05

"Excellent. I assumed that you would decline the invitation. Teddy will probably be pleased to see you at the celebration.” Celia said and faked a smile.

“I don't give a damn about what he might think. The primary reason is because I want to observe the lifestyles of the wealthy." Fay could see right through Celia’s mind. She was eager to flaunt herself. She gave a knowing smile. Then she noticed Celia’s  high-heeled heels and tight skirt.

"Aren't you pregnant, Miss Thame?" Fay quietly reminded her. “Your clothing and shoes, in my opinion, are not suitable for your unborn child. You should use caution. Don't harm the infant.”

Celia was taken aback. But she responded quickly. With a soft face, she extended her hand and gave her belly a light rub. "I have to get dressed for work. But I appreciate you reminding me. When I get back, I'll talk to Teddy about it and arrange the work."

"Well, the baby comes first after all. You should exercise caution," Fay replied coolly, seemingly unconcerned.

In reality, though, you are devastated. Do you believe that people are unable to see you through? Fay’s sadness pleased Jill. She anticipated a dejected look from Fay. However, she was upset with the outcome.

Fay laughed instead of displaying any sadness. "Think whatever comes to mind. I won't stop you.”

Jill felt resentful since she didn't receive the response she was hoping for. "You..."

Fay hurried right by her and into the store before she could say anything more. Celia was swiftly dragged along by Jill. "Cel, when did you get pregnant?" she said in a voice that only the two of them could hear as they strolled. “Why was I unaware?”

Celia and Teddy didn't even share a bed. How did she get pregnant?  However, in the public's view now, Celia and Teddy were a charming pair. It was inevitable to have a close relationship and become pregnant.

Jill didn't need to hear it all from Celia. "It makes sense. You didn't even inform me that you were pregnant, so I assumed that. As your best buddy, I shall be inept.”

Fay had already selected a tie when Celia and Jill entered the store arm in arm. It was a deep green color. Francis, who was composed and dependable, was a perfect fit for the understated yet exquisite style.

Fay was about to remove the tie from the box to feel its texture when she heard Jill’s derisive remark. "Have you checked the cost of this tie, Fay? Are you still willing to touch it? Can you afford to pay for it if it stains?”

Fay took a look at the cost. "It's only $20,000. Do you believe I'm not able to afford it?”

Jill gave a mocking laugh. "Open your eyes.It is $20,000. Not eighty or eight hundred bucks. How can you afford to buy it as a shattered lady who appeared out of nowhere?"

“Well, you have no control over my financial circumstances. What connection do you have with me? Are you that familiar with me?” Fay returned the sneer.

Celia’s soft, kind voice came at this moment. "If my memory serves me well, Miss Roy, you were not given any property upon your divorce from Teddy. Making a life on your own is difficult for you. Why don't you cut back on your wastefulness? Saving money has no negative effects. Teddy looks great in this tie, in my opinion. Would you mind giving me this tie?”

“That's right," Jill added. “Be shrewd and give Cel the tie. In any case, you cannot afford it.”

"I picked it up first," Fay replied politely. “There is no justification for giving it to you. Numerous other ties exist. I own this one.”

"I'm simply doing this for your benefit, Miss Roy. You don't have much money right now, and $20,000 is not a tiny sum. Purchasing such a costly tie to flaunt is unnecessary. You might need your money in an emergency if you save it." Celia spoke softly, as though with great consideration. But what she said didn't matter to Fay.

"I like this tie, so don't worry about my life. I'll purchase it.”

Celia’s face shifted a little. Pressing her lips together, she remained silent. Jill believed that Fay had wronged her best friend. She called the salesman over right away after giving Fay a fierce look. "Hello, this tie is what we desire. Hurry and pack it up for us.”

“Yes. I'll get it packed for you now.” The salesperson had just been assisting other clients. Unconsciously, he picked up the tie and intended to box it up for Jill, but he didn't hear what they were saying.

He was halted by Fay, who scowled. "The tie caught my eye first. Give it to me after packing it up.”

The salesperson was perplexed. He turned to face Jill again."Young lady, I..."

"Don't you see she is in poverty?" Jill angrily exclaimed, pointing at Fay. “Her clothing is poor, and the bag she is carrying is fake. Does she appear to be wealthy? Could you open your eyes and look more closely?”

Fay’s gown was not the popular brand like everyone knew. It was an unpopular brand but more expensive than the normal popular brand.

Jill lacked depth. She was accustomed to judging people by their appearance. Fay had no desire to brag.

"My wallet is not a concern for you. I can purchase it because I like it. It's not your concern." Fay said.

"We have clear rules in our store," the salesman added hesitantly after seeing anything was amiss. “It's first come, first served. Only after the first buyer refuses to accept the products can the other customers get them.”

Jill became enraged and gave a harsh reprimand, saying, "What a foolish regulation! Can't you see that she's broken?”

"I'm so sorry," the salesman said with a smile. “This is the policy of our store.”

Jill gave a chilly snort. "Cel, what should we do now?" she said humbly as she approached Celia. “Despite the high cost of this tie, what if Fay maintains appearances and purchases it? You will be humiliated by it.”

Celia’s  eyes flickered with a trace of melancholy. She then appeared to have an idea and grinned a little. "Don't worry. I have a VIP card.”

Jill’s gaze brightened. "VIP clients are entitled to make purchases first. So, Fay is unable to purchase this tie.”

Celia’s smile widened. She pulled the VIP card out of her bag and gave it to the salesperson. "I am one of your brand's VIP customers. Would you please sell me this tie?”

"Miss, VIP customers in our store have priority to purchase," the salesperson said, showing Fay the VIP card.

“We can only now.” Jill pouted and smiled.

Fay cut him off the salesperson could finish, saying, "Wait. Don’t hurry. Let me make a call."