Chapter 279
Jasper and Rachel turned their heads, both freezing in surprise when they saw Stella standing beside them–neither had noticed her approach.
Stella ignored them, turning instead to the sales associate in front of her. “May I try this on?”
The saleswoman’s eyes brightened, and she replied eagerly, “Of course, ma’am“:
These days, wealth was worn quietly. People no longer judged by appearances alone.
Stella slipped the jade bracelet onto her wrist, examining it with slow, deliberate care.
Jasper, shaken from his shock, quickly recovered and launched into his usual sneer.
“Stella, this isn’t the kind of place someone like you can afford. Trying it on? Aren’t you worried your poverty might rub off on the bracelet? Take it off, now–Rachel’s the one who wants this piece’s
Stella arched a brow. “Didn’t Ms. Pearce just say it was too expensive and she couldn’t afford it? That she didn’t want it anymore?“%
Jasper shot back with a biting laugh. “Please. If we can’t afford it, you–a gold–digger who can’t hold a job and lives off men–think you can? Don’t make me laugh.”
He turned to the saleswoman, gesturing impatiently. “Hey, what are you waiting for? Make her take it off!”
The saleswoman looked at him calmly. “Sir, are you planning to purchase this bracelet?”
Jasper’s breath caught in his throat.
He wanted to say yes. He really did.
But the truth was, it was far too expensive.8
His recent stock market losses had left his bank account painfully thin.
Hard reality forced Jasper to exercise some rare self–restraint.S
“Stella, you leech. Spending Haynie’s money on something this extravagant! You have no shame–if shamelessness were an Olympic sport, you’d take home the gold.”
Jasper made up his mind: if he couldn’t have it, he’d make damn sure Stella couldn’t either.
Aeraised tre voice so everyone could hear. “Ladies and gentlemen, take a good look! Here’s an who hasn’t worked in years and
survives by spending men’s money!“}
“Remember this face, everyone–don’t let yourselves be fooled by a shameless gold–digger like her!”
In an instant, every employee and customer in the store turned to stare
Rachel tugged at Jasper’s arm, feigning concern. “Jasper, if Ms. Cameron likes it so much, why not let her have it?”
“Let her have it?” Jasper shot Stella a scornful look, disgust written all over his face. “If she didn’t have a man, do you really think she could afford it?“%
Stella let out a soft, amused laugh. “It’s mine to begin with. There’s no need for anyone’s permission. Guess I just mamed well.”
She met Jasper’s gaze, her voice cool but unbothered. “Five hundred thousand for a bracelet? I could buy it ten times over. Even if it were five million, I wouldn’t blink.”
“And you, Mr. Wilkinson? Living off less than a housewife. Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
At that, the crowd’s mood shifted. So she was just spending her husband’s money after all–not a homewrecker as they’d assumed.
Rachel and Jasper’s faces turned an ugly shade of red, their humiliation plain to see.
Jasper jabbed an accusing finger at Stella and spat, “Just wait, Stella I’m going straight to Haynie with this. He’ll know exactly you’re up to today.”
what
Stella just smiled. “Mr. Wilkinson, you’re a grown man in your late twenties. Why act like a child on the playground, running to tattle the moment things don’t go your way? Can’t you handle your own problems?*%
“Il you’re so desperate to complain, go ahead. I’ll wait right here.“X
She handed her bank card to the saleswoman. “I’ll take it. Please ring it up.”
The saleswoman received the card with a respectful nod and hurried off to complete the transaction
Watching Stella about to walk away with the bracelet, Jasper lost his composure.
He shouted, frantic, “This jewelry store belongs to The O’Brien Group! Look closely–standing right next to me is Haynie’s one true love. the woman he adores! She’s been all over the news, you know her facelk.
Chapter 280
