Chapter 207
“Wait.”
The voice echoed through the boutique, sweet but somehow sharp enough to send a chill through the air. Everyone stopped and turned to look.
At the entrance stood a tall woman, graceful and poised. She wore a crisp white Hermes suit from the latest collection, black heels that clicked with authority, and a designer clutch in her hand. She looked like she was in her early thirties, though she had to be in her forties, her features elegant and her presence magnetic.
People in the store stared, clearly taken aback. Who was she? Why hadn’t they seen her before?
Charlotte recognized her in an instant. A small, knowing smile played on her lips. Her uncle definitely had good taste.
“Ma’am, can I help you?” The sales associate’s question was careful and polite. Anyone could tell this woman wasn’t just another customer.
Samantha stopped, her cool, striking face lifted slightly, eyes full of confidence. When her gaze landed on Charlotte, the icy look softened, turning into genuine surprise and warmth. Charlotte had grown up, and she looked so much like Nora.
Samantha gave Charlotte a gentle smile, then turned her attention to the family across from her. Her red lips curved into a colder line. “You’re the chairman of Main Group, aren’t you?”
Steven immediately stepped forward, hand outstretched. “Yes, I’m Steven Main. And you are The way she carried herself, she had to be someone important. Steven didn’t dare act carelessly.
“I’m Samantha Charles.”
She glanced at his offered hand but didn’t take it.
“Samantha? That name rings a bell,” one of the sales associates whispered to another.
“Charlotte, I think I know who she is,” Shirley whispered, excitement flashing in her eyes as she leaned in. “Isn’t she Kenneth’s mom?” Shirley had done her homework on Kenneth before and recognized Samantha from a photo. She never imagined she’d see her in person. With a son as handsome as Kenneth, of course his mom would be impressive.
Realization dawned on Steven. Samantha was Mrs. Gates, from the powerful Charles family in real estate, and more than that, she
owned the country’s biggestel
mall chain. This very SKC was her brainchild, a name every socialite knew. Any one of her titles could put the entire Main family to shame.
Steven quickly adjusted his attitude, suddenly more respectful and humble. “Mrs. Gates, it’s an honor to meet you.”
He kept his hand out, his face stretched into a flattering smile. Samantha just stared at him, lips barely curved, her eyes blank with dislike Nora had always been brilliant, except when it came to picking men. Of all the men in the world, she ended up with this loser. He bullied his own daughter for someone who wasn’t even related to him by blood. Even animals wouldn’t do something so heartless.
Steven felt her icy stare and awkwardly pulled his hand back. He was sure he’d never done anything to offend Samantha Gates before.
“I heard arguing from outside. What happened?” Samantha asked.
Steven forced a smile. “Just disciplining my disobedient daughter, sorry to cause a scene.” He shot a cold look at Charlotte. “Why are you still standing here? Stop embarrassing yourself and get out.”