Chapter 32

Stephanie lounged in a high-end jewelry store, casually flipping through displays as if time held no meaning. The saleswoman’s eyes darted to the designer bags scattered around her—each from the most exclusive brands in the mall. It didn't take long for the woman to realize Stephanie was no ordinary shopper. Her attitude shifted instantly from polite to overly sweet.

Clearing her throat, she approached Stephanie. "Miss Giovanni, this piece just arrived. It's one-of-a-kind in Long Harbor. Would you like to try it on?"

Stephanie waved her hand dismissively. "Just pack it up."

The saleswoman practically beamed. "Of course. And what about this one?"

Stephanie barely glanced up before lazily pointing. "Alright, that one, this one, and that one. Pack them all up too." Each piece she indicated was among the store's most expensive items. The saleswoman's jaw nearly dropped, but she maintained her smile. "Certainly, Miss Giovanni. Anything else? I'll wrap it all up for you." It was clear Stephanie was about to deplete the store's entire inventory.

Two hours later, her total reached a jaw-dropping five million—mostly jewelry and skincare products. Immediately after the transaction, her credit card was frozen. Chris called, using someone else's phone. When Stephanie answered, his voice was clear and sharp. "Are you shopping?"

"Yes. Did you freeze my card?" Stephanie replied coolly, as if unconcerned.

Chris froze, his expression hardening. He ground his teeth, struggling to remain calm. He knew if he hadn't frozen her card, she wouldn't have stopped. "Do you have any idea how much you've spent?" His voice was tight, barely steady.

Stephanie shrugged, her tone light. "I haven't really bought that much. How much did I spend?" Technically, she wasn't lying; she honestly hadn't considered the total. But hearing her say it pushed Chris to the brink. Hadn't bought much? She'd spent over five million!

Chris let out a bitter laugh, his voice sharp with rage. "So, if you didn't buy much, how much would you spend? A billion?"

Stephanie's response was shockingly nonchalant. "Do you think I'm spending too much? You said this was compensation for me. Now it seems you're not being very sincere."

"Compensation?" Chris froze, taken aback.

Stephanie kept her voice sweet and innocent. "Isn't it? We had a big fight, and I thought you felt guilty. I thought this card was your way of making it up to me."

Chris's head spun, his temper flaring. A big fight? In his mind, she was the one who'd started all the drama. He snapped back, his voice low but seething. "Are you serious? Compensation? I gave you that card so you'd consider the wedding."

Stephanie didn't hesitate. "Wedding? Not a chance!"

Chris's eyes widened in disbelief. "Then why are you spending my money?"

Stephanie pouted, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "I've been your fiancée for two years, and today's the first time I've spent your money. Now I regret not spending more."