Chapter 0014
Janet’s Point of View
“What the hell are you doing here?” Claire’s voice came again, sharper this time, as she walked up close to
I didn’t answer. I didn’t even look at her. Not because I was scared, but because I didn’t want drama at all- not at the moment. I still had a big day ahead, so I couldn’t afford her to ruin my mood.
I was only at the mall because Tracy wanted us to shop before going for the interview. If it were left to me, I’d have gone straight to the interview. I didn’t want anything to do with any of the Thayers’ family.
“Janet, I’m talking to you,” Claire snapped. “Aren’t you supposed to be at home?”
–
I took a breath in as I slowly moved my cart beside me. I kept my lips sealed. Tracy left a few minutes ago to take a call. I wouldn’t want her to witness this. So I tried very much to avoid their drama. But of course, Claire wanted more-more especially Flora. The damage she did last time seemed not to be enough for her.
“She probably came to shop,” Flora said in her soft, fragile voice. She turned to me, putting on her fake sad smile. “You can join us to shop, since you’re already here.”
I didn’t even blink. I knew that fragile voice-like she wanted to break. That fake tone, as if she cared. But I knew what she was. I already knew her game. She played weak and innocent at the same time, but every word was a trap. Every look was a weapon.
“No, thanks,” I said, pushing my cart forward. “As you can see, I’m about to pay for my goods and leave. Enjoy your shopping.
Claire stepped in front of my cart, blocking me. “Don’t tell me you bought all this with Rowan’s money.”
I looked at her slowly, my lips pressed. I was calm and steady. Why is it the whole Thayers think it’s all about their money? I thought before I replied, “Last time I checked, I’m still Rowan’s wife. Spending his money is also my duty.” I didn’t want to spill the tea that I’m getting divorced from Rowan. It’s not like I’m ashamed of it, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to break it to her yet.
I looked at Flora as I saw some kind of jealousy on her face when I said I’m still married to Rowan. A flicker of something sharp. But she flipped it just as she used to and plastered her fake smile.
“That doesn’t give you the right to shop like a spoiled brat,” Claire hissed. “I really wonder what my brother saw in you. You cling like a leech.” Claire’s mouth twisted.
I didn’t even move, neither did I blink. Whatever they think Rowan sees in me is nothing. It’s not like he loved me the way I loved him. And moreover, I’m divorcing him soon. It will soon be over.
“Did you seriously get the Emerald Enchantment limited edition?” Flora asked, her tone sweet and mocking at the same time. “With his money? That dress is way too expensive.”
I sighed. Loud enough for them both to hear. “It was never your business, Flora. You know what? I’m not doing this with you guys. Enjoy your shopping.”
I tried to move, but Claire stepped in again, loud and proud.
1/4
“That dress looks fake anyway,” she smirked. “Are you sure you didn’t get it from some second-hand store?”
My hands clenched around the handle. But I didn’t speak.
“I guessed as much-you don’t even know the value of money,” Claire added. “Just a housewife, spending someone else’s sweat. No sense of pride. No work. Just shopping and showing off fake elegance.”
Flora touched her arm softly. “Don’t be so hard on her. She’s just… confused. It’s not her fault she doesn’t know how to dress classy like we do. I have tried to help, but she mocks me, saying I want someone’s husband? That hurts. My husband is dead…” she trailed off, and her voice cracked like she would cry.
Here she comes-she put on her tears again to gain pity from people. But I already know who she is, so all this is not new to me anymore.
“I don’t even know why you feel like the whole world revolves around you now, Janet,” Claire snapped. “We picked you from the street, Janet. Without us, you wouldn’t have known what luxury life is. You’re nothing.”
And that’s when I heard the voice.
“You should really look in the mirror before calling someone nothing.”
I turned fast-and it was Tracy. Though I didn’t want her to witness this drama, here she was.
She was walking over, her steps slow, steady. Her heels echoed. Her face was calm. But her eyes… they were fierce like a lion ready to devour its prey.
“There’s no need for this,” I said softly to her. “Let’s just go.”
Claire turned with a scoff. “And who are you? What’s your business here?”
Tracy smiled, smooth and sharp. “You don’t need to know who I am before I interfere. Do you just walk around and talk ill to people that look better than you? But more than that, I’m a woman who knows trash when she sees it.”
Claire blinked, stunned. She never expected anyone around here to challenge her the way Tracy did.
“And for your information,” Tracy continued, voice clear, “Janet is a Golden Customer here. She doesn’t need to fake anything. And she sure as hell doesn’t wear anything cheap or fake,” she said as she showed them the gold card from before.
Claire looked ready to argue, but Tracy didn’t stop.
“And you,” Tracy pointed at Claire, “you’re just a little girl who hides behind her family name. Can’t do anything on your own. You are not even a recognized customer here, and yet you talk down to people.”
Tracy blasted her, and I nearly burst into laughter. Tracy wasn’t wrong. Claire is more like a spoiled brat who can’t handle things on her own.
Claire gasped, her face turning red as she gripped tighter on the phone she was holding.
“The clothes you’re wearing are even more outdated. You look like a beggar compared to someone whose dress can buy your whole closet. Like I said, try looking in the mirror before you call people trash.” Tracy
2/4
added as Claire’s face turned red. She nearly burst into tears. Tracy never lied about anything.
Then Tracy turned to Flora.
“And you,” she said, voice a little softer but still sharp, “you’re not the only woman who lost a husband early. But instead of healing, you chase after someone else’s man. You should be building your life, not wrecking someone else’s.”
“I-I’m not-” Flora started, tears welling up.
“Stop,” Tracy said firmly. “We’ve seen the act. Crying won’t save you here.”
Flora bit her lip, trying not to cry. But Tracy had already turned around.
“Who do you think you are, that you can just throw words around here? I can just walk you out of this mall now,” Claire said, as Tracy burst into laughter.
“You really think you can do that?” Tracy said as she pulled her phone from her bag.
“Manager!” she called. “Someone really claims she can walk me out of this mall. I want you here to handle them,” she said as she ended the call.
Claire laughed. “You think that will move me? You definitely called no one. Someone like you won’t know the manager of this mall,” she laughed. Flora was as good as silent-she didn’t say anything.
Soon a well-dressed man in a suit hurried over.
“Yes, Mrs. Williams? Who the hell thinks they can walk you out of this mall?” he asked, polite and alert.
“Kindly remove these two from the mall. I don’t want them near this mall again.”
Claire gasped. “Excuse me? Do you know who I am? Our family is one of the most powerful in this town. My brother is one of the largest shareholders in this mall!”
Tracy crossed her arms. “And your brother isn’t here. Here is my gold card, which the rule of the mall clearly states gives me equal rights. I can move any lesser customer out. I hold the same rights as your brother,” Tracy laughed.
Claire turned to the manager. “They’re the ones that need to be removed. These gold cards are fake. I want them out or else my brother will make sure you suffer for it.”
The manager didn’t even flinch. He nodded slightly to a staff woman behind the counter.
She picked up the phone. “Security, please report to counter three.” Two guards arrived within seconds.
“Escort these two out,” the manager said calmly. “And mark their accounts as restricted. They are no longer welcome in this mall.”
“What?! You can’t do this!” Claire screamed.
“This is so embarrassing. Rowan really needs to hear about this,” Flora gasped.
But the guards already moved. One gently held Flora’s arm, the other walked beside Claire.
3/4
“Don’t touch me!” Claire shrieked.
“You’ll regret this!”
They were walked out-angry, red-faced, and furious.
I stood there, stunned. My cart full of bags, my heart full of shock. I hadn’t seen Claire so embarrassed like
this before.
“Where did you know those bumpkins from?”
