Chapter 61: Shameless and Infuriating
"I don't think you reserved this, Jessica. I bet you just happened to get to it first, and it may not even suit you. Besides, I've already decided to buy it," Isabella said composedly, a confident smile playing on her lips.
"I see. This wasn't a chance encounter. You came here to snatch this from me," Jessica scowled, clearly upset. "You're shameless."
Even through her sunglasses, Jennie's irritation was evident.
"I'm not snatching anything. Some things are simply meant for certain people. Even if you forcibly claim something, it won't truly be yours," Jennie said, her hand gently brushing the fishtail dress, her eyes filled with pity.
The object of their dispute—a dress—was clear to anyone present. The saleswoman, holding the dress, was drenched in sweat. Isabella thought, Ha! I bet the saleswoman is screaming inside for someone to save her. Her thoughts were transmitted to Alexander.
He observed Isabella, attempting to conceal her excitement by ducking behind a counter. He glanced at the nearby saleswoman, awkwardly smiling and preparing to approach them. Resignedly, Alexander waved her off, wanting Isabella to have her fill of the drama first.
Relieved, the saleswoman retreated, secretly observing the unfolding scene. A clash between a wife and a mistress was common in her line of work.
Lost in thought, she sensed movement behind her. Turning, she saw two women and a child hiding behind a faraway counter, watching intently. They waved, signaling her to move.
Knowing the VIP lounge held high-status clientele, the saleswoman obligingly stepped aside.
Alexander sensed something and turned to see Evian and Selena gesturing for silence. Only Callahan remained oblivious.
Originally, Selena and Evian had planned to observe Alexander and Isabella's interaction. Instead, they overheard the heated exchange. Evian knew one of the women involved, prompting them to stay.
The argument between Jessica and Jennie continued.
Isabella's thoughts spilled into the Quirk family's minds. I knew it. Jennie's online persona—beautiful, kind, intelligent, academically accomplished—is a fabrication. She even dares to provoke William's wife. It seems Jennie and William are having an affair. Now that I've encountered her, I'll investigate. The Quirk family listened intently. Ah, a cliché: the childhood friend versus the new love. This couple, married for three years, separated after a violent encounter. She divorced and returned, seeking a career restart with Mr. Sawyer. Jennie feels Jessica ruined her life. If she hadn't been so righteousisn't this all her own choice?
Selena and Evian were upset, particularly Evian, who sympathized with Jessica.
Isabella then saw Jessica's information and gasped, losing her composure momentarily. She looked at Jessica with a complex expression. Even if matters of the heart aren't always controllable, she has been hurt. He was always there for her, protecting and planning for her. He's clearly mending their broken relationship. They're separated by a thin veil. Is he waiting for the perfect moment to cheat? As I expected, this variety show is bound to be scandalous.
Selena and Evian were furious, wishing they could expose William. Alexander also frowned.
Tik, tik, tik. As expected, relying on a man is as likely as a sow climbing a tree. Love is not worth it, Isabella mused, glancing at Alexander.
Alexander was confused.
In Alexander's view, infidelity was unacceptable, showing a lack of self-control and morality. Such a man was useless.
As the Quirks relied on Isabella's thoughts, the argument between Jessica and Jennie reached its peak. The saleswoman, fearing escalation, invoked store policy: Jessica could have the dress if she paid immediately.
Everyone expected further argument from Jennie. Instead, seeing the price, she chuckled. "That's expensive. Can you afford it, Jessica?"
"Are you joking?" Jessica, holding her head high, presented a black card. The saleswoman sighed in relief.
The saleswoman's expression stiffened. "Ma'am, your card isn't working. It seems to be canceled."
Jessica's face drained of color. Only William could cancel her card.
"Out of money, Jessica?" Jennie's face glowed. "It seems some things aren't meant to be yours."
"Apologies, ma'am," the saleswoman stammered.
Jessica felt a stinging blow, nearly losing her balance. Determined to maintain her dignity, she presented her remaining cards and cash—insufficient to cover the dress's cost.
The onlookers, expecting a victory for Jennie, were stunned.
Darn! What a plot twist! Jennie is shameless and infuriating! She knew William canceled Jessica's card—a lesson for Jessica, Isabella thought, astonishing the Quirks. I'm furious! I must discover why this respectable actor did something so ludicrous!