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Mark didn’t catch up, and I exhaled in relief.
In the car, I updated Laura. Hearing Emily had confronted me at the bar, she clenched her fist. “You took the liberty of going to a bar?”
“Sorry!”
“No need to apologize. You would have met her eventually. But that slap was satisfying. Just remember, a real heiress wouldn’t bother get her hands dirty.”
I disagreed. “Mark saw two women fight over him—it boosts his ego. You don’t get men. They love that.”
Laura paused, then laughed. “You’re right. Speed things up. Mark’s transferring assets.”
I nodded, aware that delays could ruin us.
I ignored Mark’s calls and texts, where he apologized, claiming Emily was just a clingy business acquaintance.
So ridiculous.
I visited Luxe Jewelry, demanding Emily serve me.
Her face soured. I deliberately tested her patience, trying on a dozen pieces.
She snapped, “Miss, which one do you actually want?”
“Oh,” I mocked, “I like them all, but anything you’ve touched feels dirty.”
“You!”
She fumed but restrained herself, packing the items.
“Sorry, I’m refusing to serve you.”
“Oh? Sure about that?”
“Absolutely. Think you’re the only rich woman around?”
She muttered, but I heard. I was stunned. Laura’s intel said Emily was just a salesgirl. Why talk like that?
Was she, like me, playing a role?
“Fine. If you won’t serve me, I’ll make you do it willingly.”
I called Mark, who sounded thrilled. “Anna!”
On speaker, I said, “I’m at Luxe Jewelry. Meet me here in fifteen minutes.”
I hung up. Fifteen minutes later, Mark arrived, panting. Emily’s face twisted, lips tight with rage.
“Anna, what brings you here?”
“Just browsing. But she refused to serve me. Since you know her, I thought you could help.”
“Miss Parker won’t refuse now, will she?”
Emily opened her mouth, but Mark cut in coldly, “Emily, know your place. Want to keep your job? Do it.”
His tone was harsh. Emily, furious, glared at me with resentment but complied.
I smirked, pointing to an expensive necklace.
Emily helped me try it on, muttering, “This is our store’s prized piece.”
“It’s just okay. Does it look good on me?”
I turned to Mark. He nodded. “It’s nice, but this one suits you better.”
He picked a less pricey but elegant necklace that matched my outfit.
His taste wasn’t bad. I nodded. “One point for you. Too bad your taste isn’t always like this.”
I glanced at Emily, whose face flushed with anger, but there was nothing she could do.
“Wrap this up.”
In front of Emily, Mark pulled out his card. “Consider this my gist to you, an apology.”
I declined. “It’s not your fault. I’ll pay.”
