Chapter 25

The two women had chosen the most expensive items, regardless of whether they suited them. "You bitch!" Hearing Emma's sarcasm, one woman saw the horizontal stripes making her resemble a traffic sign. Enraged, she lunged forward to scratch Emma's face.

Emma swiftly raised a silk shirt as a shield, partly for self-defense, partly to teach them a lesson. The woman's nails tore a gaping hole in the high-end garment. The women screamed; the shirt cost tens of thousands of dollars—half a year's salary for them. The woman again charged at Emma, but Emma held up another garment, threatening, "Still want to try? Check your wallet. How many times can you afford this?"

The woman recoiled, staring furiously. Emma coldly snorted and left the fitting room. She saw Liam, who'd heard the commotion but couldn't make out what happened. "What was that?" he asked.

"Nothing. I just schooled some gossips," Emma replied.

The store manager approached. "Miss Wilson, are you satisfied with the gowns?"

Emma glanced toward the fitting room. "Your brand is commendable, but you need to address customers who try on clothes without purchasing, dressing carelessly, distorting the cut and smearing makeup on collars. You should check these things."

Taken aback, the manager checked the clothes, discovering the damaged silk shirt. He questioned the women. "Did you try on these clothes?"

Nervous, they retorted, "Yes! Aren't they there for trying on?"

The manager's face darkened. "Our policy states that damage incurred during try-ons must be compensated at the original price. Please come with me for payment."

"No way! We didn't buy anything!" one woman shouted.

"Forced consumption is illegal!" the other added. "We can sue!"

They caused a scene, but the staff, accustomed to such behavior, called the police. The police arrived quickly, reviewed the fitting room footage, and confirmed the women's culpability. They paid the $11,200 and were taken away for causing a disturbance.

Emma felt relieved. Her thoughts turned to the gowns Liam had bought. She felt both helpless and grateful. "Now I understand why you said you have so much money and need a woman to help you spend it. Mr. Hall, you really do spend lavishly!"

Liam had bought every dress she'd tried on. "Do you like them?" he chuckled.

"Hard to say I don't," Emma pecked his cheek. "Love you, muah."

Even with her past wealth, this was the first time a man had spent money on her. It felt different—self-reliance versus being spoiled. And she was being spoiled rotten.

Liam, though unaware of the women's taunts, knew Emma might be subjected to gossip given his wheelchair. He didn't want her to lose face, so his lavish spending was about ensuring no one dared look down on her.

Passing a dessert shop, Emma asked, "Mr. Hall, dessert?"

He frowned. "I don't like sweet things."

"Wait. I'll buy us ice cream." The weather was hot, and Emma felt thirsty. Seeing the long queue, she was eager to try.

She returned with two ice creams, handing the dark chocolate one to Liam. "It's not very sweet. Try it?"

He couldn't recall his last ice cream, but he accepted it. "If you like it, I'll have them stocked in the fridge."

Emma licked hers. "I don't love it, but it's our first date. We should have something sweet."

Liam took a bite. The cool, refreshing taste, slightly bitter then sweet, was unique, like their love. Setbacks aside, she was his.

The gowns arrived at Icovine Estate the day before the welcome party. Emma chose a deep purple mermaid dress, paired with semi-transparent, fully-studded heels. A hair accessory styled her black hair in a graceful arc. Even the headband was diamond-encrusted. Her makeup was flawless, like a purple rose on midnight thorns.

Spinning before the mirror, she noticed Liam. "When did you come in?" she stammered.

"A while ago, but you were focused," he explained.

Smiling, she walked over. "Just be good and wait. I'll be back soon."

Liam was worried. She looked beautiful, and he feared others might have improper thoughts. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "You need to be good too. I don't want gossip about Mrs. Hall flirting."

"Don't worry. I'm a good girl. I promise to return right after the party!" Emma reassured him.

"Go ahead," Liam said.

Emma departed in his multi-million-dollar car.