Chapter 33 Company Anniversary Celebration
With that, Ophelia and Juniper stealthily trailed behind them.
Juniper whispered apprehensively, “Isn’t it wrong to follow people like this? Could she sue us?”
Ophelia chuckled, “Sue us for what? We're just shopping in the mall, all above board. She doesn’t own this place. Why wouldn’t we be allowed? Come on, let’s go bag shopping!”
Juniper hesitated, only to be yanked into the Chanel boutique by Ophelia.
Mary was busy selecting from the latest arrivals, turning this way and that in front of the floor-length mirror with a purse in hand.
The pretty boy standing beside her seemed to be an aspiring actor, showering her with compliments, "Mary, you're stunning and so classy – any purse looks amazing with you!"
Generous as always, Mary tried on several bags before decisively handing them to the sales assistant, "I'll take these."
Meanwhile, Ophelia slung a purse over her shoulder, pretending to try it on while stealthily watching them from the other side of the store. She discreetly whipped out her phone and snapped a few photos.
However, it didn't take long for Mary to notice there were others in the store. Her displeasure was immediate, "Didn't I ask Sarah to make sure this place was cleared out before I arrived? Over there, why are there still people hanging around?"
The sales assistant offered an apologetic grin, "I'm so sorry Miss Sinclair, I don't know how they slipped in. I'll ask them to leave right away."
Ophelia and Juniper had their backs turned to Mary’s entourage.
Juniper tugged at Ophelia's sleeve, whispering, "Let's just get out of here, shall we?"
Frankly, she wasn’t in the mood to spar with Mary.
The sales assistant approached, trying to be diplomatic, "Ladies, we have a VIP who has reserved this time slot, if you wouldn't mind—"
Ophelia snorted, "Really? How much does she spend a year? Two million dollars? Three? Or five? Since when do stores have exclusivity periods?"
Assessing Ophelia, then Juniper, who wore not a single article from Chanel, the sales assistant grew more aloof, "Miss, just because you're unaware doesn't mean it isn't so. You're probably not a member, are you?"
Ophelia had dressed down today, as it was a casual outing with her best friend, not a charity gala; she wore no Chanel and carried no Hermès.
Instead, she held a cheap LV tote – large and practical, filled with various gadgets like a voice recorder, a miniature camera, and a gas mask – staples for any paparazzo.
Ophelia raised an eyebrow, her smile bold and defiant, "I'm one of your VIPs too. Kick her out; I want this store to myself."
Her voice was just loud enough to reach Mary's ears.
Impatient and easily provoked, Mary couldn't tolerate such blatant disrespect, "Oh, do we have some high and mighty lady here? Quite the talker, aren't you?"
The assistant, convinced Ophelia was bluffing, challenged her, "Miss, if you claim to be a VIP here, kindly present your membership details so we may assist you accordingly."
Mary didn't believe a word of it, not deigning to even glance over as she simply sat waiting for the sales associate to shoo away those two clueless deadbeats.
Ophelia's lips curled into a smirk. She said to the sales associate, "What if I told you I’m a higher-tier customer than her? Would you kick her out then?"
"Well, I must warn you, Miss Sinclair is a top-tier VIP here, with annual expenditures over five million dollars."
Ophelia chuckled, unfazed by the figure. She calmly took out her phone, pulled up her membership details, and flashed it in front of the sales associate. "So, does this spending level qualify me to book the entire place?"
The sales associate’s jaw dropped in shock.
Annual spending over ten million!
But...why did this lady seem so unfamiliar?
"But I have never seen you before, ma'am. If you spent so much with us, it's impossible that I wouldn't recognize you."
"I don't have to shop at this particular store. The Imperial Capital has many branches, and you're not always here, are you? It's quite normal that you haven't seen me. Plus, a woman of my stature seldom goes shopping in person. I send my butler or assistant, or I simply have the manager mail my purchases. Is that strange?"
With that, Ophelia tossed her hair back, her chin lifted slightly, and her gaze filled with arrogance — the epitome of a lady of leisure.
Juniper struggled to stifle a laugh and coughed to cover it up.
Ophelia certainly had the airs of an aristocrat.
The sales associate offered a strained smile. "Miss Sinclair was here first. Why don't you make yourself comfortable over here and enjoy some afternoon tea while you wait?"
"My time is precious; I prefer not to wait."
The sales associate was in a bind. "Let me talk to Miss Sinclair and ask you to hold on for a moment, please."
At this, Mary bristled with fury.
"I reserved this place first! And do you have any idea who I am? If someone else snaps a photo of me and it goes viral, can you take responsibility?"
"Please, Miss Sinclair, calm down. I'll find a solution right away..."
"Do you have one?" Mary fumed, whipping off her sunglasses.
She stormed over with a fire in her eyes, but upon closer inspection, she burst into laughter. "After all this fuss, I should have known! Isn't this the paparazzo from Starlight Entertainment? Paparazzi making so much nowadays to blow ten million at Chanel? Your salary couldn't even buy a single bag here! Cut the act and get lost! I can't be bothered to expose you. Is it a photo you're after? Take it quickly and don't disturb my private life!"
Ophelia couldn't help but laugh mockingly, "Wow, Miss Sinclair, you carry quite the ego, don't you? Think you're a superstar wherever you go? With those oversized shades, are you worried people won't recognize you?"
Mary's eyes narrowed as she noticed a woman standing beside Ophelia...
"Juniper?"
"..."
There was no hiding from recognition.
Juniper turned to face Mary and mustered a calm, polite smile.
Mary exploded, "It really is you! Alright then, so the two of you are ganging up to stalk me, huh? Planning to spread rumors about me to Mr. Blackwood? Let me tell you..."
Innocent as can be, Ophelia quickly shook her head, "No, no, not at all. We're just here shopping and happened to see you."
Grinning mischievously, Ophelia leaned in to whisper to Mary, "But what's this about rumors? Are you talking about... that pretty boy? Oh my... you do play wild! Miss Sinclair, I would have never guessed! Aren't you engaged to Mr. Blackwood? How can you be involved with that pretty boy?"
Mary's face turned beet red with anger, "You! Stop spouting nonsense!"
"You can't be serious! And that 'pretty boy' doesn't even look handsome! Juniper, does that guy over there come close to the height of Magnus?"
Juniper took a serious look and honestly responded, "Not at all."
Magnus was a towering 6 foot 2 inches, while the other guy was at best 5 foot 9 inches.
Ophelia reminded her with mock seriousness, "And he's not as handsome as Magnus either, right? Why does he look so effeminate, even wearing eyeliner? And his foundation is paler than yours. Mary, your taste is questionable at best. If it were me, I'd at least snag a top-tier male model. Your choice looks like he lacks the strength and stamina."
The barrage of insults turned Mary pale with fury.
Mary clenched her fists and yelled, "You can't even afford anything in this store! Saleslady! She's a fraud! Kick her out!"
Ophelia remained unflustered, not intimidated by Mary's outburst, "You think they'll kick me out just because you say so? Saleslady, I need to talk to Mr. Caldwell!"
The saleslady paused, "You know Mr. Caldwell?"