Chapter 235
Chapter 235:
His irritation burned hotter, following him long after the elevator ride, coiling tighter until he reached the parking lot with Billy. Finally, he mumbled, “It’s just a bag. Does Gabriela really need to guard it like it’s crown jewels p>
Billy, sensing the storm brewing, offered a cautious reply. “Mr. Moss, you know how it is. Designer bags—most women can’t resist them p>
Wesley’s lips curved into something between a smirk and a sneer. “So that was Gabriela’s little weakness p>
He turned to Billy, his tone shifting into command. “Handle something for me p>
Oblivious to the orders Wesley had set in motion, Gabriela left with Tessa and soon found herself inside a gleaming resale boutique, all glass and chandeliers.
Their buyer, Lydia Haywood, a woman no older than twenty-five and radiant in her curated opulence, was already waiting. Every inch of her glittered with wealth: diamonds on her fingers, designer in every seam, confidence stitched into every movement. She didn’t just wear brands; she wore the power that came with them.
𝘞𝗵𝖺𝘵 е𝘷ery𝗈n𝗲 i𝗌 re𝖺𝖽𝗶𝗻𝗴 o𝗇 𝗴а𝗹𝗇о𝗏е𝘭𝗌.сo𝗆
Tessa made the introductions, but Lydia barely acknowledged her. Her gaze slid to Gabriela, sharp as a blade and laced with disdain.
“So,” she drawled, her lips curving faintly, “you’re the one selling the bag p>
Gabriela inclined her head in a quiet nod.
Lydia skipped over pleasantries, her manicured hand slicing the air like a command as she turned to the store owner. “Do be a dear and confirm its authenticity for me p>
The store owner obeyed instantly, laying out his tools with the precision of a surgeon. He inspected the stitching, magnified the logo, and brushed his gloved fingers across the leather.
After a tense silence, he gave his verdict. “Trademark intact. It’s brand new in condition p>
Lydia bent toward the bag, eyes narrowing as she checked the serial number herself. Satisfied, she leaned back with a regal air, chin tilted high. “Since Tessa vouched for you and the bag hasn’t been touched, I’ll take it at market price. The listing is two hundred thousand.” Her lips curved in a smile that never reached her eyes. “So that’s what I’ll offer p>
Gabriela’s eyes darted to Tessa, her chest tightening. Why would a woman dripping in luxury bother with a secondhand purchase at full price? The whole thing reeked of something she couldn’t name but felt in her bones.
“I’ll need a minute to think about it,” Gabriela said carefully.
Lydia’s expression soured at once, her words snapping like a whip. “Don’t waste my time. Unlike you people, I can’t afford to stand around haggling. My minutes are worth more than that bag you’re clinging to p>
The insult landed like a slap, but Gabriela refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. She followed Tessa outside, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Ms. Ortiz, do you actually know Miss Haywood? Can she be trusted p>
Tessa shook her head. “Not really. We’re just connected on WhatsApp. Working for Mr. Moss attracts plenty of socialites and celebrities. They add me hoping I’ll drop tidbits about him. I don’t entertain them much p>
Gabriela’s unease tightened in her stomach. Every luxury bag carried a unique serial number, as traceable as a fingerprint. Selling this one carelessly could circle back to Brenden in ways she couldn’t predict.