"Miss Quinn, in this store, both you and I are customers. I have no obligation to follow your orders. If you want to command someone, go back to the Quinn Family and order them around," Mabel Quinn retorted bluntly.
"You’re being ungrateful. Do you think your status is worthy of wearing such a dress? If I take a liking to your dress, that’s your fortune!" Alessia Quinn barked angrily.
"And who do you think you are? Calling you Miss Quinn is already giving you respect. To be frank, my second uncle has only one wife. I wonder what you and your mother are to the Quinn Family?" Mabel Quinn countered, feeling no need to spare Alessia’s dignity.
Alessia’s face instantly turned beet red. Mabel Quinn’s words had hit her sore spot. Although she was the eldest daughter of the Quinn Family, her mother had always been the mistress of the second master and had never been legitimized. There was still a legitimate second wife in the Quinn Family. Even though over the years, the family had come to accept the existence of her and her brother, Alessia as the eldest daughter, her title was never proper or recognized.
"Mabel Quinn, who gave you the guts to say such things!" Alessia swung her hand towards Mabel, aiming to slap her.
Mabel reached out, trying to block Alessia’s incoming slap. At that moment, another hand intercepted Alessia’s hand even faster. Then, a loud slap echoed in the air, sending Alessia staggering against the wall beside her, swelling one side of her face immediately.
Instinctively covering her face, Alessia looked up, dazed, only to see a tall figure standing in front of Mabel.
"And who gave you the nerve to act in front of her?" A cold voice penetrated Alessia’s ears, sending a shiver through her, finally allowing her to clearly see the man’s face.
Black hair, phoenix eyes, a straight nose, and thin lips—this man exuded an aura of indifference yet allure. At this moment, his phoenix eyes were dark and cold, his entire demeanor exuding a pressure fitting of a superior, inducing both awe and fear.
This man is... Kyle Kinston!
Alessia recognized him from sight. Earlier, her uncle had been investigated and imprisoned, and she had heard that Kyle Kinston was behind it.
But why is Kyle Kinston here? And why is he clearly protecting Mabel Quinn...? Suddenly, Alessia trembled, remembering how her cousin Lyra Grant had once complained to her tearfully, saying that the downfall of the Grant Family was all because Mabel Quinn had gotten close to Kyle Kinston.
Back then, she thought her cousin was overthinking because how could a man like Kyle Kinston take action for a woman? She assumed it was her uncle offending Kyle at work that had led to such a downfall.
But now, she’s not so sure anymore...
Alessia no longer dared to speak. Covering her cheek, her body trembled slightly.
Mabel Quinn didn’t expect Kyle Kinston to appear just in time and even slap Alessia. However, she quite liked this unexpected turn of events. There’s indeed no need to be too courteous to those who think too highly of themselves.
In the dressing room, the store manager began doing Mabel Quinn’s makeup and styling, while Kyle Kinston sat on the sofa at the back, watching. Mabel could see Kyle’s reflection and his gaze on her in the mirror.