Chapter 18

"Wow!" Celia's eyes sparkled, and she nodded enthusiastically. She was curious—incredibly curious! She was brimming with excitement. After all, it wasn't her money. Iris, on the other hand, barely even acknowledged Kylie. She was practically hoping she'd make a fool of herself in public. Celia suggested, "Well then, clothes are so boring. Why not just go for jewelry? It's faster." Iris smiled, clearly enjoying the idea. "Sure, let's go." The three of them headed to the jewelry store. It was Kylie's first time in a place like this. She gazed at the dazzling jewelry in the display cases, and her eyes widened with wonder. Seeing her reaction, Iris couldn't help but sneer. "Well, as expected from a country bumpkin. You've probably never seen anything like this before." The store had just launched a new collection, and Kylie, undeterred by Iris' remark, pointed to a diamond necklace. She was mesmerized. "This necklace is gorgeous. I wonder how much it costs?" Iris scoffed. "If you can't afford it, don't even bother asking. You'll probably faint when you hear the price. That necklace is way out of your league. "Don't waste your time here—try over there, and pick out something more your speed." She waved dismissively at a display of smaller diamond pieces. Kylie didn't take offense. With a smile, she turned to Iris. "I can't afford it, but I'm sure you can. Right?" "Of course, I can!" Iris said confidently. Kylie remained unfazed. "Well, let me ask for you, just in case it's something you can't afford." Although they hadn't known each other long, Kylie could already read Iris' personality. As expected, Iris snapped, "I don't need you to do that. Not everyone is like you—pretending to be rich when they're broke. There's nothing in this store I can't afford." "Do you always buy things without asking the price?" "Of course!" Iris waved her black-platinum card and said to the sales associate. "Wrap this necklace up for me." "Right away, Ms. Dale," the sales associate said, beaming as she took Iris' card. As the sales associate headed to the register, her eyes flicked briefly over to Kylie to size her up. With a look of thinly veiled disdain, she said, "Miss, the jewelry in this case is priced between three thousand and ten thousand dollars. "We don't carry anything cheaper. You're welcome to browse, though, if something fits your budget." The implication was clear—if she couldn't afford it, she should get lost. The sales associate's voice was loud enough for everyone in the store to hear. All eyes turned toward Kylie, and their gazes were a mixture of curiosity and judgment. Iris couldn't resist a mocking laugh. "How embarrassing. Aren't you leaving yet? You must have thick skin. "Being poor is one thing, but wearing designer clothes doesn't cover up your true bumpkin nature." Celia stood off to the side and couldn't help but grind her teeth in anger. These sales associates acted so condescendingly. They elevated some while putting others down. Celia knew this was the way the world worked, but it didn't make her any less furious. Kylie, however, was calm as ever. "Kyls, aren't you angry?" "Getting angry would mean punishing myself for someone else's mistake. It's not worth it." "You really know how to keep your cool," Celia said, genuinely impressed. Maybe it was because she had grown up in a sanctuary, raised by Allan, but Kylie had a composure and strength that most people her age didn't have. The sales associate quickly packaged the necklace and handed the card and receipt to Iris. Iris glanced at the total and froze. Her eyes widened in shock. "600 thousand dollars?" she blurted out, stunned. She had expected it to cost 100 thousand dollars at most, but it was almost six times that amount. If she'd known the necklace was so expensive, she would've chosen something else. After all, 600 thousand dollars wasn't pocket change. If Samuel thought she was materialistic, it wouldn't be worth it. Kylie, given her circumstances, probably couldn't even afford to spend ten thousand dollars. The more Iris dwelled on it, the more regretful she felt. The sales associate smiled at Iris. "Ms. Dale, you have great taste. This is a new arrival, a limited edition piece throughout the whole world." Iris forced a smile in response. Just then, Kylie turned to the sales associate and asked, "Do you have any pieces more expensive than this necklace?" The sales associate blinked. Her expression shifted to one of disdain as her tone turned dismissive. "You're at the largest jewelry store in Seaville, of course, we have more expensive pieces. "We have several worth over a million dollars. But I'm sure you couldn't afford any of those." Kylie's expression hardened, and she narrowed her eyes. She lifted her eyebrow slightly, exuding a calm, commanding presence. "Whether I can afford it or not isn't for you to decide. It's for her to decide." With that, she pulled a black-platinum card from her pocket and handed it to the sales associate. Iris let out a derisive laugh. "You're really good at pretending, huh? I bet that's just a regular bank card. Maybe even an overdrawn credit card." The sales associate, equally unconvinced, didn't believe Kylie had the means to buy anything, let alone a 600-thousand-dollar necklace. Kylie fixed her gaze on the sales associate and said firmly, "If you're unsure of your job, get your manager." Reluctantly, the sales associate glanced at Iris. They exchanged a look, and Iris nodded. If Kylie wanted to embarrass herself even more, Iris would gladly oblige. The sales associate gestured for Kylie to follow. "Ms. Clark, this way, please. We have several pieces worth over a million dollars." "I'll take this one," Kylie said, casually pointing to a piece and handing over the black-platinum card. "Charge it to the card. Don't wrap it yet—after Ms. Dale finishes, I'll be buying another one. Let's wrap everything up at the end." Iris stared at the black-platinum card and seethed. Could it be… Had Samuel given Kylie a black-platinum card too? Kylie was the type to use any trick to get what she wanted. If she could get Samuel to marry her, getting a black-platinum card wouldn't be hard. But then again, it could all be an act. Maybe it was just a regular card, and she was pretending. After reassuring herself, Iris sneered, "Don't end up getting rejected when you try to pay. That would be really embarrassing." "Not being able to pay would be my shame. But if I can pay, what does that make you?" Kylie retorted. Celia added from the side, "That just makes her a snob." Iris was at a loss for words. Meanwhile, the sales associate took the card and went to the register. Iris tightened her grip on her shopping bag and quickly followed. "Kyls, come on, we can't miss the grand finale. I need to record this!" Celia pulled out her phone, eager to capture the moment. The sales associate entered the amount and swiped Kylie's card on the credit card machine. Iris' heart nearly stopped as she anxiously asked, "Well? Did it go through?" The sales associate's face went pale, and she stammered in disbelief. "It went through." Before the words were even out, the credit card machine slowly printed the receipt. The sales associate grabbed it and handed it to Kylie with a pen. Her demeanor completely shifted. She now smiled politely, practically fawning over her. "Ms. Clark, please sign here." Kylie took the pen and signed Samuel's name. Iris' face turned a sickly shade as she stared at the signature, unable to believe her eyes. The elegant signature felt like a dagger to her heart.