CHAPTER 61
"Well, well, Arianna. What a surprise!"
Arianna didn't spare a glance at Piper, as if she were invisible.
Infuriated by Arianna's apparent disregard, Piper brimmed with rage. "Arianna, are you deaf or just plain rude? Can't you hear me speaking to you?"
With a subtle smile, Arianna glanced up, feigning confusion. Instead of responding directly to Piper, she retorted,
"Someone's talking to me? All I hear is the incessant buzz of a bothersome fly near my ear!"
Hearing that, Piper ground her teeth in fury.
"Arianna! How dare you compare me to a fly!"
Arianna didn't hold back, sneering in response.
"I guess I did. Didn't I!"
In truth, Arianna had never encountered someone as despicable as Piper. She knew Piper was no match for her, yet she continued to provoke her.
It was laughable!
Dealing with such a fool was like handling a child's tantrum.
"You dare to mock me?" Piper's hand clenched, her voice seething. "Arianna, today I'll wipe that insolent smirk off your face!"
As Piper's fingers ruthlessly aimed for Arianna's cheek, Arianna prepared to dodge the attack. Yet, just before Piper could strike, a hand swiftly appeared, gripping Piper's arm and halting her in her tracks.
Arianna was taken aback by the intervention, turning to gaze at the unexpected savior.
To her astonishment, Arianna found herself even more puzzled by the sight before her.
It was Violet!
As Piper caught sight of her mother, she too was taken aback. She hadn't anticipated Violet intervening, let alone blocking her attack. Piper's expression shifted to one of aggrieved surprise as she exclaimed,
"Mom, why did you stop me?"
Wasn't her mother supposed to support her in confronting Arianna, that infuriating woman?
In response, Violet scolded Piper sharply,
"Stop causing a scene! I witnessed you initiating the confrontation, and now you want to resort to violence? As a daughter of our esteemed family, this behavior is unacceptable!"
Piper bristled with indignation at her mother's scolding. "Mom! Whose side are you on?" she demanded, her frustration palpable.
Ignoring her daughter's outburst, Violet turned her attention to Arianna, offering a genuine smile of apology.
"Ms. Johnson, I must apologize for Piper's behavior. I fear I may have indulged her too much. Please accept my sincere apologies on her behalf."
Though Arianna had never met Violet personally, she was aware of Violet's esteemed reputation among the upper echelons of society.
Rumors of her impeccable manners, intelligence, and generosity preceded her. Now, as Arianna encountered Violet for the first time, it became apparent that these rumors were indeed true.
Despite the tense situation, Violet's friendly demeanor and sincere apology on Piper's behalf softened Arianna's initial wariness. Moreover, as an elder, Arianna felt compelled to show respect and offered a faint smile in return.
"It's alright," she replied graciously.
Just as Arianna was about to depart, the staff arrived with her herbs, handing them over without incident. After a brief inspection to ensure everything was in order, Arianna expressed her gratitude to the staff before turning to leave.
However, as she stepped towards the exit, a sudden, piercing alarm shattered the calm, startling everyone within earshot.
Amidst the chaos of the blaring alarm, a panicked staff member's voice pierced the air, accusing Arianna of theft.
Reacting swiftly, the store's security guard seized Arianna's hand as she stood near the exit.
"You think you can steal and then make a run for it?" he accused, his grip firm.
"W-what?"
Arianna blinked in disbelief, her mind struggling to process the sudden turn of events.
Accused of theft?
The notion seemed absurd, yet here she was, confronted with the accusation.
Despite the shock, Arianna's conscience remained clear, and she refused to succumb to fear. With a steady resolve, she shook off the guard's grasp and stepped back into the store. Facing the accusing staff member, she demanded,
"What exactly am I being accused of stealing?"
The staff was taken aback by Arianna's composed demeanor, clearly not expecting such a calm and assertive response. After a moment of hesitation, she stammered out her accusation.
"Our... Our store's prized thousand-year ginseng collection," she managed to articulate, her voice trembling slightly.
"It was on the counter moments ago, but disappeared just as you were leaving. If you're not responsible, then who could it be?"
Arianna furrowed her brow, genuinely perplexed by the accusation. The mention of the thousand-year ginseng collection was news to her.
"I didn't even see it, let alone steal it," she asserted firmly, her tone unwavering.
"This is absolutely ridiculous!" Piper interjected with a mocking tone.
"Like any thief would admit to their crime! Of course, you'll deny it," she sneered at Arianna.
Turning to address the staff, Piper suggested confidently,
"Why waste time arguing with the thief? She hasn't left the store yet, so if the thousand-year ginseng is missing, it must still be in her possession. A search will prove it."
"Ms. Schmidt, you make a valid point," the staff member replied, nodding in agreement before exchanging a knowing glance with the security guard.
