Chapter 283
Chapter 283:
After a conversation that yielded no useful clues, Leonel finally rose to leave, his frustration expertly hidden beneath another polished smile. As he walked away, he reassured himself that there would be more opportunities, more cracks to exploit.
The next day, after a much-needed rest, Yelena decided it was time to visit the store. With new arrivals freshly stocked, she wanted to observe the market’s reaction firsthand. By noon, she arrived at the mall known for housing the crème de la crème of luxury brands.
Moda Style commanded the prime location—a centerpiece with an unmistakable sign that was both bold and elegant. Yet even without it, the brand’s reputation preceded itself, adored by socialites and celebrities alike.
When Yelena stepped into the store, she quickly noticed a new sales assistant inside, her face unfamiliar. Intrigued, Yelena decided to blend in as just another customer, curious to see how well the service aligned with the store’s lofty image.
Without introducing herself, Yelena began browsing, her fingers brushing over racks of finely tailored garments. The sales assistant glanced her way briefly, her gaze lingering with a slight frown. Yelena’s simple, understated attire didn’t immediately signal wealth or status, and the sales assistant seemed to write her off as a casual browser.
Remaining at her post, the sales assistant watched Yelena with a detached air, her disdain thinly veiled. The lack of attention was disappointing, and Yelena’s mind began to race. Was this how customers were treated under Brody’s management? Had the training been so inadequate, or was the issue deeper?
As Yelena contemplated addressing the sales assistant’s indifference, a sharp, familiar voice rang out from the entrance.
“Monica, you must pick the perfect outfit today! You need to dazzle everyone at the concert p>
The air in Moda Style shifted as three figures made their entrance, their arrival as calculated as their designer ensembles.
Yelena looked up from the rack of dresses, immediately recognizing the trio.
Monica, Amanda, and Bella moved with practiced grace, each wearing the latest from exclusive collections. Their polished laughter rang out like a melody designed to draw attention.
gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․cøm fuels your imagination
But their smiles faltered the moment their eyes locked on Yelena.
Monica was the first to recover, her voice smooth and composed as she greeted her. “What a pleasant surprise, Yelena! I didn’t expect to see you here p>
Yelena met her gaze evenly, her tone measured but firm. “The feeling is mutual, Monica. Quite the coincidence, isn’t it p>
Bella, ever the dramatist, tilted her head with a theatrical gasp, her hand fluttering to her chest. “Yelena! Moda Style? You’re full of surprises today. I thought these brands were a bit… outside your usual taste.” Her words, though wrapped in a veil of innocence, carried a subtle barb. It was no secret that Yelena’s usual attire, while undeniably elegant and well-tailored, bore no visible brand labels or logos.
To an untrained eye, they might have seemed like chic street market finds, lacking the prestige that fashion connoisseurs like Bella valued.
What an oddity!
The Harris family had no shortage of wealth, which made Yelena’s preference for understated clothing a point of ridicule among the narrow-minded.
Bella, in particular, couldn’t fathom the appeal. Yet, those who dismissed Yelena’s wardrobe as ordinary simply lacked the eye to recognize its sophistication.
Each piece she wore, though free of brand logos, was crafted from exquisite materials with intricate, one-of-a-kind designs.
Even her simplest T-shirt carried subtle details that set it apart, though such nuances were lost on the average observer.
Yelena, however, didn’t waste her breath explaining. To her, trying to enlighten the oblivious was akin to casting pearls before swine.
“So, is this your store?” Yelena’s tone was calm, but the subtle sharpness in her words sliced through the tension like a knife. “Am I not allowed to browse p>
Before they could say anything, the sales assistant intervened, practically tripping over herself in enthusiasm. “Ladies, welcome! Please, come in! We’ve just stocked some stunning new arrivals, and I think you’ll love them p>
The assistant’s demeanor shifted dramatically, her eyes gleaming as she darted over to Monica, Amanda, and Bella.
Their designer outfits and air of confidence screamed big spenders—the kind of customers sales dreams were made of.
It was a stark and telling contrast to how she had treated Yelena just moments earlier.