Chapter 40 Stealing from Others Will Bring Retribution
"Bitch!"
Kalista was livid as she lashed out with a curse, her hand raised to strike Nora. But then she remembered what Isaac had told her. After the debacle at Century Square, he had accused her of tarnishing his reputation. With this in mind, Kalista forcefully suppressed her rage and dropped her raised hand.
"I can't be bothered with you," Kalista sneered coldly.
Nora had no desire to entangle herself further. She left that store and entered another, eyeing a different gown. But before she could have the sales associate assist her, Kalista's voice echoed from behind again.
"I want the dress she's holding!"
Nora's brow furrowed as she turned, her displeasure clear. "Why are you giving me that look? I didn't hear you claim it first, and since I was the initial one to express interest in buying it, the dress goes to me!"
Nora gave her a few seconds of a mocking gaze. Then, with a feigned smile, she said, "Since you claimed it first, it's all yours. I'll check out something else."
Setting the dress aside, Nora continued browsing. When the moment felt right, she whispered to the sales associate, "Can you find your manager? I'd like to propose a deal." She leaned in closer, "The woman behind me has a vend-a with me—she'll want anything I show interest in. I'll deliberately pick out some of the pricier items in your store, pretending I intend to buy them, prompting that lady to scoop them all up," Nora schemed with a wink.
"You could consider it as if I'm shopping for you folks, but I don't work for free. You'll have to cut me in on the deal," Nora continued.
"Better go find your manager quickly. If they're on board, I'll keep shopping; if not, I'm heading to another store," she added, putting a little pressure on.
The sales associate dashed off to connect with their manager.
A bit later, the associate came back, whispering into Nora's ear, "Our manager said yes to your proposal. They're willing to give you ten percent of the sales price for every piece of clothing you help sell.Oh, and the manager mentioned there's a showstopper in our store—a gown for ten million. If you can sell that, they'll give you a twenty-five percent commission!"
"That piece is all flash but hardly flattering. It's encrusted with jewels, a real eye-catcher. Still, it's been on display here for three years being unsold. The design is so particular; instead of enhancing beauty, it seems to amplify one's flaws," the associate explained in hushed tones.
"But, it's still a trend-proof style, downright gorgeous as a showpiece. The gown is featured in the showcase at the very back of the store," the associate whispered.
Kalista was clueless about their conversation; she just assumed the associate was showing Nora more gowns.
Little did she know, they were plotting against her.
Nora resumed her perusal, zeroing in on the high-ticket dresses.
Whether they ranged from half a million to over a million, without exception, she selected over a dozen, and Kalista promptly asserted her claim each time.
The associate was savvy and eager, ringing up Kalista's purchases immediately to avoid second thoughts.
After Nora picked out a few more items, she eventually stood in front of the store's prized possession, as the associate had pointed out.
"This gown is stunning—the whole thing is jeweled! It must sparkle like crazy under the lights. It'd be a showstopper at any gala," Nora exclaimed with a mix of surprise and delight as if the gown had completely captivated her.
As a seasoned luxury shopper, Kalista had a keen sense for these matters. A gown adorned so lavishly and secured in the most prominent showcase was undoubtedly going to cost a small fortune.
So, instead of impulsively claiming it, she inquired, "How much for this one?"
The associate grinned and explained, "This gown is the jewel of our collection. Adorned with five thousand exquisite gems, brought to life by a master designer's vision, and meticulously handcrafted—hence, it does come with a higher price tag, standing at ten million."
Kalista took a sharp breath.
Even with Isaac, who frequently indulged in high-end purchases, the priciest dress she had ever acquired hadn't surpassed fifty thousand dollars.
The hundred-thousand-dollar price tag took her by surprise.
Silently, she was relieved she hadn't blurted out a commitment to buy.
Sure, her account could cover it, but then she'd be on a strict budget for quite a while.
It just wasn't worth emptying her bank account over a single dress.
"You can't afford it now, can you? Can't keep up with me anymore, huh?" Nora's smug smile grated on Kalista as she reveled in her triumph.
Kalista sneered back, "What's there to be so proud of? As if you could afford it!"
Nora let out a laugh, "It’s a mere hundred thousand dollars. Do you think I can't pay for it?"
"Do you assume I can't afford it just because you can't?" Kalista's face turned a steely shade of blue as she glared at Nora.
Was Nora actually mocking her?
Grinding her teeth, Kalista retorted, "As if you could afford it? Now that you're divorced from Isaac, you can't use his money. How could you possibly drop a hundred thousand dollars on a dress?"
Nora's voice dripped with sarcasm, "Isaac gave me thirty million dollars. Didn't he tell you?"
Kalista's eyes narrowed, "What? Isaac gave you thirty million dollars? But didn't he say you chose to leave without a penny?"
Could it be that Isaac secretly gave Nora thirty million dollars?
Kalista fumed with anger.
Isaac had never given her that much money at once; why should Nora receive so much?
Nora continued, "Looks like Isaac isn't showering you with generosity. You're not as favored as you believe, unable to even come up with a hundred thousand dollars. If you can't afford it, then I'll gladly take the dress."
Infuriated, Kalista shot back, "Who says I'm broke? I'm taking the dress!"
Nora frowned in annoyance, "Kalista, if you can't afford it, don't fight me over it. There’s no need to make the salesperson run around for nothing."
"I said I have the money! If I claim it, I can afford it!" Kalista insisted through clenched teeth.
She handed her card to the salesperson, "Process my payment now!"
The salesperson accepted the card but cautioned, "I must inform you that once this dress is sold, it cannot be returned."
"Who do you think you're looking down on? I'm not lacking cash. I never return what I buy!" Kalista scoffed, brimming with pride.
Only then did the salesperson proceed to finalize her purchase.
Nora shook her head with a look of regret, "I really loved that dress, and you've snatched it from me again. You truly are formidable."
Hearing Nora concede defeat was the cherry on top for Kalista.
No matter the battle, Nora was destined to be beneath her. She was always one step behind.
Nora feigned disappointment and left.
With her savings now a distant memory, Kalista beamed with victory over Nora, tightly clutching her spoils as she made her exit.
Once Kalista was out of sight, Nora returned to the store.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
