Chapter 30
Ophelia hesitated, glancing uncertainly at Hailey. “Miss, I’m new here and don’t have much experience. Maybe I should get another associate to help you?”
Hailey smiled warmly. “No need. You can just help me pack everything up–no introductions necessary.
Relieved, Ophelia nodded. “Of course. What would you like to purchase?”
Hailey pointed to a few items.
Ophelia’s breath hitched.
Ajade bracelet–over 300 thousand dollars. A pair of earrings–half that. Add in several gold and gemstone pieces, all stunningly expensive.
A rough estimate put the total at around a million dollars.
Ophelia stole another glance at the calm, composed Hailey in front of her. There was no doubt about it–she was dealing with someone truly wealthy.
She snapped into action, carefully packing each piece, making sure not to mishandle anything.
Nearly half an hour later, she wiped the sweat from her brow, the last item finally secured.
It was time to pay.
From the corner, Amara had been watching the entire transaction. The moment Hailey pulled out a black card, her eyes widened in alarm.
Not just any credit card, but one reserved for the wealthiest, most elite clientele.
Amara thought, ‘She has a black card!‘
Ophelia had never seen one in person before. As she took it with both hands carefully, she suddenly understood–this wasn’t just a rich customer. This was someone with serious status.
She swiped the card, half expecting an error message. It went through smoothly.
As Ophelia processed the transaction, Richard stepped forward, taking the bags without needing to be asked.
Then, Owen finally entered the store. Tall, sharply dressed, and strikingly handsome, he commanded immediate attention.
After watching for a while, Owen finally understood what was going on.
He had been waiting at the entrance, watching Hailey handle the purchase on her own.
Though he already knew she came from an impressive background, seeing her casually use a black card still surprised him.
‘Interesting,‘ he mused. ‘She’s even more intriguing than I thought!‘
Once Hailey finished, Owen walked over.
Meanwhile, Amara was still frozen in disbelief, realizing what she had just lost–a chance at a massive commission.
Owen pulled out his phone and made a call.
Hearing her name mentioned, Amara stiffened and turned toward Owen.
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Chapter 30
His voice was cold, clipped. “You hired someone as short–sighted as Amara to be a sales associate? Are you actively trying to ruin the brand’s reputation?
“If you don’t belong here, there are plenty of others who can take your place”
With that, he hung up.
The sheer authority in his words sent chills down everyone’s spine.
Moments later, Amara’s phone rang. She answered, only to hear the store manager’s furious voice, “Do you have any idea who you just disrespected?
“That’s Owen Calhoun, CEO of the Calhoun Group! Our boss! You just made a mistake that could cost you everything”
Amara’s face went pale. “Manager, please! I can’t afford to lose this job–just give me another chance!”
Amara was stunned. The blood drained from her face.
She never imagined that someone connected to the CEO would be wearing such a cheap dress.
The women who usually shopped here were draped in luxury, their outfits easily worth more than 100 thousand dollars.
Desperate, she turned to Hailey and fell to her knees. “Miss, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know who you were. Please, I beg you- don’t let me lose my job!”
Before she could get any closer, Owen stepped in, shielding Hailey with his arm.
Hailey’s voice was cool. “If you truly needed this job, you should have treated all your customers with respect–not just the ones who looked the part.”
Owen smirked. “She’s right.”
This was why she intrigued him. Hailey wasn’t the type to be easily manipulated by a few tears. She had a spine–a presence that demanded respect.
“Let’s go,” Hailey said, glancing at the time. “It’s getting late.”
Owen’s voice softened. “Alright.”
She noticed the change in his tone.
They left the mall and then stepped into the car.
It was already six in the evening. Hailey glanced at the trunk, suddenly realizing she might have gone a bit overboard.
There was no way she’d be able to wear all of this. And she’d heard that Penelope wasn’t fond of extravagant gifts. If she gave her too much, Penelope might see her as wasteful.
“If you don’t know what to do with everything,” Owen said, “I can handle it for you.”
She studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Thanks.”
His lips quirked. “It’s nothing.”
Soon, they arrived at the Calhoun estate.
Owen leaned in slightly as they approached the entrance. “It’s just a small family dinner. Nothing to be nervous about.”
Hailey swallowed. That’s exactly what makes it worse.
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Chapter 30
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Inside, the estate was already bustling. Relatives from different branches of the family filled the room, chatting and laughing.
Owen was the heir to the Calhoun family. His parents had died in an accident when he was just three, leaving him to be raised by Penelope.
Despite the vast Calhoun family, everyone knew the truth–Owen was Penelope’s favorite.
And he had proven himself worthy of that status, leading the Calhoun Group to even greater heights. Even those who had once opposed him as the family’s successor had long since fallen silent.
“Ah, Owen, you’re finally here! Your grandmother has been waiting,” a woman greeted warmly as she approached.
“Come here, my boy,” Penelope called from her seat at the grand wooden table.
She was an elegant woman, her silver hair neatly combed, her deep violet gown exuding grace and power.
Owen led Hailey toward Penelope.
Though Penelope had called for Owen, her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Hailey.
Hailey was stunning, dressed in an understated white dress that accentuated her natural beauty.
She carried herself with quiet confidence–not arrogant, not coquettish, but with a dignity that couldn’t be faked.
In that instant, Penelope liked her.
“Not bad,” she said approvingly. “What’s your name, dear?”
Hailey offered a polite smile. “My name is Hailey.”
“Hailey,” Penelope repeated, smiling. “Good. Come sit next to me.”
Hailey had barely taken her seat when Juno Calhoun behind them suddenly spoke up, her tone dripping with passive- aggression. “Well, well, so this is Owen’s girlfriend. A Dalton? Would she happen to be that second daughter who just came back recently?”
Hailey had no idea who this woman was, so she wisely kept silent.
Owen’s voice was steady but firm. “Hailey, let me introduce you. This is my aunt, Juno. Over here are my uncle, his wife, and a few of my cousins.”
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