Noelle’s face tightened at the sight of Xenia. Fate, she thought, was a cruel mistress.

Xenia sauntered up, all affected nonchalance. "Noelle, darling! Lucas just froze your cards, worried sick, you know. Don't fret."

Noelle remained calm. Past experience had taught her the bitter lesson of financial independence.

Rachel scoffed. "Oh, spare us the act, Xenia. Noelle could be back in the fold in a heartbeat if she wanted. You, on the other hand…"

Xenia’s jaw clenched. Nothing galled her more than reminders of her humble origins.

Ignoring Xenia, Noelle turned to the attendant. "I’d like to try these two dresses, please."

The attendant, recognizing Noelle, bustled over.

Xenia, furious, flashed her premium card. "Excuse me, I want those dresses as well."

Rachel bristled. "First come, first served, Xenia! Have you no shame?"

Betty chimed in, "But Xenia's a premium member. Priority, you know. Does Noelle have a card?"

Noelle hadn't brought anything from the Liddells. She relinquished the dresses. "I don't have a card. She can have them."

Rachel looked like she might cry. Xenia, triumphant, felt she’d finally eclipsed Noelle. But Betty started snatching clothes from Noelle’s pile.

Noelle remained impassive, continuing to select items. Only when even Xenia noticed the growing mountain did she pause. "Are you buying all this?"

Xenia’s chin lifted. "Of course. Lucas is taking me to a social media influencer event tomorrow, and he wants me to look the part."

Rachel started to protest, but Noelle cut her off. "Since Ms. Quigley is so generous, please ring up her purchases."

Xenia sputtered. "Wait! I haven't even tried them on!"

"They have your size. Exchange them if they don't fit. Unless you plan to try everything on without buying?"

Rachel added, "Yeah, if you can't afford it, don't pretend! What kind of premium member can't even pay?"

Xenia, cornered, snapped, "Who says I can't? Pack it all up!"

Betty smirked. "See? Xenia's the favorite! This is nothing! She could buy the whole store!" Xenia slapped Betty. "Stop it!"

With no escape, she handed over her card. The attendant’s voice was flat. "I’m sorry, ma’am, this card is declined."

Xenia’s face flamed. "Impossible! Lucas gave me this card!"

The manager confirmed it. "Ms. Quigley, it appears your card has reached its limit."

Humiliation washed over Xenia. She rarely spent lavishly. She hadn't anticipated a spending limit, especially one so low.

Noelle offered a small smile. "Still buying them?"

Rachel snatched the two dresses. "Stop pretending!"