âJust these dishes" Arabella said, tapping away on the tablet to place their order. Once finished, she handed the tablet back to Mr. Morrison.
âMrs. Griffith, what would you like to have?â the manager asked.
âOh, there's no need. My niece has ordered for both of us,â Eunice replied, shifting her attention to Arabella to engage in light conversation.
Meanwhile.
In the most expensive suite of the Dawnstar Hotel, a composed and handsome young man named Martin was confronted by his incessantly talking sister. He poured a glass of water and handed it to her, "Diana, wet your whistle before you rant."
âMartin, I'm dead serious about this!â Diana exclaimed, her anger palpable. âYou've always had my support in everything you do, even when our parents disapproved, but today! If I hadn't been shopping with my girlfriends on Style Plaza, I wouldnât have known that the girl youâve taken a fancy to is such a nightmare in private!"
At her last words, Martin's brow furrowed slightly. âDiana, stick to the point and cut the personal attacks."
âHow am I attacking her personally? She's the heiress to the Collins family, for heaven's sake, raised by Kenneth and Louisa! And yet she commanded the sales assistant to snatch a dress from another girl's hands, not once but twice! And when she finally met her match and got kicked out of the store."
âDiana, Martin interjected, unable to hide his irritation, âif she saw something she liked and wanted to buy it, that's not a crime. The sales assistant was just misguided in taking it from another customer."
"Martin! Are you even listening to me? Serena did it on purpose. She told the sales assistant to take it away from that girl"
Diana was so infuriated she could barely speak, âAnd the trouble she's stirred up is no small affair. Now all shops on Style Plaza won't sell to her. So what does she do? Stands outside the shop, hurling insults at the staff, calling them lowly scum!"
Diana's upbringing made it difficult for her to repeat such vulgar words. She had witnessed Serena's tirade against the sales assistant and the smug look of satisfaction that followed.
"My friends say sheâs nothing but troubleâpushy and rude! Going on about âDo you know who I am?
Do you know how much I spend in your competitorsâ stores? Do you know who Kenneth is?
It was a disgraceful scene, not fit for public viewing!
Martin thought to himself that he really needed to work harder to prevent Serena from such indignities in the future.
âYou're the only son of our family, and eventually, you'll run the family business. Our parents want a daughter-in-law who is virtuous and capable, not someone like Serena!"
"Diana, I get your point,â Martin checked the time and spoke calmly, âGo home. Let's leave it at that."
Diana was shocked, âWhat, you're still going to see her? I heard you had important business back home this week, but you dropped everything just because she wanted to come to Dawnstar. And now she's left you hanging. What are you thinking?"
âShe wanted some time to shop on her own, and I respect that. I have things to take care of here in Dawnstar too."
"Who are you kidding? Your business here is running smoothly. At best, you come to check in, what urgent matters could you possibly have? Don't think I donât know you!"
Seeing that her words were having no effect, Diana crossed her arms and said angrily, âIf our parents knew about this, theyâd never approve of you two together"
âIf you don't tell, and I donât tell, how will they know?â Martin looked up at his sister with a steady gaze.
Diana was at a loss for words. Her brother, a model student and a paragon of virtue, brilliant and handsome, was acting so stubborn over Serena!
What was so special about Serena, anyway?
âDon't expect me to cover for you. If our parents find out and ask for my opinion, I won't support you this time!"
Diana glared at him before storming out, her frustration with her brother reaching its peak.