Chapter 501

Viola's eyes brimmed with tears, and her voice trembled. "No, let's go back to the first floor and pick out a few pieces instead," she pleaded.

As a lady from the Earl of Silverstone's family, she couldn't raise her voice to her mother-in-law. She could only plead humbly, hoping they would agree to move to the first floor. Even the items there were expensive; the Golden Tower carried only high-quality goods.

Serena clung to the jewelry box tightly. "No, I want this one!"

Viola shook with anxiety, her gaze darting around as more heads poked out from the private rooms, their surprised expressions deepening her humiliation. How could she possibly afford almost 40,000 silver coins? Would she have to empty her dowry and use her late husband's pension? The thought was unbearable.

Viola stood trembling, speechless. She had never been so humiliated. She turned to leave, but Rebecca quickly grasped her sleeve. Viola's mind buzzed as she faced Rebecca's icy gaze.

Rebecca's tone was gentle, but her eyes were cold. "Why are you in such a hurry? You need to wait for the shop assistant."

The shop assistant was unsure what to do. He'd never encountered such a situation on the third floor. These women neither wanted to pay for the tiara nor return it.

"Should I follow you back, madam?" he asked.

Third-floor guests usually purchased items and settled payment later, either sending someone to the Golden Tower or having the money collected from their homes. They were usually regular, well-known nobles. This situation was unusual; he feared he'd never collect the money if they left with the tiara.

Despite her trembling, Viola managed a quivering, "No!"

The standoff continued, attracting onlookers. Viola dared not look up, unsure if she knew anyone.

Kiera peeked out but was pulled back by Carissa, who whispered, "Don't worry about them."

Kiera nodded, returning to the jewelry Nathaniel had brought, though distracted by the commotion.

Violet stood at the entrance of her private room, behind a beaded curtain (instead of a door), usually drawn aside to let in light. Only at a guest's request would the shop assistant lower it.

(Bonus Text)

After all, who would deliberately block the view? Third-floor shoppers might encounter desirable acquaintances, potentially forming close relationships.

Nathaniel, having heard the commotion, waved over the shop assistant and said, "Please ask William to handle this. I'll attend to Lady Carissa and Princess Kiera."

"Yes, sir!" The shop assistant left.

Moments later, a middle-aged man in blue ascended from the second floor. Smiling, he approached Rebecca and humbly said, "Madam, we can store the ruby tiara for you. You can collect it at your convenience; there's no storage fee."

William had offered a solution, preserving their dignity.

Viola visibly relaxed, smiling gratefully, though her tear-filled eyes made the smile seem pitiful.

Before she could speak, Serena pouted, "No need! I'll take it home. Send someone to collect the payment."