "This is my girl. Get her something sexy and hot. I want a short red dress and black lingerie. Make it fast."

"Alright, miss. Come with me." The saleswoman led me to the changing area. Sweat covered my body. I had been anxious all day since the transfer of my mother to Milos Hospital and the doctor's demand for an eight-million deposit before he could find a matching donor.

I followed the saleswoman. She picked out a short, sexy red dress and checked the size. I was slender, so she nodded.

"This will suit you. Why haven't you had a bath? We do not allow testing to avoid ruining the dress with body odor," she said as the sun set.

Rose stepped into view. "Let her try it on. I will pay extra. But make sure it fits."

"Alright." The saleswoman handed me the dress without argument.

I entered the fitting room and stepped out wearing the short red dress. It hugged my chest and lifted my breasts.

"Perfect. This is the best. How much is it?" Rose asked sweetly.

"One hundred thousand," the saleswoman replied. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"What? One hundred thousand for a dress?" I gasped. Rose kept a straight face, unfazed by the price. "How about the lingerie I asked for?"

"Here it is. It's a sexy Victoria's piece. We sell it for fifty thousand per set," the saleswoman replied. She handed the lacy underwear and bra to Rose.

My head pounded. I could not believe the dress and underwear together cost one hundred and fifty thousand.

"Wow, so there's no discount?" Rose pressed. She took out her phone to make the payment.

"No, ma'am," the smiling saleswoman replied.

"Alright. Wrap it up." Rose cut her off and completed the transfer.

Once she paid, the saleswoman packaged the items and handed them to me. We stepped out of the store together.

"Ma, where am I going to change and bathe?" I asked Rose. She led me back to the black Jeep. Once we were inside, she replied, "At the hotel. You will bathe and change there."

"Alright." I stayed silent and watched the road as Rose drove toward the magnificent Milos five-star hotel. My heart pounded harder as the vehicle arrived after a few more minutes.

Night had fallen. It was 7 p.m. Anxiety filled me when the security men at the luxury hotel gate inspected Rose's vehicle before they allowed her to drive in.

Once Rose parked, she reminded me, "Arianna, do not reveal to Don Milos that you are my stepdaughter. It is for the best. And do not piss him off unless you want to get killed."

Her voice was laced with ice and sent chills down my spine. "Got it, Ma," I replied, trembling.

"Good girl." Rose giggled. "Get out now."

I climbed down from the Jeep. My legs quivered as I glanced at the towering seven-story building ahead. It was the Milos Five-Star Hotel. The Milos family owned many private businesses and properties besides their darker enterprises.

I gulped and followed Rose as she led me to the hotel entrance.

Men in black suits stood guard. Their sharp gazes scanned everyone, ready for any trouble.

Rose grinned and hummed as we approached. The men in black greeted her as if they knew her, even while they stopped other guests.

I lowered my head, afraid someone might recognize me. I still wore my white nurse uniform, and I felt some guests' eyes on me. But no one said a word. They minded their own business, unwilling to offend the Milos family.

Rose led me into the grand hotel lobby. Golden chandeliers decorated the space. She checked in with the hotel staff on duty.

"Don Milos sent me to bring her here," Rose informed the female staff member, who glanced at me coldly.

"Are you sure? Don Milos is not at the hotel yet," the staff replied in a low, cold voice. She narrowed her eyes at me.

I lowered my head and clutched the white shopping bag that held the red dress and black lingerie.

"Do you think I am lying? Call Don Milos to confirm. He sent me here. He asked me to bring her," Rose retorted coldly. The female staff trembled.

"You call Don Milos yourself. I cannot allow you to take her there," the staff declared. "The last time a lady was sent, the previous hotelier sustained a broken nose and broken left leg for bringing a woman who was not a virgin. Call him first."

Rose gritted her teeth. "You will lose your job for wasting my time. Fine. I will call him." She pulled out her phone and dialed. It rang once, twice, then a third time, but Don Milos did not answer.

Grumbling, Rose dialed again. This time he answered.

"Hello, Rose. What is it? Did you change your mind? Did you find out the girl is not a virgin?" Don Milos asked, his tone icy.

Rose giggled. "No, Don. It is one of your hotel staff members who does not want me to send my girl to your suite."

"What's the girl's name?" Don Milos asked, his voice chilling. The hotel staff's eyes widened as she realized it really was Don Milos.

"I am sorry, ma. Please. I am only following hotel protocol," the female staff begged. She fell to her knees, but Rose showed no pity.

"What's your name, bìtch?" Rose demanded, yelling at the girl. The staff refused to answer. She trembled and begged on her knees.

"I am sorry, ma. Forgive me for my incompetence. I will take you to Don's suite now," she pleaded.

Rose rolled her eyes in disgust, then returned to the call. "Don, the crazy staff refused to say her name. She has already apologized. Do not let her ruin your night. I will escort my girl to your suite now and get her ready. I am sure you will like her when you arrive," Rose said gently.

Don exhaled over the line. "That sounds better. Lecture her well. You know my preferences. I will be there by 8 p.m. I have some business deals to secure, and that is what is delaying me. I will join her soon."

"Alright, Don," Rose replied before the call ended. She turned to the trembling staff. "Where is Don's suite? Take us there now."

The staff rose to her feet amid the watching guests and led Rose and me to the elevator. We rode to the seventh floor. When the elevator stopped, she guided us to the presidential suite door and halted.

"This is Don's suite," she said, pointing. The bodyguard on standby glanced at us as if he already knew of our arrival. He asked no questions. He unlocked the door while Rose led me inside the furnished suite to prepare me.