Eleanor looked at the copper-colored storefront after more than five years. They hadn't changed the design a bit, just the art pieces had been replaced. "The old ones were better," she thought.
She walked in and noticed that the interior had changed significantly since her last visit. There were new types of products on display, and the overall layout seed more modern. She scanned the store until her eyes landed on a section showcasing several backpacks.
She walked over to the rack and picked up a pink backpack. A salesgirl quickly approached her with a polite smile.
"Miss, this is an excellent choice, but it might not be suitable for you. This backpack is designed for younger girls. If you don't mind, we have a similar design that would be more appropriate for you. May I show you?" the salesgirl offered.
"It's okay. I wanted to buy it for my daughter. Can you tell more details about this one?" Eleanor asked.
"Certainly, Miss. This bag is made of organic cotton and natural cowhide leather. The straps are adjustable but non-removable. It is crafted in France and designed to be both stylish and durable," the salesgirl explained.
At that mont, a sarcastic voice ca from behind. "Oh my! Isn't this Eleanor Whitmore? I heard you were expelled from your family and ran away. Do you even have the money to buy sothing from Louis Vuitton? If not, don't dirty the store. Hey, you, salesgirl, send this poor woman out."
Eleanor turned around and saw her forr school senior, Willow White, standing there with a middle-aged man. Willow had been her stepsister Jennifer's classmate and had taken every opportunity to bully her in the past. Now that Eleanor thought about it, her ex-fiancé, Jas, had won her heart by always protecting her from bullying. It must have all been a setup, and she had unknowingly fallen into their trap.
She rely glanced at Willow and then ignored her. She had no interest in talking to the likes of her and focused on the bag instead. She just wanted to finish her purchase and leave the store.
However, Willow wasn't ready to let it go. She had enjoyed bullying Eleanor in the past, and there was no reason for her to stop now. She was here with her new boyfriend, a manager at NexaByte Technologies who earned a six-figure salary. He even had a Louis Vuitton mbership card, which made her feel even more superior.
"Oh! Are you playing deaf now? No matter how hard you try, you can't afford that bag. You're no longer the young miss of the Whitmore family. You're nothing but a poor beggar on the street," she sneered.
Receiving no reaction from Eleanor, Willow turned her fury on the salesgirl. "Hey, you! Can you not hear ? Why are you still attending to this worthless woman? Co and help instead!" she demanded.
The salesgirl maintained her professionalism. "Miss, everyone is a custor. She arrived first, so I am attending to her. There are other sales assistants available. If you can't find soone right away, please wait. I'll assist you as soon as I'm finished here."
"Oh! Now a re salesgirl is talking back to ? Do you know who I am? I am the eldest daughter of the White family! I could have you fired with just one phone call!" Willow shouted.
Hearing this, Eleanor couldn't stay silent any longer. She turned to Willow with an icy glare and said, "Why are you picking a fight with this innocent girl? She's just doing her job. If you really have the power, then try and throw out yourself."
That single look sent a shiver down Willow's spine. She couldn't understand why she was feeling such oppressive energy from Eleanor, whom she had known since childhood. ek and easy to bully. But she wasn't one to back down easily. Angrily, she turned and marched toward the counter.
Eleanor looked at the salesgirl and said, "I'll take this backpack. Please process my paynt. And if you ever face trouble because of this incident, co find at Heimdall Technologies. I appreciate your courage and dedication to your job."
anwhile, Willow reached the counter and shouted, "Where is your manager? Call him right now!"
The store manager, a middle-aged man with a slightly protruding belly, ca out from the storeroom upon hearing the commotion. "Miss, what seems to be the problem? I am the manager here. If you have a complaint, we can resolve it in a civil manner," he said.
Willow pointed at Eleanor and declared, "I want that woman thrown out of this store! And I want that arrogant salesgirl fired imdiately!"
The manager frowned. "Miss, everyone is a valued custor here. If she has caused you any trouble, I will handle it fairly. But could you explain what exactly happened?"
Willow scoffed. "I already told you! She's been expelled from her family, which ans she can't afford anything here. I told your salesgirl to kick her out and attend to , but she ignored !"
The manager sighed, trying to remain neutral. "Miss, please don't be upset. She's new here. I'll attend to you personally. What would you like?"
"Who asked for your help?! I said, throw that woman out!" Willow snapped.
The manager was now in a tough spot. He didn't want to offend a mbership cardholder, but kicking soone out without cause would damage the store's reputation. After thinking for a mont, he decided on a middle ground. He turned to Eleanor and said, "Miss, this backpack costs 2,500 pounds. If you can't pay, I suggest you leave and find a cheaper store. Please don't disturb our VIP custors."
Eleanor sighed. She didn't want to cause a scene, but her patience had limits. She handed the manager her Black Card and said, "Okay. Pack the bag and process my paynt."
The manager froze. His hands trembled as he recognized the card in front of him. Cold sweat trickled down his back. An Arican Express Black Card wasn't sothing just anyone could get. It was only issued to those with an extraordinary net worth, and it didn't even have a preset credit limit.
Realizing his mistake, the manager quickly changed his attitude. "I-I'm terribly sorry, Miss. Please forgive my earlier behavior. If you'd like, I can assist you with anything else. And this bag is a gift from the store as an apology for the inconvenience you faced."
Eleanor shook her head. "No need. I don't have ti for more shopping. Just pack the bag and complete the paynt."
"O-of course! Thank you, Miss!" the manager stamred before hurrying off to retrieve a fresh bag.
Willow's boyfriend, sensing sothing was wrong, pulled her away. Though he hadn't seen the Black Card himself, the manager's panicked reaction told him everything he needed to know. His precious mbership card was worthless in comparison.
Ignoring Willow's protests, he dragged her out of the store, leaving Eleanor in peace to finalize her purchase.
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