CHAPTER 26
In their social circles, many debutantes frequented this particular shop. The thought of becoming the subject of gossip and ridicule among their elite peers filled Piper with dread.
Determined to prevent such humiliation, she resolved to take control of the situation.
Piper's expression darkened instantly, her tone turning icy as she addressed Ronald.
“Mr. Crawford, I'm afraid your assistance won't be necessary today. Xander needs to be present. If he doesn't show up, neither will I.”
With that, she adopted a dismissive expression, silently conveying her message of 'handle it yourself.' Then, with an air of arrogance, she pivoted on her heel and swept back into the VIP room.
Ronald furrowed his brow.
Piper's behavior was both rude and unreasonable. It wasn't the first time Xander had tasked him with handling her trivial issues.
As an executive assistant with a prestigious education from Harvard University, Ronald found it demeaning to deal with such matters. What's more, Piper's lack of respect only added to his irritation.
In that moment, Ronald felt a surge of anger at her attitude.
He couldn't help but wonder what else could possibly challenge him, a seasoned executive assistant with an Ivy League background.
Ronald approached the manager with purpose, inquiring, "Where is the bracelet?"
The manager quickly retrieved the bracelet, presenting it to Ronald with a polite gesture.
"Mr. Crawford, this is the bracelet."
Ronald's initial disapproval melted away as he inspected the bracelet. His expression shifted to one of surprise as he examined it more closely before carefully returning it to its box.
It appeared that the assertive woman was correct. This was not a matter he could easily dismiss.
With a determined nod, Ronald reached for his phone and dialed Xander's number.
After ending the call, Ronald made his way into the VIP room and approached Piper.
"Ms. Piper, Mr. King is on his way," he informed her.
Piper's smile widened. "Excellent!"
She was confident that Xander loves her. As a result, he would not tolerate her grievances
However, once he arrived, she wasn't content with simply dismissing the manager—she wanted to see the entire staff held accountable for their actions!
Despite the initial calm, Ronald's announcement reignited a sense of unease among the staff.
Xander arrived at the shop not long after, his presence commanding attention as he strode in. With a tall, slender frame and a distinguished countenance, his angular jawline only added to his allure, drawing the gaze of everyone in the room.
Piper's heart skipped a beat as she watched him enter, her elation evident as she hurried toward him. With an air of innocence, she approached Xander, feigning a sense of grievance and pouting subtly.
"Xander, you're finally here. I only wanted a jade bracelet, but the manager refused to sell it to me. He even had the audacity to suggest I didn't deserve it. You have to help me."
Xander cast a cool, indifferent gaze at Piper before turning his attention to Ronald.
With a knowing nod, Ronald handed the box containing the jade bracelet to Xander. "Mr. King, please have a look."
At a single glance, Xander recognized the bracelet. It was a family heirloom, passed down from his grandmother to Arianna upon her marriage into the family.
Xander's brow furrowed in concern as he observed the jade bracelet, his expression darkening with worry, sending a ripple of anxiety through the room.
Piper's heart raced as she watched Xander's reaction, her gaze filled with admiration and affection for him. She knew that with him by her side, she was untouchable.
Surprisingly, Xander's first question wasn't an outburst of anger or accusation. Instead, he calmly inquired,
"Where did you acquire this jade bracelet?"
The manager braced himself, expecting a harsh reprimand from Xander.
So, when Xander's question was one of impatience rather than anger, the manager was taken aback.
"Out with it!" Xander ordered, his tone impatient.
The manager snapped to attention, his fear momentarily overridden by Xander's commanding presence. Despite his confusion, he answered truthfully,
"Mr. King, Ms. Arianna Johnson pawned the jade bracelet."
