Chapter 286
Chapter 286:
Did Yelena really think she could waltz into the store and act like some kind of expert?
Bella glanced at the dress and found nothing wrong with it, dismissing Yelena’s comment as attention-seeking nonsense.
The sales assistant, standing nearby, rolled her eyes. In her mind, Yelena was just another difficult customer—one who likely couldn’t afford the dress and was nitpicking for no reason.
“Ma’am, this is how the dress was designed,” the assistant said with thinly veiled disdain. “If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to browse something else. But I should mention, these are all new arrivals—full price, no discounts p>
Yelena’s icy gaze sliced through the tense air as she fixed her eyes on the sales assistant. “Are you absolutely certain this dress didn’t come with decorative buttons? Have you even looked at the product catalog p>
The sales assistant stiffened but quickly masked her unease with a confident tone. “I’ve checked the catalog, thank you. I reviewed it while setting up the new arrivals.” Her voice carried a sharp edge of defiance, but doubt churned beneath her calm exterior.
How did this girl know about the missing buttons?
Had she seen the catalog herself?
Unless Yelena was the designer—a ridiculous notion—there was no way she could have noticed such a small discrepancy.
The truth was, the sales assistant had skimmed the catalog earlier and vaguely recalled the decorative buttons being mentioned. But she’d dismissed the detail. The dress, sans buttons, still looked elegant enough to sell.
It wasn’t damaged, just… simplified.
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Customers rarely noticed such minutiae anyway. Or so she had thought. Yet, here was Yelena, tearing through that assumption like tissue paper.
“Really?” Yelena challenged, her voice sharp as glass. “Then bring me the catalog. Let’s compare. Trying to pass off a defective item as flawless? That’s deceitful p>
The sales assistant faltered, her practiced poise crumbling. “Who do you think you are?” she snapped, desperation seeping into her words. “The catalog… it’s gone p>
Bella let out a quiet sigh, her frustration barely masked. Yelena’s relentless pursuit of perfection was exhausting, and her tendency to blow minor issues out of proportion was something Bella could never understand.
“Yelena,” Bella said, her voice steady and composed, a striking contrast to Yelena’s sharp energy. “This isn’t worth all the drama. The dress looks fine. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be—for anyone p>
The onlookers couldn’t fathom why Yelena was so fixated on such an insignificant flaw. What did it matter if the dress was missing a few decorative buttons? After all, Yelena wasn’t even planning to buy it.
But Yelena wasn’t moved by Bella’s words or the crowd’s silent judgment. For her, perfection wasn’t just an expectation—it was a principle. Without saying a word, she pulled out her phone, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.
“Get to the store. Now,” she commanded into the receiver before ending the call abruptly. Confused glances darted across the room.
Was she serious? Over decorative buttons?
If she wasn’t even going to buy the dress, then what did it matter to her?
Yelena’s uncompromising demeanor only solidified her reputation as an oddball—a title that, in this moment, seemed very apt.
The sales assistant remained steadfast, arms crossed, her expression a mixture of disbelief and annoyance.
To her, Yelena was just another difficult customer blowing things out of proportion. If anything, the clerk felt pity—this was irrational behavior, plain and simple. Before the murmurs could escalate, the sound of hurried footsteps broke through the tension. A woman strode into the store, exuding authority.
Molly Emerson, the store manager, scanned the room and immediately locked eyes with Yelena.
Molly approached with urgency, addressing her directly. “I’m sorry for the delay. I was speaking with the mall manager. What’s the issue here p>
Yelena turned her piercing gaze toward Molly, her voice as sharp as a blade. “Is this the standard you hold your staff to? Selling defective items? Are you telling me this store has abandoned its principles p>
Molly’s face flushed with embarrassment as she glanced at the sales assistant, and then back to Yelena.
“I sincerely apologize,” she said, her tone firm but contrite. “That is absolutely not our policy. We do not sell flawed products, and I assure you, this will be addressed immediately p>
Moda Style had a sterling reputation—known for exquisite designs and impeccable customer service.
They prided themselves on putting customers first, a principle deeply woven into their brand. Yet, today, that principle seemed to hang in the balance.
Yelena held out the dress with a cold precision, her voice sharp. “Take a look for yourself p>
Molly took the garment, her practiced hands running over it as her eyes darted to the seams. Her expression darkened immediately.