Chapter 111

Chapter 111:

The grating, syrupy voice scraped against Gabriela’s nerves the moment it reached her ears. She didn’t even need to look—Vivian. The same woman who had once tried to ruin her at Grace Robuchon by accusing her of stealing a necklace.

Gabriela didn’t bother to turn around and look at Vivian because of their grudges.

The sales assistant, still perfectly composed, offered a courteous explanation. “I’m sorry, Miss. This is a limited-edition piece, and there’s only one set available p>

Vivian let out a bright, almost giddy laugh. “Only one set? Perfect—I’ll take it!” A rare piece like this was exactly what she needed to give her brother and keep him off her back.

Still smiling, the sales assistant shook her head slightly and stated, “Miss Haynes has already reserved it p>

At that, Vivian’s gaze darted straight to Gabriela, her voice sharpening to a blade. “And what exactly are you doing here p>

Gabriela slid her card across the counter, her tone brisk as she told the sales assistant to wrap the suit.

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“None of your business.” She turned, her lips curling into a frosty smile. “What—do you own this place now p>

From the moment they were classmates in high school, Vivian had looked at Gabriela with nothing but disdain.

At Grace Robuchon, she had once falsely accused Gabriela of stealing her necklace—all for the pleasure of publicly searching her and savoring her humiliation.

But fate had flipped the script that day. Gabriela had been dining with her boss, and Vivian’s scheming backfired so spectacularly, she wound up in custody for three days.

When she finally got out, her older brother had ripped into her, then locked her at home for a long stretch to reflect.

Today’s outing was only possible because he’d allowed her to tag along with Phyllis on a gift-shopping trip.

And of course—because life had a twisted sense of humor—the very first person she bumped into was Gabriela. What miserable luck!

With a voice dripping sarcasm, Vivian drawled, “Why is it that every time I step into an upscale place, I find you there too? So Phyllis was right all along—you actually bagged yourself a guy with deep pockets p>

She swept a pointed glance around the store. “So, where on earth is he now? Not here to swipe his card for you p>

Gabriela’s lips curved in a sugar-sweet smile, though the chill in her gaze could have frozen glass. “I’m paying for my boyfriend’s clothes myself—why would I make him pay p>

That smile was the one thing Vivian despised most, and the sight of it made her blood boil. “Have you even looked at the price tag on that suit? That’s a hundred grand—your entire year’s salary, if that. I know you want to make your boyfriend happy, but this purchase will make every bill payment painful p>

Her tone sharpened with feigned generosity. “Tell you what—sell it to me for double. You can walk away richer and spare yourself the trouble p>

Gabriela’s head snapped toward Vivian. “Double the price p>

“Absolutely.” Vivian’s chin tilted, her smirk dripping with condescension, already picturing Gabriela losing her temper.

Before the tension could spark further, Phyllis stepped in, her voice sugarcoated. “Gabriela, Vivian has her heart set on that suit. Why not let her take it p>

Instead of bristling, Gabriela let out a short, amused laugh. “Double? You think that’s an offer? Bring me a million, and it’s yours p>

Vivian’s mouth worked soundlessly, fury flashing in her eyes. Her family’s wealth was undeniable, but her allowance had limits. A million she could scrape together—spending it, however, would leave her nearly penniless for the rest of the month.

Gabriela arched a brow and turned to Phyllis. “What’s the problem? Your friend can’t swing it? Maybe you can pitch in and help her out p>

Phyllis’s brows knit together in disapproval. “It’s only that Vivian likes the suit, so why make a fuss p>

Heat climbed up Vivian’s neck, her frustration making her voice sharp. “Is your life really that pathetic you have to squeeze money out of people p>

“I’m not forcing anyone here,” Gabriela countered, her tone deceptively light. “You’re the one who offered double. If that’s still too low for me, I have every right to push the price higher p>

Then she let her voice drop to a mocking murmur that carried clearly through the boutique. “If you can’t afford it, maybe stop pretending you belong in high society. The two of you are utterly vain p>

The insult hit home. Both Vivian and Phyllis stiffened, their faces frozen in rage. The sales assistant, hiding her amusement, passed the neatly wrapped suit to Gabriela and said pleasantly, “Miss Haynes, if it doesn’t fit your boyfriend, you’re welcome to bring it back for alterations p>