Chapter 28 Magdalen Brown
Haley's mocking words still echoed in Pearl's ears as Pearl clenched the coat in her hand, feeling a wave of bitterness. She knew her financial situation couldn't compare to Haley's, but she sincerely wanted to pick out a suitable outfit for Oscar.
"Do you know?" Haley said smugly, "I've already customized a globally limited high-end coat for Oscar. Do you think he would wear this garment you picked out?"
Pearl remained silent, looking down at the coat in her hand. Although it wasn't a designer brand, the quality and style were quite nice. She believed Oscar would like it, or at least appreciate her gesture.
Seeing Pearl's silence, Haley became even more smug. She pointed to the price tag and said, "This costs over fifteen thousand dollars. Can you afford it?"
Pearl took a deep breath, raised her head to meet Haley's eyes. She suddenly remembered the black bank card Oscar had given her last time. Although she had been reluctant to use it, at this moment, she decided to take it out.
Pearl took out the card from her bag and handed it to the cashier, saying calmly, "I want this one."
The cashier took the card, swiped it on the machine, and a successful payment notification sounded. Then, the screen displayed: Available balance of ten million dollars.
Haley widened her eyes, looking at the screen in disbelief. "No way!" she exclaimed, "How could Oscar give you that much money?"
Pearl was also shocked by the number. She had no idea there was so much money in the card, as Oscar had never mentioned it.
As Haley composed herself, a flicker of jealousy and anger flashed in her eyes. She sneered, "I see it now. You must have resorted to some shady tactics to acquire that card, am I right? Pearl, you certainly know how to stage a performance."
Just as Pearl was about to respond, a clear voice abruptly interjected.
"Who said she used underhanded means?"
All heads turned to behold Magdalen Brown standing at the entrance. Adorned in elegant attire, exuding an air of sophistication, her piercing gaze swept across the room.
"Magdalen?" Haley exclaimed in surprise.
Magdalen was Oscar's aunt. She walked into the store gracefully and stood beside Pearl.
"The card in Pearl's hand is indeed from the Brown family," Magdalen said calmly. "It was given to her by Oscar. Any problems with that?"
Haley's face instantly turned stiffen. She hadn't expected Magdalen to show up suddenly, let alone speak up for Pearl.
Magdalen turned to Haley, a hint of mockery in her eyes. "As for you, Haley, you are not worthy of being part of the Brown family, let alone spending the Brown family's money."
Those words hit Haley's pride like a heavy hammer. Her face turned pale, her lips trembling, unable to retort.
Pearl stood by, astonished by everything happening. She hadn't expected Magdalen to defend her like this, feeling a warm sense of gratitude in her heart.
Magdalen continued, "Pearl is Oscar's wife, she has the right to use the Brown family's assets. And you, Haley, are just an outsider. What right do you have to act so arrogantly here?"
Haley was stung by Magdalen's words, a flash of anger in her eyes. But she knew Magdalen was deliberately distancing herself from Haley and Oscar.
"I'm just concerned about Oscar," Haley tried to defend herself.
Magdalen chuckled coldly, "What? You're only concerned about yourself. You better give up, Oscar is already married. No matter how you try to ensnare him, it's futile. Remember, you're a public figure; you should be mindful of your actions. Just because I don't say anything doesn't mean I agree. I'm not like Hathaway, letting you do as you please!"
Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Haley staggered away, supported by her assistant Mae Robinson.
Magdalen watched Haley's embarrassed departure, a cold smile playing on her lips.
The store fell into silence for a moment. Pearl stood still, unsure of what to say.
Magdalen turned to Pearl, her expression softening. "Pearl, don't mind what Haley said. Whatever outfit you buy for Oscar, he will like it."
Pearl looked at Magdalen gratefully and said softly, "Thank you, Magdalen."
Magdalen smiled and said, "Never mind. You are Oscar's wife, so I naturally have to support you. Besides, the card Oscar gave you, you can use it at will, without caring about others' opinions."
Pearl nodded, feeling a warm surge in her heart.
Magdalen looked at the coat in her hand and praised, "This outfit is quite nice, I believe Oscar will like it. Don't let Haley get to you. Let's go, I'll take you somewhere."
Pearl's long-lost smile reappeared as she followed Magdalen out of the store. The sunlight bathed them, warm and bright.