Chapter 8

Steven didn't want to disclose too much of his personal matters in front of Rose. However, she continued sincerely, "It'll be a piece of cake for you to deal with Marrie now. I'm more than willing to offer a helping hand too." "There's no rush. Anticipation is what makes it fun, isn't it?" A smirk danced on Steven's lips. Rose sighed and thought to herself, "Marrie, I might be as famous as you, yet I can't even surpass you in terms of capability and appearance." Nonetheless, Rose thought that Marrie still lost to her since she missed out on Steven. To Rose, Steven was like a chest of rare gems, and she felt fortunate to be able to be acquainted with him. However, Rose was also aware that Marrie would put the Millers to shame with her status as someone entrusted by Steven's parents. Marrie's influence had been growing steadily over the years. She was very close to overshadowing Rose. Word even began to spread around, with people saying that Rose was more inferior to Marrie in terms of looks. While they appreciated Rose's beauty, most of them preferred the mature charm Marrie exuded. Rose was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but Marrie toiled her way up the ranks after Frank and Ophelia's death. She managed to expand the company, making her seem more capable compared to Rose. As one of the most renowned beauties in Levix City, Rose didn't sit well with these pieces of information. She competed with Marrie in secret. However, she was elated now. Her acquaintance with Steven was surely going to turn the situation in her favor. "Mr. Lewis, what else do you need at home? Give me a list, and I'll have them delivered to you afterward. Do you need a maid? I can arrange one for you. You'll be satisfied with her." Rose was determined to be on friendly terms with him. "I'm used to being alone. I'll handle the shopping myself instead. There's no need to trouble you." Having experienced a harsh betrayal from Marrie and Yanny, he was cautious with his personal relationships. He didn't find it easy to trust others. Rose, being as perceptive as she was, didn't push too hard on him. "Alright. Don't hesitate to ask me if you need anything." Steven strolled around the villa, and it struck him that everything had been renovated. The garden was the only place that remained unchanged. "Mr. Lewis, it's getting late. Do I have the honor to ask you out for dinner?" "No one has the heart to decline your offer, Ms. Miller. I'll be glad to join you for dinner." Steven might be wary of Rose, but she left a good impression on him. Moreover, he couldn't resist her charm. A normal man like him simply wouldn't turn down a beautiful woman's offer. Rose drove him to the largest mall in the city center. "Aren't we supposed to go for dinner?" Steven asked. "Yes, the restaurant's on the top floor. I've booked us a table. Since it's still early, why don't we walk around first? I can buy you some clothes," Rose said kindly. "Sure. You'll have to pick my clothes out for me though." Steven was dressed in clothes that were bought from the flea market. The color had long worn off due to constant washing. He really needed some new clothes. "Rest assured. I won't let you down." Rose winked at him, a hint of mischief flickering in her eyes. She brought him to the Gucci official store. Her phone rang just as she was about to enter the store. "Sorry, I have to answer a call. You can go in first. I'll join you in a bit," Rose said. Steven nodded. A shop assistant approached him as soon as he walked into the store. "Hello, Sir. Welcome to Gucci," she greeted him warmly. "What are you looking for? I can recommend a few pieces which will fit you perfectly," she continued passionately. She didn't look down on him despite his cheap outfit. "I'll look around first," Steven replied. "Steven?" Just then, another staff member recognized him. She looked surprised. "Haley?" Steven recognized her instantly. Haley sat next to him in high school, and she used to pursue him. She was actually quite pretty. "I heard you're arrested for drug abuse. When did you get out?" Haley asked disdainfully. Sensing the blatant scorn in her tone, Steven didn't bother to explain. "It's none of your business." "Why are you putting on airs? You're nothing but a drug and gambling addict. Did it occur to you that you're no longer the scion of the Lewis family?" Haley mocked. Other unoccupied shop assistants drew nearer to them and inquired Haley about what happened. She immediately began boisterously, "This is my classmate from high school. He was born into a wealthy family. Can you imagine how arrogant he was back then? "His parents died two years ago, and he became a literal nobody without his parents. He was involved in drugs and gambling, washing away his family fortune down the drain." The other shop assistants were appalled. "What are you doing at our store? Can you even afford Gucci? Or are you trying to steal something, you fucking gambler?" Haley hissed. Steven smirked. "Are you still bitter about my rejection? All I did was turn down your confession." "I was a fool then. How dare you enter our store when you're dressed so poorly? How shameless of you! Get out of my sight now!" Haley snarled. "Haley, he's our customer after all. I don't think it's right to kick a customer out. Be careful, he might file a complaint against you," Sophia whispered. She was the one who greeted Steven earlier. "Shut up! Do you think I'd be afraid of him?" Haley gloated. "Exactly. There's no way a loser like him can afford Gucci. Haley's the supervisor, and her boyfriend is the manager. His complaints will be utterly useless," the other shop assistants chimed in. "Did you hear that? I'm the supervisor now, and my boyfriend's the manager. Look at you! You're still a damned gambling addict, looking as loathsome as a sewer rat! "Get the fuck out now so you don't taint our floors. Otherwise, I'm calling the guards." Haley was thrilled. She finally had the chance to assert herself in front of Steven, getting her revenge on him for the humiliation she felt when he rejected her. Rose had been on her phone, yet she noticed the commotion in the store. She clearly heard what Haley said. Fury flashed in her eyes. She quickly wrapped things up on the phone and strode into the store. "How dare you insult and kick the customer out when you're just a supervisor? Who told you to do that?" Rose exuded a domineering presence the moment she stepped in. Everyone was momentarily stunned. "Miss, please don't misunderstand. We're only targeting this person. He's not a customer. He's a thief trying to steal our clothes." As the supervisor, Haley was perceptive enough to sense that Rose was someone important based on her appearance and presence. She didn't dare to offend her. "You're accusing my boyfriend of being a thief. Yet, you're asking me not to misunderstand!" Rose retorted recklessly, linking her arm with Steven's as she spoke. He was caught off guard.