Lisa's eyes gleam; she can hardly believe her luck. She wants to react to Evan's words and show her gratitude and excitent, but he quickly leaves the restaurant. She stomps her foot excitedly and looks at her friends.
"Did you hear that?" she says, "Mr. Howel and I are going on a date tonight!"
The won are dumbfounded by Mr. Howel's cool charm and his invitation to join him at night. Upon hearing Lisa's excited scream, they beco excited and begin to exclaim and giggle among themselves.
"Yes, Mr. Howel invited us to go there together. Did I hear that wrong?"
"It's all because of that Mr. Howel invited you," Lisa says, holding her neck up like a proud peacock.
"Mr. Howel seems interested in Lisa," whispers one in despair, "What should I do? I want him to be mine."
"What? How could he be yours?" hisses another.
"Do you take Mrs. Howel seriously?" one woman asks Lisa.
"Mrs. Howel? The doormat who doesn't ever dare to speak?" says Lisa derisively, "Such a plain wife doesn't suit Mr. Howel at all."
"I sympathize with her," hazards one of Lisa's friends.
"You sympathize with her?" scoffs another, "You'd better learn from Lisa rather than waste your ti sympathizing with Mrs. Howel. After all, Mr. Howel is head over heels in love with Lisa."
"Stop talking nonsense," interrupts another, "We should go shopping and buy so nice clothes to dress up for tonight. Quicklywhile we still have ti!"
There is a luxury shopping mall next to the hotel. The shops are situated in the middle of the skyscraper, accessible only by modern, glass-walled elevators. All of the world's most luxurious and fashionable brands are available in the mall. As they walk through the mall, Lisa's friends continue to enthusiastically flatter her.
"Lisa, I know that Mr. Howel likes cultured and intelligent won like you so look at this store," says one, "All of the clothes here are French and it was Princess Diana's favorite brand before her death. It matches your temperant and style and you can dress up in a dignified and elegant manner."
"Do you like that bag?" asks another, "I can buy it for you."
"Look at this necklace. It's designed for you," gushes one woman.
"And this pair of shoes. Wow, they're perfect."
"Shall we go and see the clothes first?" Lisa asks.
Balmain is one of Avery's favorite brands. She loves their simple and stylish designs, and it's well-known as the brand that best understands a woman's figure. Her fingers glide over a row of plain dresses as the salesperson behind her introduces the dresses one by one. When Lisa and her friends enter the store and see Avery they beco even more excited.
After leaving the restaurant, Avery decided to go shopping to take her mind off things. To avoid a repeat of the jewelry store incident, she specifically consulted with the front desk before shopping. The staff assured her that every store at the mall would accept her hotel card.
Upon seeing Lisa and her friends, she sighs. She never expected that Pleasure City would be so small.
"Oh, is that Mrs. Howel?" Lisa says loudly, "I didn't expect to be so lucky as to et you here."
"Will this be like the jewelry store all over again?" Veronica says maliciously,. She turns to the salesperson and continues, "You must pay attention to her. Last ti she went to buy jewelry, but she couldn't afford to pay her bill."
The salesperson is slightly surprised, but she quickly regains her professional deanor.
"We've verified Mrs. Howel's identity, but we treat all our custors equally," says the salesperson, "It doesn't matter if a custor purchases an item or not. We strive for custor satisfaction, and we want all of our custors to buy only what they love."
"Well don't you have a clear awareness," Veronica snaps.
"Moreover, Mrs. Howel has already finalized her transaction, and we are grateful for her patronage," the salesperson continues.
The won look at the bags in Avery's hand and realize that she's bought thousands of dollars worth of clothing. The won feel ashad of their pettiness and beco too embarrassed to speak. Lisa remains unflustered; instead she smiles slyly at Avery.
"Who are you going to please with such beautiful clothes, Mrs. Howel?" she asks.
The won seize the opportunity Lisa has just offered them.
"Who can she please but herself?" sneers Veronica, "After all, Mr. Howel is going on a date with Lisa tonight."
"Really?" Avery says emotionlessly.
Avery's fingers stop on a black velvet dress, and she gently caresses the soft material. As she pulls the dress from the rack, she examines it with a critical eye.
"I hope you please Mr. Howel," Avery says calmly, "I said that you were destined to be a mistress, but I didn't expect for you to get a chance so soon. Lisa, you'd better seize this opportunity."
Lisa's face pales with anger and sha.
"You little" she hisses.
The shop assistants begin to whisper to each other behind their hands.
"Is Lisa Mr. Howel's mistress? It must be hard for his wife to act so calm."
"No, haven't you heard? Philandering rich people don't have mistresses anymorethese days they all have friends with benefits."
"Mr. Howel seems nice enough. He's handso and wealthy so who cares if he keeps a woman on the side? What else could a woman want in a husband?"
"That's true, besides no one compares to Mr. Clifford when it cos to philandering and affairs."
"Why are all n the sa this way?"
"Who knows? It's odd though, because his wife is much prettier than his mistress. Why would he take a fancy to the mistress when he already has a wife like that?"
"Rich people are unpredictable. Maybe he just got bored. That's why everyone says you should be careful when you marry the rich."
Lisa stomps her feet with hatred and frustration and glares at the gossiping shop assistants. Only Avery knows that in six months, whatever Evan does or doesn't do with Lisa will be absolutely none of her business. Avery passes the dress to the salesperson. It's a beautiful but simple off the shoulder gown with a long skirt, slit high up one leg. Avery doesn't need to try it to know it will suit her well.
After swiping the card, Avery takes her garnt bags and turns to leave the store. As she leaves, she hears the salesperson's voice call out to Lisa: "Miss Lisa, Mr. Howel's butler just called to inform us that Mr. Howel would like to treat you to whatever you buy with us today."
Lisa is temporarily confused, but her confusion is soon replaced by joy.
"Mr. Howel said you can buy whatever you want?" exclaims one of Lisa's friends, "Oh my God, Lisa, Mr. Howel is so thoughtful!"
The woman's loud voice attracts the attention of all of the salespeople, including the ones gossiping about Lisa.
"Miss Lisa, look at this dress," says one, "It will suit you well. You'll be enchanting in it since you have such a good figure."
"Look at the color of this dress," says another, "It looks amazing with your skin tone. My God, Miss Lisa, your skin is perfect."
Avery hears the flattery in the store as clearly as if the salespeople are speaking to her.
"It's amazing what people will do for money," Avery thinks, "What is Evan trying to tell ? Does he want to rub it in that he's going on a date with another woman?"
She smiles bitterly to herself, and walks out of the store, but she can still hear the loud, flattering voices coming from within.
"Lisa, don't fail to take advantage of Mr. Howel's kindness," urges one of her friends. "There are so many dresses that suit you wellwhy not get them all?"
"No! I just need this one!" Lisa objects, "I don't want Mr. Howel to think that I'm a greedy or vainglorious woman."
Lisa points to a black velvet dress. Everyone looks at the dress and gasps. It is the sa as the one that Avery just bought.
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