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Chapter 22

Annie sped to the HZ store on the third floor of the mall. By then, the store was already buzzing with onlookers inside and out, cager for some drama.

“Excuse me, mind moving a bit?” Annie tried to weave her way through the crowd.

Suddenly, Yolanda’s arrogant voice rang out from inside. “Ms. Shaw, you’re telling me you can’t afford this? Annie’s got all that faine, but she hasn’t offered a helping hand to your family?”

“The damage was my fault, and I’ll take care of it. Leave Annie out of this.” Mira’s voice was soft but firm.

Selena sneered, “So you’ll pay up? Alright then. Manager, are you just gonna stand there?”

The manager approached politely. “Hi there, Miss. The total for this item is 22 thousand dollars. Will you pay by card or in cash?”

“I… Mirá bit her lip, feeling embarrassed. She had barely 3 thousand, and it was meant for her living expenses.

The onlookers started chatting among themselves.

“Unbelievable! Can’t lay down a few thousand bucks? Why even shop in a luxury boutique?”

“Look at her outfit, screams small–town vibes.”

“Ugh, I came here to check out HZ’s new release, but now I don’t even want to try on anything she’s touched.”

Just as Annie was shoving her way through, she overheard someone aside saying this. Without hesitation, she stamped her foot fiercely.

The well–dressed woman snapped back, her tone rising sharply, “Who are you? Lost it? You know how much these shoes cost? You got the cash to cover them?”

Annie glanced over and said, “Last year’s OBN Spring Edition, 60% new. Should I compensate you? In the secondhand market, you can get a pair that’s 80% new for 200 just bucks.”

The woman glared fiercely at Annie before storming off without a word.

The commotion drew everyone’s attention to Annie.

“Annie!” Mira spotted her and rushed over with joy but stopped short, feeling guilty as she lowered her head.

“It’s okay, I’ve got this. Annie smiled at her, ignored Yolanda and the rest, and headed straight to the Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

manager. “Could

you show me the damaged clothing?”

“Sure thing, just a sec.” The manager quickly retrieved the galaxy sand long skirt.

Aure: Wh

Annie Inspected it Mitt indeed found a big tear under the armpit. Such a subtle trick, she smirked Atently as she told the manager. No worries. If it’s our fault, we’ll make it right. But mind if I ask you a fire questions first?

The manager, pleased with Annie’s attitude, nodded, “Of course,”

Annie inquired. First, are you sure the skirt was in good condition when it was taken out?”

Yes this type of skit is managed by our dedicated staff. It was in perfect condition when taken

“Alright, second question, what do you think of the quality of 117’s clothing?”

“We are an international brand, believing in you get what you pay for. We never compromise on quality”

“OK, last question, what’s your take on my friend’s figure?”

“This young lady is slim.”

Glancing at the store’s surveillance cameras, Annie smirked, “Okay, call the police.”

Before the manager could respond, Yolanda couldn’t contain herself any longer. “Annie, what’s the deal with this?”

What’s the deal?” Annie chuckled, her gaze piercing. “Why did you bring Mira here?”

Yolanda crossed her arms coldly, “Well, I kindly went to pick her up, and seeing her dressed shabbily, I brought her to shop for some nice clothes. Did I do something wrong?”

Selena chimed in, “Right, Yolanda meant well, and you’re here questioning her. Annie, you’re Yolanda’s cousin. Why are you going against her?”

Annie didn’t bother with their banter and said directly. “Manager, call the police!”

Mira frowned, caught off guard by the escalating situation. She gently tugged on Annie’s hand.

“Annic…”

Annie reassuringly patted Mira’s hand. “Don’t worry, Mira. If the clothes were fine when they were taken out, and considering the quality issue and the fact that your figure couldn’t have torn the clothes, let alone intentionally damaged them, it’s clear–someone else must have deliberately

ruined them.”

“What?” Mira was shocked. She had assumed she was the one responsible for the damage.

Annie pressed on. “There are surveillance cameras here. The cops can check who touched that skirt before you. Things will become crystal clear.”

Yolanda and Selena exchanged a glance, a hint of regret flashing in their eyes.

Yolanda interjected awkwardly, “It’s just a few thousand dollars. Do we really need to raise a fuss

Congrer be

and get the cops involved 11 pay.

Rush to confess? Thinking this smooth everything over? No way! Annie scoffed, then abruptly. called out to Yolanda “Wait a sec

Annoyed, Yolanda snapped, Annie, what now?”

Are selected a few more skirts casually, a smile playing on her lips. “You wanted to splurge on Mira, right? Thanks for your treat.”

Yolanda’s expression soured as she eyed the price tags. “What nonsense is this?”

Anne remarked calmly, “Oh! Planning to get a court summons, Yolanda? While spreading rumors and framing aren’t major offenses, given the stakes, it could mean a few years in the slammer.

“Annic” Yolanda gritted her teeth, boiling with rage, yet reluctantly handed over her card. “I’ll take them all

Mira whispered, “Annie, is she really going to prison?”

Annie winked at Mira mischievously. “Just a little bluff. I’m no legal eagle. Who knows what’ll happen Yolanda was too preoccupied with fashion and rivalry to notice such details.

And that actually work! Mira was dumbfounded.

Upstairs, Donald was amazed by Annie’s boldness, exclaiming, “Wow, Annie isn’t one to mess with!” Yolanda stood no chance against her.

Jackson squinted, growing more suspicious of the rumors he had heard about Annie. “Which Annie is the real one? Or were her past actions just an act? And for what reason?

As Yolanda footed the bill, she pretended nonchalance, quipping, “Just a few outfits. We’ve got it covered. Annie, you’re not much of a shopper, huh? Now that you’re part of the Sanders family, don’t hold back like you did back in the sticks!” She made sure her voice carried, keen on revealing Annie’s rural roots to all.

Jackson suddenly chuckled softly. “Donald.”

“Yes? Donald responded.

“Help me with something Now that Jackson had come to join in on the fun, he didn’t plan to stay

out of it.

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