Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Tina promptly apologized, saying, “I’m truly sorry for the confusion. However, considering Ms. Monalize’s VIP status with Vior, she is entitled to reserve her seat.”
Upon hearing the term “VIP,” Sharon suddenly remembered that Monalize was a VIP member of Vior.
As Sharon observed Monalize’s features, which bore a striking resemblance to Mia’s, she was abruptly reminded of a time four years ago when Mia’s family had arrogantly flaunted their VIP membership card.
Sharon couldn’t help but feel uneasy at the memory. Was possessing a VIP membership card really that impressive?
Observing the situation at a standstill, Katie Turner, the event manager, hurried over and apologized, saying, “I’m sincerely sorry. It appears that our staff have caused significant inconvenience to our VIP guests.”
Shelly boasted, “But we’re VIP members. According to Vior’s rules, we’re entitled to priority treatment. How do you intend to resolve this? Surely you can’t expect VIP guests to sit in those adjacent seats, can you?”
Nonetheless, Luna refused to back down. Why should Monalize, simply due to her VIP status, claim her seat?
Addressing Katie, Luna asserted, “This isn’t our fault; it’s your staff’s error. You can’t hold us accountable for it.
“Are you deliberately trying to drive away the mother of the Barrett Group’s CEO? You wouldn’t want to go out of business in Bern City, would you?”
Katie nodded in agreement. “This young lady is correct. Fortunately, I’ve just freed up a seat in the center over there.
“Mrs. Barrett, that’s where you typically prefer to sit, and some of your old acquaintances are already there.”
Despite her initial resistance, Sharon had little choice but to comply. She didn’t want to face embarrassment, especially since she wasn’t a VIP
member.
With reluctance, Sharon conceded, “Very well, sitting here isn’t all that important anyway. I’ll go catch up with some old friends.”
At that instant, Shelly glanced at Luna and mocked, “Oh, my, there’s only one seat left in the middle over there; it’s barely enough for one person. Why don’t you squeeze in with Aunt Sharon?”
Luna’s expression immediately stiffened, a flicker of discomfort crossing her eyes. She could only turn to Sharon, seeking assistance.
Sharon addressed Katie, “How come there’s only one seat? She came with me.”
“I apologize, Mrs. Barrett. Nearly all the guests have arrived today, and there are no spare seats. If you request two invitations in advance next time, we’ll reserve two seats in the center for you.”
Katie responded tactfully, leaving Sharon with no room to object. She could. only concede, “Then please check for any available seats nearby and arrange one for her.”
“Of course, that’s not a problem.”
Rising from her seat, Sharon headed directly toward the center seats opposite.
Meanwhile, Luna remained standing in place, feeling utterly embarrassed.
Shelly clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Luna, if you end up without a seat would you like to share with me?”
Who allowed Luna, this bitch, to be so arrogant just now?
Luna’s expression darkened, and she clutched her handbag tightly. “No, thank you.”
Katie glanced at Luna as she inquired, “Miss, do you have a Vior membership card?”
Flushed with embarrassment, Luna quickly responded in a subdued voice,
No.”
¦°
Katie felt slightly awkward as she said, “Miss, based on the regulations, as a non¨Cmember, you’re not permitted to attend this show.”
Instantly, Luna’s face drained of color. She had never felt so humiliated in her life.
“Luna, you’re wearing the latest dress from Vior, but you’re not a member. Did you perhaps borrow this outfit?”
Mia couldn’t resist stealing a curious glance at Luna. Indeed, Luna was adorned in the latest Vior dress, perfectly complementing her cunning demeanor.
Shelly seemed to have hit the mark. Had Luna borrowed the dress?
After all, only Vior members had access to Vior products!
Taking a deep breath, Luna responded, “Shelly, it’s true that I’m not as affluent as the rest of you. I usually don’t pay much attention to designer labels.
“However, since I’m accompanying Mrs. Barrett here, my friend was concerned that I might face judgment.
“That’s why they lent me this dress. But it’s just a garment. Whether it’s designer or not, it doesn’t hold much significance to me.”
lly was left momentarily speechless by Luna’s retort. However, deep down, a hint of unease gnawed at her, as if she had been slighted.
Mia’s lips curled into a cold smile as she spoke, “Ms. Maynard, it seems. your words don’t align with your actions.
“If you truly don’t care about brands, why did you choose to wear your friend’s dress? You could have declined, but you chose to wear it, didn’t you?
Shelly quickly caught on, “Exactly. When we were searching for seats.
earlier, Luna, you came off as rather arrogant, didn’t you?
“You even ridiculed Monalize for her inexperience in attending shows and understanding the protocols here.
“Aren’t you someone who doesn’t prioritize money? Why the sudden change in attitude now?”
Keeping her anger in check, Luna calmly responded, “You’re entitled to your opinions.”
Mia’s smile widened, “Shelly, did you notice that? Perhaps we should learn a thing or two from Ms. Maynard about being thrifty. Despite the obvious wear and tear, she’s still strutting around in that designer dress.”
Mia couldn’t bear Luna’s act of pretending not to care about money, especially when it was obvious that Luna was materialistic.
Had Luna shown more openness and generosity, Mia might have viewed her differently. However, due to Luna’s current behavior, Mia saw her as hypocritical and pretentious.
“She’s just too financially strapped to afford new clothes, yet she acts all superior. If she’s truly capable, why doesn’t she just part ways with the Barrett family? She remains for financial reasons but puts on a fa?ade of nobility!”
Shelly candidly exposed Luna’s true character.
quivered with anger, sensing the judgmental stares of those around her, seemingly ridiculing her.
To alleviate the tension, Katie promptly turned to Luna and said, “Miss, as a friend of Mrs. Barrett, there’s another seat available over there. Allow me to escort you.”
Luna pridefully followed Katie forward, only to be directed to a small, cramped seat in the far corner of the last row. Her expression instantly ¡®soured.
Clearing her throat, Katie apologized, “I’m sorry, but it’s a full house today, so no extra seats are available.”
With that, Katie strolled away. Women vying for better seats had become a regular occurrence, and there was simply no need to acknowledge them.
Luna’s gaze lingered on the cramped corner seat, reflecting her frustration at the confined space. Despite her irritation, she composed herself and reluctantly settled into it.
Given all the effort she put into getting there, she wouldn’t be so easily brought down by these petty taunts.
Once seated, she retrieved her phone and took numerous photos of the venue, intending to post them later to enhance her image on social media.
Luna couldn’t help stealing a glance at Mia and Shelly, who were seated in the front row.
She knew that in the future, everything within the Barrett family would inevitably become Asher’s possession.
When that day arrived, she vowed to settle the score for today’s humiliation, ensuring that those who had looked down on her would learn a valuable lesson.
An hour later, the fashion show concluded.
While Mia found the show somewhat boring, Shelly was enthusiastic. ” Monalize, did you spot any clothes or shoes you liked? I can help you reserve them. It’s best to act fast before the others snatch them up.”
didn’t spot anything I fancied. You can reserve something for yourself. I’m off to the restroom,” Mia replied nonchalantly, standing up and making her way to the restroom.
As Mia exited the stall, she noticed Luna emerging from the side. Raising an eyebrow, Mia remarked, “Ms. Maynard, I thought you had left.”
“Why would I leave?” Luna retorted sharply.
“Well, considering your lack of interest in luxury items and your placement in the farthest seat, I assumed you might find such humiliation unbearable.. It seems you’re being hypocritical, Ms. Maynard.”
Nonetheless, Mia had expected Luna to stay. A woman of Luna’s caliber certainly wouldn’t miss an opportunity like this.
After Luna finished washing her hands, she intentionally splashed some water in Mia’s direction, her expression stern. “Don’t think you’re so noble. You’re simply born into privilege.”
As Mia glanced at the water stains on her white shirt, her demeanor turned cold. “Was that intentional?”
“Tsk tsk, I apologize; it truly wasn’t on purpose,” Luna said insincerely.
Despite her words, it was evident that Luna’s actions had been deliberate. With a fake smile, she then departed.
Mia casually called out to her, “Hey, wait a moment.”
Luna stopped in her tracks, turning back with a forced smile. “Yes? I already said it wasn’t intentional. What more do you want?”
Without hesitation, Mia kicked the cleaner’s mop bucket, causing all the water to splash onto Luna’s skirt.
Luna’s skirt instantly became drenched, and she cried out in distress, What are you doing? Do you realize how expensive this skirt is?”
She quickly took out some tissues to dry it, only to be met with the unpleasant odor of the dirty water. Instantly, her anger flared, her eyes flashing with rage.