CHAPTER 25
Piper picked up the jade bracelet and admired its beauty under the light. The quality was exceptional, and the rich, vibrant color indicated it was of the highest grade. Piper recognized its value at first glance.
"You claim you're not being careless, yet you didn't even show me this exquisite jade bracelet!" she scolded the manager sharply.
"I want this jade bracelet. Pack it up for me immediately!"
The manager took a closer look at the jade bracelet and frowned.
"Ms. Piper, there's a bit of a complication. This particular jade bracelet isn't part of our collection. Someone pawned it here and is expected to return for it. As a result, we can't sell it."
Initially, Piper had come to the jewelry shop to lift her spirits, as she had been in a foul mood. However, just as she finally found something she truly liked, she was told she couldn’t buy it.
Having been spoiled since childhood, Piper was accustomed to getting whatever she desired. The manager’s refusal infuriated her, and she let out an indignant snort.
“I must have this jade bracelet. Just name your price!”
"Ms....I...I...."
In Piper’s mind, the manager's hesitation was simply a tactic to drive up the cost, and she was determined not to be deterred.
Unexpectedly, the manager responded, “Ms. Piper, this is not a decision I can change. I genuinely don’t have the authority to sell it to you.”
Being turned down once again, Piper slammed her hand on the table in frustration and pointed a finger at the manager’s face.
“Hey, don’t forget that this store is part of the King Group! Do you have any idea about my relationship with Xander? With just one phone call, I could end your career in this business!”
The manager remained composed and unflustered.
“Ms. Piper, I’m unaware of your connection with Mr. King, but I have to follow the store’s protocols. I’m truly sorry, but my hands are tied.”
His words sent Piper into a rage. She had been with Xander for two years, yet no one seemed to take her seriously. Determined to make her relationship with Xander known to everyone that day, she decided to take action.
“What arrogance! Just you wait and see!” Piper snapped. She shot the manager a withering glare, pulled out her phone, and called Xander.
When Xander answered her call, Piper’s arrogant expression instantly softened into one of distress. Her menacing tone transformed into a tender sob as she whimpered,
“Xander, someone’s being mean to me…”
She then proceeded to exaggerate the details of what had transpired, making herself out to be the victim.
The manager watched in astonishment, unable to believe the dramatic shift. It was a pity, he thought, that Piper hadn’t pursued a career in acting—her performance was nothing short of impressive.
After hanging up the call, Piper flashed a triumphant smile.
“Xander will be here shortly. Get ready to lose your job!” she declared confidently.
Then, she delicately picked up the flower tea and took a sip, maintaining an air of confidence.
Observing her self-assured demeanor, the manager's anxiety heightened. Piper and Xander were in different leagues altogether. If Xander were to actually arrive because of Piper's call, it could spell the end of the manager's career.
About an hour later, a impeccably dressed man entered the room with confidence radiating from his every step.
Piper quickly set down the magazine she had been flipping through and retrieved her powder and lipstick from her purse, swiftly touching up her makeup. With practiced ease, she adjusted her clothes, accentuating her impressive figure.
Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she rose gracefully and made her way out of the room with a warm smile on her face.
"Xander..." she began, her voice trailing off as she laid eyes on the man who had entered.
However, it wasn't Xander, but Xander's executive assistant, Ronald Crawford .
Piper's smile faltered, and she asked, "Why are you here?"
Ronald adjusted his glasses on his nose and spoke in a formal tone,
“Ms. Piper, Mr. King is occupied at the moment. Allow me to address your concerns.”
Piper had hoped to see Xander walk through the door, a visible sign of their relationship's strength.
However, it seemed Xander had sent his assistant instead. Would this not diminish her credibility in the eyes of the others?
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the manager and salesperson exchanging amused glances, which only fueled her frustration.
