Chapter 99: Hide Her Identity

"Mhm," Cecilia said after a moment's reflection. "Stella doesn't know I'm Cecille, and I prefer to keep it that way."

"All right," Vivian replied.

Since Stella's revelation about Paula and Magnus's whereabouts, Cecilia had been meticulously concealing her identity. Future encounters with them promised endless complications. The memory of Paula's relentless demands and Magnus's betrayal still disheartened her.

After discussing the lawsuit against Stella, Cecilia prepared to leave, but Vivian stopped her. "We rarely get together like this, and Jon's still in school. Let's go for a stroll in the nearby mall."

Cecilia agreed, and they headed to Tudela's largest shopping center.

"Even though Nathaniel's a bit of a jerk," Vivian remarked, "you can't deny his prowess. Look at this place—a shopping district like this in every state. Imagine the annual revenue, the real estate, the internet ventures… The wealth he's amassed is staggering."

Cecilia was impressed. "It seems Nathaniel truly propelled both Rainsworth Group and Orion Corporation into a new era these past few years."

"Mhm. It would be even better if he were more moral," Vivian said, taking Cecilia's hand as they entered the mall.

In a high-end boutique, they were quickly greeted by a staff member. While Vivian tried on clothes, Cecilia waited. Unbeknownst to them, a customer had noticed Cecilia.

The woman pointed at Vivian, newly outfitted, and declared, "I'll take that dress."

Vivian frowned. All the dresses were unique designs. "What are you saying? I saw it first!"

The woman scoffed, "So what? Did you pay for it?"

Vivian, refusing to back down, told the receptionist, "I'll take this one," and instructed her to process the payment. The other woman, however, produced her own card, leaving the receptionist flustered. The escalating dispute caught Cecilia's attention.

Stepping forward, she recognized the woman as Yvette, the third Harrison daughter and Stella's friend.

"Vivian, what's wrong?" Cecilia asked.

"This woman's deliberately causing trouble. I saw the dress first, and she's trying to steal it," Vivian explained, her disdain for the unknown woman palpable.

"So that's how we ended up eyeing the same dress," Yvette said, her tone cold and mocking. "It's no surprise, considering Cecilia's penchant for taking what others have—men included."

"What did you just say? Watch your tongue!" Vivian exploded.

"Did you not hear me? Cecilia has a penchant for stealing other people's—"

Before Yvette could finish, Cecilia stepped forward and slapped her. The sharp pain stunned Yvette.

"Watch your mouth!" Cecilia said firmly.

Yvette, not one to be intimidated, prepared to retaliate. Vivian rolled up her sleeves. "It's two against one, bitch! You'd better not regret this!"

Cecilia was speechless.

Yvette, taken aback, appealed to the shop assistants. "What are you all gawking at? Get them out of here! Do you know who I am?"

Cecilia, maintaining her composure, presented her VIP card to a clerk. "Escort her out."