Chapter 58 In a luxurious mall in Soufield, Danielle stood out in a flowing white dress specially prepared for her by David. Her silky hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her skin glowed like moonlight on still water, exuding an ethereal charm.
There was an air of cool sophistication about her, her sharp features softened by lively, bright eyes that gleamed like the stars in the night sky. In the bustling crowd, she stood out, her presence alluring yet intimidating, discouraging any unwelcome advances.
"Danielle," Juniper called out. She spotted her best friend immediately, as Danielleâs striking appearance made her impossible to miss. Juniper had a softer, sweeter beauty, an endearing contrast to Danielleâs elegant poise. Together, they formed a stunning pair that turned countless heads in the mall.
"What? You went through all that at the border?" Juniper exclaimed. Though she was Danielleâs subordinate, they shared a close bond. Juniper had also been stationed at the border before being reassigned to Soufield to manage the pharmaceutical division.
"That Jackson really is ambitious," Danielle remarked. "But annexing the Wulf Clan has strengthened the Shadow Fortress immensely."
However, Danielle believed that Jackson wasnât the sole mastermind. Knowing him, she was certain someone else was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
"Did Jason tell you? Our skincare line has received widespread acclaim since its launch," Juniper said, casually changing the subject.
Danielle nodded. "Iâm planning to work on a new series soon. But enough about work. Weâre here to shop today. Buy whatever you want. Itâs on me,"
she said with a bright smile.
"Having a rich bestie is awesome," Juniper replied unabashedly. Danielle recalled the first time she had met Juniper.
At the time, Juniper was fleeing from a group of pursuers intending to kill her. Danielle had eliminated the assassins and saved Juniper, eventually bringing her to the Shadow Fortress.
Back then, Juniper was a fragile young girl. After years of rigorous training, she now rivaled top operatives like Taylor, standing out in the fiercely competitive base through sheer grit and determination.
Danielle had always been protective of those she considered her own and would never allow harm to befall those under her wing.
The two entered a high-end boutique. Juniperâs eyes lit up as she spotted a dress in the display window.
"Danielle, that dress is gorgeous. It would look amazing on you." Juniperâs voice snapped Danielle out of her thoughts.
"Try it on! Youâll look absolutely stunning in it," Juniper said eagerly. "Alright," Danielle replied, looking at the purple gradient dress before her, intrigued by its innovative design.
Juniper approached a sales associate. "Excuse me, weâd like to try on that dress."
The sales associate glanced at their outfits, unable to discern any recognizable brands, and assumed they were likely cheap, knock-off items. She despised those who pretended to be rich. Though a flicker of disdain flashed in her eyes, years of experience kept a faint, professional smile on her face.
"Iâm sorry, but this dress is one of only five worldwide, priced in the millions," the sales associate replied. "It costs a fortune-not just anyone can try it on."
"What do you mean? Then why display it here in the first place?" Juniper questioned.
On the other side of the store, a young woman discreetly filmed the exchange and sent the video to Audrey. [Audrey, isnât she the relative you mentioned a few days ago? The one from a poor village.]
Seeing the message, Audrey immediately called her friend. "Hope, where are you?"
"Iâm at the mall we went to last time. I didnât expect to run into that evil relative of yours," Hope replied.
"What? How could she afford to shop at such an upscale mall? She didnât even come home last night, leaving us worried sick. We donât even know with whom she spent the night, and now sheâs here shopping?" Audrey refrained from revealing Danielleâs true identity, deliberately misleading her friend.
"Really? She seems decent-looking but turns out to be nothing more than a hooker." Hope scoffed, completely taken in by Audreyâs insinuations.
"Sheâs new to Soufield and doesnât know better. I can see why sheâd give in to temptation, but I donât agree with making money through disgraceful means. If sheâd just told us, we couldâve helped. I really worry about her as a sister," Audrey added, feigning concern.
Thoroughly deceived, Hope replied, "Youâre too kind, Audrey. Donât worry. Iâll teach her a lesson for you." She looked at Danielle with growing disdain, fully convinced that she was an indecent woman.
Meanwhile, Juniper was offended by the thinly veiled insult. She hadnât expected to be snubbed by the sales associate. The sales associate was about to speak when a voice chimed in.
"It means poor nobodies shouldnât pretend to be rich. Someone who uses her pretty face to seduce men for money shouldnât act all high and mighty,"
Hope said condescendingly.
Danielle and Juniper turned around to see a haughty woman dressed in a designer outfit.
"Who are you calling poor? And whoâs seducing men for money?" Juniper demanded.
"You know who you are. Living off menâs money- how shameless can one be?" Hope drawled, staring at Danielle with contempt.
The other sales associates whispered to one another, casting sidelong glances at Danielle.
"Iâd like to know who told you this. If you have proof of your accusations, show it." Danielle shot a chilling glare at Hope.
Hopeâs expression faltered, unwilling to betray her friend. "Thatâs none of your concern. Your guilty reaction proves youâre hiding something," she retorted.
Danielle was speechless, wondering, âWhatâs wrong with this woman? Why is she throwing these accusations at me out of the blue? I donât even know her.â
"If you have evidence, show it. Otherwise, Iâll sue you for slander," Danielle said firmly.
Sensing the brewing tension, the sales associate intervened. "Miss Hill, please donât stoop to her level. Let me assist you with whatever you need."
The sales associate brushed off Danielle as if she were beneath her.
With a smug look on her face, Hope pointed to the dress Danielle was eyeing. "I want to try that one."
"Of course, right away," the sales associate responded with an attitude that was a sharp contrast to how she treated Danielle and Juniper.
"But we saw it first! Why does she get to try it on?" Juniper protested furiously.
The sales associate was unapologetic, sneering as if her behavior was justified. "Ladies, I doubt your outfits combined even add up to 300 dollars.
Whatâs the point of trying on something you canât afford?"
Her words sent a thrill of satisfaction through Hope, who smirked and said derisively, "Why donât you two stop embarrassing yourselves and leave?
Youâre just asking to be humiliated."
Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David)
ï¤Chapter 57