Chapter 121: Shopping With Julia

As promised, Natalie took Julia shopping. They arrived at the largest mall in the city.

"What do you want to buy, Grandma?" Natalie asked as they walked inside the mall.

"Maybe start with clothes first?" Julia answered.

The two reached the floor where all the luxury clothing brand shops were lined up. "The brand you’re wearing is there. But if you like others, we can visit them as well."

"You recognized my clothing brand just like that? You seem to have a good knowledge of fashion."

"This brand released its latest collection for elderly women a month back, so I happened to notice it," Natalie replied politely.

"Having knowledge about different sectors is a good sign of being a successful businessperson. I’m sure one day you’ll be among the top people in the business world."

"Thank you, Grandma. I will try my best."

"Let’s go to another brand," Julia directed her to a store that had beautiful dresses for young women displayed on the mannequins.

The salesgirl welcomed them. "What would you like to see?"

"Dresses suitable for this beautiful young woman with me," Julia replied.

Natalie was taken aback. "Grandma, for me?"

Julia chuckled. "Of course, or do you think these dresses will suit an old woman like me?"

"I don’t wear these kinds of fancy and expensive clothes," Natalie replied. "I prefer comfortable, modest clothing."

"I know, but I want you to try what I select for you, and you are not allowed to say no—otherwise, this grandma would be upset," Julia declared.

Natalie sighed inwardly. ’She’s as stubborn as Justin. Are all Harpers like this? I wonder if James Harper is the same. In pictures, he does look like the coldest and most intimidating person one can find. No wonder Justin takes after him. Like father, like son.’

The salesgirl guided them to a stand with dresses. Julia went through them and selected a few, but insisted on a particular red dress.

"Madam, you truly have great taste. This is the most beautiful piece from our latest collection."

"Natalie, go try them on," Julia instructed, handing the dresses over to the salesgirl.

Though reluctant, Natalie went to the fitting room while Julia decided to use this time to browse the jewelry section in the same store. ’My granddaughter deserves to have this entire store bought for her, but I have to wait for that day.’

Just then, someone else entered the store—Briena and Lily.

"....So, Ivan is coming here to shop with you?" Lily asked cheerfully.

Briena hummed in delight. "He insisted that he wanted to take me shopping, so I agreed."

Briena had been keeping her distance from him as per Sephina’s instructions, which made Brown panic. When they called to discuss the engagement arrangements, Sephina replied that there was no hurry, which only confirmed their suspicion that something had happened to upset her. They had asked Ivan if he had done something to offend the Fords and urged him to make up for it.

Just then, Briena noticed Julia in the jewelry section. "What is that woman doing here?"

Lily followed her gaze. "Who is that?"

"Natalie’s husband’s grandmother," Briena answered with a disdainful look.

"Isn’t her husband poor and just a gigolo living off your sister’s money?" Lily asked. "What is his grandmother doing here then? Can she even afford anything?"

"Let’s see," Briena replied.

The salesgirl welcomed them. "Ms. Briena, good to have you here again."

Briena nodded and asked, "What is that woman doing here?"

"Oh, she’s here to buy clothes for her granddaughter, I guess, and now she’s looking at jewelry," the salesgirl answered politely.

Briena scoffed. "Do you think she can afford it? She’s nothing but a poor woman. Since when did you start allowing beggars in the shop?"

The salesgirl hesitated. She glanced at Julia again. From her simple yet elegant clothes and her demeanor, she could tell that Julia wasn’t poor, though perhaps not excessively wealthy either.

But the salesgirl couldn’t afford to upset a regular customer like Briena and replied, "Ms. Briena, please don’t mind her. If she can buy, she will—otherwise, she’ll leave. Please allow me to show you our latest collection."

"Not when you allow beggars here," Lily countered and approached Julia, with Briena not stopping her but following instead.

The salesgirl could only helplessly trail behind them, signaling to another sales associate to call for the manager in case something went wrong.

"Can you even afford this, old woman?" Lily asked.

Julia, who was busy admiring a delicate piece of jewelry, looked up, confused as to whether this young woman was talking to her. Then she noticed Briena standing beside her as well.

"Yes, I’m asking you," Lily added.

Julia remained calm and smiled lightly. "Whether I can afford it or not is none of your concern, young lady."

"You can’t afford it, but you dare to step inside such an expensive shop?" Lily sneered. "We don’t want to shop with people like you, so you’d better leave this store."

"Who said I can’t afford it? I can even afford this entire mall," Julia said, still calm.

Lily looked at Briena with an evil smirk. "Seems like her gigolo grandson has earned quite a lot from some old, wealthy woman."

Briena almost laughed.

Julia’s gaze turned stern. "Mind your words, young lady. Do you even know who you are talking about?" Julia’s voice cold, "My grandson is not someone you would like to offend.""

"Is there any harm in telling the truth?" Lily countered. "People like you who pretends to be rich, disgust me. Get the hell out of here."

"Who gave you the right to talk to my grandma like that?"

Natalie’s cold but calm voice reached them.

Everyone turned to look at her, their eyes widening at the sight of a breathtakingly beautiful woman draped in a stunning red off-shoulder dress that exuded elegance and allure.

The rich, velvety material hugged her perfect figure, accentuating every delicate curve—from her slender shoulders to her narrow waist and down to the gentle flare of her hips. It was a floor-length masterpiece, crafted with a mermaid fit that clung to her silhouette and then cascaded into a subtle train, gliding behind her as she moved.

The vibrant red color of the dress contrasted strikingly against her radiant, glowing skin, making it seem as if she shimmered with a light all her own. The off-shoulder design revealed her graceful neckline and collarbones, adding a hint of sensuality without compromising sophistication. Even without any makeup, she was an unparalleled beauty.

Briena and Lily stared in disbelief, while the salesgirls felt like taking her picture and presenting her as the brand’s model.

Natalie walked toward Julia. "Grandma, are you all right?"

Julia nodded. "Seeing the most beautiful woman in front of my eyes, I’m sure I’m more than just all right, but she dared call my grandson a gigolo."

Natalie glared at Lily, "The slap you received during charity gala, if that wasn’t enough, I have a strong man to offer you another one." Natalie signalled towards John who was standing outside the showroom.

Lily shivered while Natalie glared at Briena, "Have you forgotten about the recording or want me to refresh your mind in front of everyone?" She glanced towards the John once more. "You must remember him don’t you. He still has that recording?"

Briena shivered and looked at Lily, "Natalie’s husband is my brother-in-law. Don’t you dare insult him."

Lily got the clue and didn’t say anything about Natalie’s husband.