Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“What about that one?”
“That’s a sample. It’s been pre-ordered by three customers already. You’d have to wait three months.”
“Gladys never made me wait, not even for a day.”
“That was then.”Amy’s words left Serena seething. What, she wasn’t the Collins family’s darling anymore, and now even a lowly sales associate dared to step on her?
The sales associate at RY ignored her, and now this SHINING STAR clerk dared treat her this way?
“Do you believe I can have you fired from here?”
“Is this the real Serena?”
Amy’s remark caused many in the store to turn and stare at Serena.
“Serena? Isn’t she the fake heiress who was kicked to the curb by the Collins family? Oh wait, Serena.”
“That looks like her. Why is she in a wheelchair? Did she commit so many wrongs that the Collins family broke her legs?”
“If that’s true, then she must have done something truly monstrous. Good riddance!”
“Didn’t Louisa say in the livestream yesterday that this person is ungrateful and oblivious, given countless chances and still never correcting her mistakes, repeatedly harming Mirabella.”
“How does she have the nerve to go shopping?”
“Thinking a hat and sunglasses would make her unrecognizable?”
“Dressed like that, she must know she’s done wrong.”
Hearing the whispers around her, Serena felt increasingly mortified.
She had wanted to splurge today, to vent her frustrations, but she hadn’t anticipated such a wretched experience.
“Dora, let’s get out of here.”
Even though Dora knew they were being unreasonably snubbed, the mall was buzzing with chatter and, to avoid any further negative attention that might tarnish Serena’s already fragile reputation, she pushed the wheelchair away without speaking further.
As they passed by an upscale handbag boutique, a stylishly dressed middle-aged woman was just stepping out, swinging two shopping bags from her recent spree.
“Mrs. Bright?” Serena caught sight of her and instinctively called out.
Over the years, Mrs. Bright’s family business had flourished thanks to the benevolence of the Collins family, so she frequently showed up at their doorstep with expensive gifts as a token of gratitude.
During occasions like Christmas, Mrs. Bright would go the extra mile to present Serena with two designer handbags, each starting at a value of $200,000, all in the hopes that Serena would put in a good word for the Brights with Kenneth and Louisa.
Nicola, who had just made a purchase at the fashion boutique, glanced in their direction. Despite the hat and sunglasses disguising the girl in the wheelchair, she recognized Serena’s figure and voice.
Without pausing or even acknowledging the greeting, Nicola shifted her gaze and continued on her way, acting as if nothing had happened.
“Who was that? She clearly saw you saying ‘hello’ but ignored you. I wonder where she’s rushing off to with such bad manners!”
Serena let out a cold laugh. Now that Mirabella was the Collins family’s darling, Mrs. Bright was obviously too busy sucking up to the new favorite to bother with someone from the past.”Dora, let’s just go home.” Serena had lost all interest in shopping.
“Serena, we’re already here, why not treat yourself a little? After all, it was what Mr. Cooper would have wanted.”
Persuaded by Dora, Serena considered browsing a little more, but as they neared a watch boutique, a loud voice erupted from within.
“Show me the best and most expensive ladies’ watches you have. I’m here to buy a gift.”
That voice was…
Serena looked inside and, sure enough, it was her Aunt Rachel!
Rachel’s voice was always booming, filled with confidence and authority, and her manner exuded command – a woman clearly accustomed to being in charge.
“Listen up,” she announced to the clerks, “the person I’m buying for today has seen every imaginable luxury, so you’d best bring out the crown jewel of your collection! Don’t worry about the price; what matters most is rarity and exclusivity.”
Perhaps because of the arrival of such an esteemed customer, a clerk hurried to close the shop, and upon seeing Dora with the wheelchair-bound Serena at the entrance, mistook them for customers and apologized in a hushed tone, “I’m sorry, but we’re closing up.”
The doors shut swiftly before them.
“What’s going on with these stores today? Either they ignore people or they’re too busy catering to the VIPs.”Serena seemed unfazed as she explained, “Do you know why the woman inside wanted the best and most expensive watch?”
Dora shook her head.
Dora’s eyes widened as the penny dropped.
“So, the woman buying the watch inside, you know her?”
“I did call her ‘Rachel’ just now.” Reаd at Realization dawned on Dora.
Dora nodded, “All right, I’ll wheel you over to the elevator.”
As they stood by for the elevator in the lobby, a well-dressed lady emerged from a nearby boutique perfumery, also intending to catch the elevator.
Catching sight of Serena in her wheelchair, she scrutinized her for a moment, then uttered with a hint of uncertainty, “Serena?”
“Octavia.” Serena hadn’t expected an acquaintance from the Collins circle to acknowledge her.
She was the only person who had deigned to greet her all day!
Ever since Octavia’s family business started associating with the Collinses, they had risen the social ladder. She was deeply indebted to the Collins family, making visits and bringing gifts every holiday season, even treating Serena with presents.
Serena used to adore Octavia, who never held back her compliments, making her feel on top of the world.
“Is it really you?”
Octavia took in Serena’s current state, recalling the previous night’s banquet where Louisa had branded her an ingrate. Her expression grew instantly icy.
“Now that you’re no longer the true blood of the Collins family, I’d like you to return all the gifts I’ve given you over the years.”
Not just Serena, but Dora was taken aback. What? Gifts that were given could be reclaimed?
“The gifts were for the Collins’ heiress. Since that’s not you, I’d like them returned.”Octavia’s words left Serena mortified, struggling to believe that the same woman who used to lavish her with gifts and affection would make such an impertinent request in public.
Serena struggled to maintain her composure, “I recall the gifts you gave me were not particularly valuable.”
“They were still bought with my hard-earned money. Twelve bottles of perfume, forty-two lipsticks, four pairs of high-end shoes, two luxury handbags, it all adds up to around fifty thousand.”
“How could you?”
Dora was seething, but before she could speak up, Serena handed her a card, “Dora, go to the bank nearby and withdraw the amount for me.”
“Serena?”
“Just go.”
Despite her outrage, Dora was primarily worried for Serena, “Wait here for me, I’ll be back as quick as I can.”
With that, she shot Octavia a contemptuous glance, positioned the wheelchair aside, and took the elevator downstairs.
Back in the lobby.Serena sat stone-faced, “Octavia, today you’ve shown me the essence of opportunism.”
“Do you think by doing this, the Collins will recognize your loyalty? That they’ll offer your family more chances?”
“You’re mistaken. I won’t use exploit this situation for personal gain from the Collins family. They’ve already elevated my social status. All I should do is show my gratitude. The Collins family invested years hiring tutors for you, teaching you so much, and yet you turned out this way. It just goes to show, some people are just born bad, ungrateful to the core!”
Serena’s anger flared, and she looked intently at the woman before her.
If she weren’t restricted by her wheelchair, she might have given her a slap!
Serena’s glare was so intense it seemed her eyeballs were on the verge of popping out of their sockets.
“If it weren’t for your stupidity, you’d be the one lounging on the Collins family’s plush sofa right now, enjoying the comfort of family, living the high life with designer clothing and gourmet food. If I were you, I would have cozied up to Mirabella the moment she stepped back into this place. Not for anything else, but simply because she’s better than me, and worth learning from.”
Serena let out a cold laugh, “She won’t befriend just anyone. You don’t know her at all.”
“Really?” Octavia skeptically didn’t buy it, her smile widening, “At yesterday’s live stream, her friends occupied several tables. I guess it’s only you who can’t reconcile with the idea that someone’s outshining you, who can’t bear to see someone doing better, who refuses to make friends with the top dogs.”
Serena was fuming with humiliation and anger.
Just then, a sneering voice drifted over.
“Octavia, why waste your breath on a lost cause?”
Hearing that voice, Serena had a sinking feeling.
Alma and her entourage, laden with shopping bags, were heading their way. Upon spotting Serena, their faces twisted into smug smirks.
“Alma, are you out shopping too?” Octavia turned and her expression softened instantly.
“It’s the holiday season, how could I not pick up a little something for my Bella?” Alma approached Serena, looking down on her with disdain, “What happened to the high-and-mighty girl of yesteryear?How did you end up like this?”