At that moment a slow, chilling silence settled in the air.
Valentina turned her gaze sharply toward the staff, her expression hardening.
"Excuse me?"
The staff hesitated but quickly stood her ground.
"Miss Victoria is one of our most valued customers," she explained again, her voice unwavering.
"She has purchased from us many times before, and she—"
"—Came in after me," Valentina cut in, her tone dangerously calm.
"And yet, you're telling me that despite selecting these items first, you're refusing to sell them to me? Based on what? Favoritism?" She scoffed.
"What kind of establishment is this?"
At that moment Victoria let out a mocking laugh.
"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Valentina. It's simple. I want it, so I get it." She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"That's just how the world works. And I always get what I want."
Valentina lifted her chin, her gaze sharp as glass.
"Then I dare you to try."
