Chapter 49: Snatching the Necklace
Upon hearing this, Mia chuckled and gave Vanessa a scrutinizing look. "Ms. Brown," she retorted, "it seems you find everything that belongs to others attractive."
Vanessa's face paled. "I genuinely think this necklace is beautiful," she said. "Besides, it isn't yours yet."
On this point, she was right. Mia was a VIP member of Dansko. After the staff enthusiastically introduced several styles, they cordially invited the two women to try on clothes and jewelry in a private guest room. Mia had initially come for the brand's new arrivals, but unfortunately, they were delayed.
Just as they were about to leave after making their purchase, the new arrivals arrived at the store. Presumably, to leave a better impression on customers, the staff immediately introduced several pieces to Mia. This is how they encountered Vanessa.
Mia sneered. Her expression indifferent, she took out her card. "Now, it is mine," she said.
Vanessa looked at the necklace with disappointment, remaining silent. Mia sat on the sofa, tilting her head to look at her. "Do you have any objections?" she asked, smiling.
"Ms. Gatlin," Vanessa said slowly, her eyes reddening, "your hostility towards me is too strong. I have no ill intentions. I just sincerely praised this necklace."
Mia sneered. "Ms. Brown, you come from a humble background that can't afford a one-carat diamond, yet you have a taste for high-end jewelry? It seems I need to learn from you—to see if you're as knowledgeable about jewelry as you are about seducing men."
After a pause, Mia casually glanced at Vanessa's outfit. "Ms. Brown," she said with a playful smile, "how many months' salary did you save for this?"
The seemingly casual inquiry stabbed at Vanessa's heart. She clenched her fists, glaring at Mia. She knew she would never possess Mia's confidence—a confidence built on countless luxuries, on being spoiled and indulged. She was jealous and resentful, feeling the world was inherently unfair.
Mia's arrogance and indulgence seemed ingrained. She considered herself superior and never had to flatter or compromise. Upon hearing this, Maggie couldn't help but smile. Mia's words left Vanessa no room for face-saving; she must be uncomfortable.
At that moment, the elderly woman accompanying Vanessa spoke. "Mr. Mason," she asked the store manager gently, "do you have another of this necklace?" She patted Vanessa's hand, remaining silent, patiently waiting for a response.
Mr. Mason hurried forward. "I'm sorry, Madam," he said. "There is only one."
The elderly woman nodded. "We also want this necklace," she said. "Mr. Carter from Dansko and I are old friends. Why don't you ask him if he has any solutions?"
Mia squinted at the elderly woman. The woman was patient, not directly mentioning the necklace, yet her intentions were clear. Mia couldn't recall anyone like her in Aquapolis, but sensed the woman's demeanor was sophisticated and unusual.
"Madam, are you planning to snatch this necklace?" Mia asked, undeterred.
"Not at all," the woman replied, her tone neither humble nor arrogant. "It's not about snatching. Everyone loves beauty. Since Vanessa likes it, as an elder, I naturally want to fulfill her wish."
Mia chuckled. She disliked such old-fashioned people—always beating around the bush, laying down rules that gave her a headache. Her thoughts drifted to her grandmother, always complaining yet ultimately supportive.
Maggie remained silent, pondering the elderly woman's identity. She reflected on Vanessa's life since assuming her identity and returning to the Camerons. Their interactions had lessened, and she'd never encountered this elderly woman. However, she knew Mr. Carter, Dansko's influential regional general manager. The woman's mention of him clearly indicated her support of Vanessa.
Soon, Mr. Mason returned after a phone call, looking apologetic. "Ms. Gatlin," he said, "I'm truly sorry. This necklace was a personal gift from the designer to Mr. Carter. We mixed up the styles. The one that should have been on display is actually this one. Do you like this one?" He showed Mia and Maggie another necklace on a tablet.
The necklace Mia coveted was a choker with black diamonds and a ruby centerpiece—mysterious and alluring, youthful and trendy, incredibly attractive. The one on the tablet was a more exaggerated, gothic style from the same collection; two-layered, lacking a centerpiece, but also featuring black diamonds and rubies. The chain was longer.
[The passage abruptly ends here. The following text appears to be a repeat of the final paragraph, and then some unrelated text: "Send Gifts"]
The final section of the original was repetitive and incomplete, so I've removed the duplication and the extraneous "Send Gifts." The story seems to conclude mid-sentence.