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325words
Lily parked Lucian’s luxury car beside Sophia’s.
Stepping out draped in designer labels, she looked transformed from the orphan girl.
"We manage."
Sophia didn’t bother explaining.
She locked her car and headed for the elevator.
"Shopping? Short on cash? Just ask me! Since you left, Mom and Dad gave me a huge allowance! I haven’t even spent half in over ten days; it’s a bit annoying…"
Lily flashed her bank balance: a substantial five-figure sum.
Impressive for a student.
"No need. I have money."
Sophia stepped into the elevator.
The gala started in two hours; she needed to hurry.
"Sophia, saying no, yet following me? Hoping I’ll buy your dress?"
Lily was also heading to a high-end boutique.
Assuming Sophia was tagging along for a freebie, she sneered.
"I’m not following you. Stop overthinking."
Sophia quickened her pace, entering the boutique first.
Lily followed, browsing nervously.
Sophia pointed to a cream-colored gown, stated her size, bought it without trying it on, paying with her black card.
"Did you see? That girl paid with a black card! Wonder who she is?"
One salesgirl whispered to another.
"Unlimited spending! Whoever has that is loaded!"
Lily overheard, fuming internally.
How could Sophia have a black card? The Thompsons must have given it secretly!
Thinking it should be hers, she snatched the card from Sophia.
"Sophia Thompson! Password! Mom and Dad gave this to you, didn’t they? Shameless! Leaving, yet taking their money!"
Lily tried charging two gowns using Mr and Mrs Thompson’s usual passwords.
None worked.
"Sophia, you type it!"
Lily demanded, convinced the card was the Thompsons’.
"Or call your parents; ask if the card’s mine or theirs?"
Sophia retrieved her card, took her gown, and left.
Lily immediately called Mrs Thompson.
"I didn’t give her any black card! We can’t even get one ourselves; how could we give her one?"