Bonnie knew Winona's style all too well and wanted to avoid any confrontation. Turning, she planned to change back into her clothes and leave quietly.

But Winona, as if reading Bonnie's mind, smirked. Her belly wasn't yet prominent, but she stood proudly, hand on her waist. Just as Bonnie was about to leave, Winona called out in a haughty voice, "Well, well, if it isn't Bonnie! What a coincidence. I didn't expect to see you here. That dress looks great on you, but honestly, this store's prices are a bit out of reach for poor students like you, don't you think? Did you even ask about the price before trying it on?"

Winona let out a fake laugh, covering her mouth. "Or are you one of those people who just try things on without any intention of buying?" Her eyes gleamed with mockery. In her mind, Bonnie and Yvette were kindred spirits, and this seemed the perfect opportunity to humiliate Bonnie and settle old scores. The library incident, where Bonnie had witnessed Winona's embarrassment, had made Bonnie a thorn in her side ever since.

Bonnie's hands trembled, her chest heaving. She hadn't expected such harshness. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and said firmly, "Winona, whether I try on clothes or buy them is my business. What does that have to do with you?"

Winona remained unfazed. She deliberately stroked her slight baby bump and offered a condescending smile. "Oh, Bonnie, I didn't mean anything by it. Look how upset you're getting! I just wasn't clear enough. If you can't afford it, I can buy it for you. It's really no trouble – just a small gesture. You don't need to struggle over it. I'm being kind, but you've misunderstood me."

By now, the store's patrons had noticed the situation. Some recognized Yulia and Winona and whispered among themselves. Yulia stood, taking Winona's hand to prevent escalation. Maintaining appearances in public was crucial. Yulia understood Winona's motivation—petty jealousy. "Winona, that's enough. It's just trying on clothes; it's not a big deal. Let it go." Turning to Bonnie, she added gently, "Miss, how about this: I'll buy the dress for you as a gift."

Winona sneered. Was Yulia trying to appear virtuous? How different were they, really? Both used money to belittle others, especially Bonnie. Joining Yulia, Winona smirked, rubbing her belly, "That's right, Bonnie. Yulia's right. We'll buy this dress for you. Consider it a gift from the Carter family."

Bonnie instantly recognized Yulia's nature. Humiliating people with money was clearly a family trait. Clenching her fists, Bonnie stood tall, her voice steady. "No, thank you. I can buy what I like on my own. Just because I can't afford it right now doesn't mean I won't be able to in the future. You can keep your condescending pity."

Winona's smile widened, enjoying Bonnie's frustration. She turned to a salesgirl, her voice dripping with superiority. "Did you hear that? This girl can't afford the dress. Hurry up and make her take it off before she dirties it. How will other customers wear it after that? What kind of riff-raff do you let into your store? Next time, be more careful. Some girls have no money. Letting people like that in will ruin your store's reputation. If I see this again, I won't be coming back."

A salesgirl with a pointed face immediately responded, eager to please. "Yes, ma'am, we'll tighten up our management. We won't let people like that in again. Rest assured, Mrs. Carter."

Winona nodded, pleased by the flattery. The salesgirl's eagerness only amplified her sense of power. "I'll take everything I've picked out," Winona said condescendingly, "and you can add it to your performance for today."

The salesgirl, never expecting such a large commission, redoubled her efforts, showering compliments on Winona. She glared at Bonnie.

Winona, seeing Bonnie's anger, felt even more smug. Yulia remained silent, having offered Bonnie an escape she'd refused. To Yulia, Winona was right—people like them were born privileged.

Fuming, Bonnie ignored Winona's remarks and the salesgirls' glares. She returned to the fitting room, removed the dress, and hung it up, politely thanking a more respectful salesgirl.

Bonnie walked out, head held high, determined not to show weakness. Passing Winona, she stopped, speaking loudly enough for all to hear. "I rely on myself. What I can or can't buy is my own business. Don't be so shameless and act like you have the right to judge me. You're just using the Carter family's name to throw your weight around. Without them, you'd be nothing but a sad little nobody."

Winona, momentarily stunned, registered anger. She'd always considered Bonnie a pushover. Seething, she yanked Bonnie's arm and slapped her hard across the face.

Bonnie didn't react immediately, never imagining such a public assault. Her cheek burned, but she didn't retaliate; Winona was pregnant.

Even Yulia was taken aback, stepping between them to shield Winona's belly. But Winona, emboldened by Yulia's concern, glared at Bonnie, shaking her hand. "Wow, your skin is really thick. My hand hurts from slapping you." Yulia hissed, "Winona, shut up!" But Winona, feeling less beholden to Yulia, clutched her belly and feigned pain. "Mom... Mom, my stomach hurts," she groaned.

Yulia's face paled. "What's happening? Did you overdo it? Hurry, let's get you to the hospital! If anything happens to my precious grandson, I won't let you off!" Winona shot a triumphant look at Bonnie.

The onlookers exchanged pitying glances. The strong preyed on the weak, and Bonnie, lacking money or power, could only endure.