Chapter 364
Chapter 364:
Why was Yelena being adamant?
The assistants, clearly flustered, excused themselves and hurried to fetch the store manager.
Moments later, a poised, middle-aged woman entered the room. Her confident stride and polished demeanor immediately commanded attention. This was Heather Dunn, the manager of Sterling and Grace. With over two decades at the store, Heather was both a respected authority and a familiar face to its loyal clientele.
“What’s going on here?” Heather asked, her voice calm but authoritative.
When her gaze landed on Donna, her expression softened. “Mrs. Harris, it’s always a pleasure to see you. Have you found something special today p>
Donna, holding the lavender bracelet in her hand, gestured for Heather to come closer. “Heather, I’m glad you’re here. Could you take a look at this bracelet for me? You’ve been with Sterling and Grace for years, and I trust your expertise. I bet you could identify its quality with your eyes closed p>
Heather’s eyes flickered as they settled on the bracelet. Her heartbeat quickened, but her years of experience allowed her to quickly regain her composure.
She smiled politely, though her tone was measured. “Mrs. Harris, you have an impeccable eye for quality. This bracelet is part of our newest collection—it just arrived yesterday p>
“Heather, I’ve always trusted Sterling and Grace, and I’m one of your VIP clients. But I’d hate to be made a fool by purchasing something less than genuine.” Donna’s brow furrowed slightly. She wasn’t one to be easily swayed, especially when her daughter had raised such a precise and confident concern.
Donna knew her daughter’s steady temperament. Yelena never made claims without certainty, and she had no reason to lie. If Yelena was calling this bracelet a fake, Donna was inclined to believe her.
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Heather, however, was growing visibly uneasy despite her polished exterior. “Mrs. Harris,” she called out with a strained smile. “Why would we ever deceive you? You’re one of our most valued clients. We’d never dream of such a thing—not in a million years p>
Yelena’s calm voice cut through the tension. “Are you sure? If there’s no issue, why not bring in an expert to verify it p>
Heather froze, her confidence momentarily faltering as she turned to Yelena. Her gaze lingered, studying the young woman for a moment longer than necessary.
Who was this person? It was the first time Heather had seen her, yet she spoke with an intensity and authority that made Heather uneasy. What was this girl’s connection to Donna? And what exactly was she implying with such a bold suggestion?
“Miss, I don’t know what you’re trying to say,” Heather replied, her tone straining to stay measured. “But let me make this clear. We do not sell counterfeits at Sterling and Grace p>
Yelena met Heather’s gaze head-on, holding the bracelet up with confidence. “This is a counterfeit—nothing but dyed glass! Its production cost wouldn’t exceed a hundred bucks. If you don’t believe me, I suggest calling an expert to examine it. You might learn something p>
The room seemed to hold its breath as Yelena’s words landed. Heather’s heart skipped a beat. What was this girl’s angle?
One of the sales assistants, clearly flustered, interjected, “That’s impossible. We’ve never had a fake in our store p>
“Then perhaps there’s a mole among your staff. It might be wise to call the authorities and investigate. Counterfeit goods don’t simply appear out of nowhere,” Yelena said coolly.
Were the staff genuinely unaware of the bracelet’s authenticity, or were they simply too blinded by the store’s prestige to question their merchandise?
Heather’s carefully controlled mask began to crack, and her expression hardened. “Miss, if you’re here to cause unnecessary trouble, I must ask you to leave immediately p>