Chapter 22

Noelle… Kimberly stared, stunned by her daughter’s extravagant shopping style. She quickly stepped forward, flashing an apologetic smile at the sales assistant before pulling Noelle aside.

“Sweetheart, what on earth were you thinking?” she whispered.

“Huh?” Noelle tilted her head, her round eyes wide with confusion. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you tell me to pick out clothes? I just thought it’d be a hassle to choose one by one, so I figured I’d take the whole row.” That was how she used to shop: quick, easy, and efficient.

Looking at Noelle’s innocent expression, Kimberly was at a loss for words. "Is something wrong with her head?" she wondered.

Kimberly had purposely avoided her usual stores and gone up a few extra floors to avoid bumping into acquaintances. The goal was simple: pick up a few classy outfits suitable for formal occasions. The starting price here was 100 thousand dollars per piece. Kimberly's plan was to buy one outfit for each daughter, with a budget of about 500 thousand dollars. Of course, she could stretch it to 650 thousand dollars if they found something special. But Noelle, without hesitation, wanted to buy an entire rack. This wasn't some clearance sale at a supermarket!

Leia, equally stunned, stepped in with a calm, elder-sisterly demeanor. She approached Kimberly and Noelle and said gently, “Noelle, you can’t be so impulsive. Now that you’re part of the Anderson family, you need to act with some restraint. I know this might be your first time shopping in such a high-end store, and it’s exciting, but buying like this could make us look bad. It’s like we don’t know any better. Do you understand?”

“Oh.” Noelle blinked, processing Leia’s words. She didn’t quite get what made this store so special or why Leia was suddenly asking her to act with some restraint. But she decided to let it go. She’d already learned that the Anderson family didn’t think like normal people. Trying to figure out their logic always left her feeling dirty. Leia liked to talk, so she probably had a point somewhere in all that.

“Leia…” Kimberly glanced at her, impressed. Leia had taken it upon herself to guide Noelle, showing the maturity and poise of an older sister. Not long ago, Leia had been heartbroken after learning she wasn’t the Andersons’ biological daughter. Yet now, she seemed to have adjusted and was doing her best to fill her role as a good sister. Kimberly couldn’t help feeling proud of her.

Kimberly glanced at Noelle, briefly tempted to compare the two girls, but she stopped herself. “No, no,” she thought, shaking her head. “Noelle’s had a different life. She’s been out in the world, so it’s only natural she’s picked up some bad habits. Maybe she’s a bit self-centered and impulsive, but as her mother, I need to be understanding and patient. Leia is undoubtedly more polished, but if I, as their mother, start showing favoritism, how will the children feel? It would hurt them both. Noelle has her flaws, but she’s also shown her potential. She aced that test, after all. I need to focus on her strengths and help her grow. That’s what being a good mother is all about!”

After this internal pep talk, Kimberly collected herself, smiling gently at Noelle. “Noelle, there are so many lovely clothes here. Let’s take our time and pick out a few favorites, okay?”

“Okay.” Noelle replied, nodding as if nothing had happened.

“Good girl. Go on, take a look,” Kimberly said with a smile.

Noelle nodded and went back to browsing. Kimberly turned to Leia, her expression solid. “Leia, you keep looking, too.”

“Yes, Mom,” Leia replied obediently. But a twinge of sadness lingered in her heart. Noelle just caused such a scene, but Mom didn’t seem upset—not even a little. She wasn’t annoyed or embarrassed. Blood really does make a difference, Leia thought to herself.

Since Kimberly mentioned they’d be visiting several more stores, Noelle only chose one item this time.

“Mom, I’ll go with this one,” Noelle said, holding up the dress she had picked.

Kimberly smiled and nodded. “If you like it, try it on in the fitting room.”

“Okay,” Noelle said, following a sales assistant to the fitting room. Leia, having already made her selection, went to try hers on as well.

Leia was the first to step out, dressed in a flowing pale yellow gown that highlighted her elegant figure. She looked every bit like an exquisite little princess. The sales assistants immediately crowded around her, offering glowing compliments.

“This dress looks like it was made just for you, miss. It’s perfect!”

“Miss, it brings out your elegance beautifully. Many customers have tried this dress, but no one has worn it as gracefully as you.”

“Your figure is absolutely stunning!”

Leia soaked up the praise, feeling a swell of pride. So what if I’m not the Andersons’ biological daughter? After all these years of upper-class upbringing, I’m more refined than Noelle could ever hope to be, she thought.

With a confident twirl, Leia turned to Kimberly and smiled. “Mom, what do you think? Does it look good on me?”

“It’s gorgeous, Leia,” Kimberly said warmly. “You look beautiful in everything.”

“Shall we go with this one?”

“I’ll leave it up to you,” Leia replied, her tone demure. The dress was a designer piece, part of a limited edition, priced at 190 thousand dollars—a perfect price without being excessive. Kimberly nodded, satisfied with the choice. Then, realizing Noelle still hadn’t come out, she glanced toward the fitting rooms and frowned slightly. “Well, why hasn’t Noelle come out yet?”

As if on cue, Noelle’s voice called out from behind the door, sounding a little helpless. “Mom, I can’t figure out how to put this on!”

Everyone in the store tried to stifle their laughter. Kimberly felt a flush of embarrassment rising, wishing Noelle wouldn’t draw attention in such a way. Leia rolled her eyes internally, enjoying the moment.

How typical. Noelle’s making a fool of herself again. She’s completely out of her depth here, she thought smugly.

Thankfully, the staff in high-end stores were highly professional. Instead of laughing, one of the sales assistants turned to Kimberly with a polite smile. “Madam, would you like me to assist her?”

“Yes, thank you,” Kimberly replied, her tone composed despite her discomfort.

“It’s no trouble at all,” the assistant said graciously, heading toward the fitting room.

A few moments later, Noelle finally stepped out.