Chapter 55
The sales associate clearly hadn’t expected Pandora to be so blunt. “I’m only trying to help you, you know p>
“If you want to see the new arrivals, go ahead.” She folded her arms and moved to the side, making it obvious she didn’t want to deal with them anymore.
What a terrible attitude.
Claire shot her a look, but the woman didn’t budge.
Pandora barely glanced at the racks before shaking her head. “The fabric is cheap. Let’s go somewhere else p>
Pandora didn’t waste words, and Claire was just as straightforward. She slipped her arm around Pandora’s and led her toward the exit.
But the sales associate couldn’t resist getting in one last dig. “If you can’t afford anything, don’t come in here acting picky. Country bumpkins p>
Claire spun around, her patience gone. “Excuse me? What did you just say p>
The associate shrugged, looking smug. “Did I lie? If you can’t pay, don’t bother shopping. I was nice enough to point you to the sale rack, but you demanded to see the new arrivals p>
“Our brand is well respected, and she has the nerve to say our fabric isn’t good enough p>
“If you don’t have the money, fine, but don’t insult us on your way out p>
She wasn’t exactly shouting, but her voice carried. Other customers started to notice, their attention locked on the brewing drama.
“Wait, isn’t that Claire?” someone whispered nearby. “Did the salesgirl just say she can’t afford a single dress p>
Turns out, a few people in the store actually recognized Claire.
But another girl shook her head. “Weren’t you at the James family’s party? Claire was outed right there. She’s not the real heiress p>
“Seriously? I hadn’t heard!” another girl chimed in.
“It’s all over town. Claire was just pretending to be their daughter. Lance found the real one and kicked her out p>
A small group of girls started whispering and pointing at Claire.
“Who’s that old lady with her? You think that’s her real grandmother p>
“Has to be. Look at how they’re dressed. They actually dared to come shopping here p>
Claire glanced their way, sharp and cold. The girls instantly quieted, shrinking back like they’d been caught doing something wrong.
Clearly, Claire’s reputation still carried some weight.
“Where’s your manager?” Claire asked, scanning the store.
Another salesperson, realizing just how much trouble her coworker had stirred up, hurried over with an awkward smile. “I’m so sorry, miss. My colleague just doesn’t know how to talk to people. Please don’t take it to heart p>
Claire didn’t look away. “You have cameras here, right p>
The second associate winced. “Yes. We do p>
“Good. The footage should show clearly who was being rude. For someone working the floor, she’s acting like she owns the place p>
The second associate could only apologize again. “She’s new. I’m sorry, she’s just not used to the job yet p>
“Being new isn’t an excuse for being rude. How is she supposed to work in sales if she can’t even manage basic manners p>
Claire was determined. “I want to speak to your manager p>
With no way out, the employee pulled out her phone and made the call.
The first associate just rolled her eyes, still looking defiant. “What’s the point? I’m only telling the truth p>
The manager couldn’t believe it.
She’d only been gone for a few
hours and already there was a mess to clean up. Worse, she couldn’t
even fire this associate because her uncle was the mall’s general manager.
Luckily, she was nearby and rushed over, arriving in just ten minutes.
“I’m so sorry, ladies. This was completely our fault. Please accept my apology on her behalf p>
She was clearly trying to smooth things over, but her eyes showed just how powerless she felt.
“Can’t she control her mouth?” Claire
snapped. She.could take t
insults
herself, but no on
a was going to talk
to Pandora like that.
.net>