Chapter 525

Abigail could not tell if Mallory had intentionally let her glimpse the mark, but she had seen it all the same.

Mallory, a buzz of excitement, gripped Abigail's arm. "Are you shopping alone? Want to join me?"

Abigail glanced at Mallory's hand on her arm, hesitated, then subtly pulled away. "My budget allows me only to explore floors one through five."

Seemingly oblivious to Abigail's coolness, Mallory reclaimed her hold on Abigail's arm. "My brother just transferred me some money. Let's browse through floors six to nine together. Whatever you like, I'll buy it for you." Max had transferred a substantial amount into her account, believing she had genuinely captured Xander's heart. He wanted her to invest in herself, to look her best for Xander and maintain their family's image.

"No, thank you," Abigail declined.

"Then let's shop together on floors one to five."

"I won't be helping to arrange anything between you and Mr. Zane. You shouldn't waste your time on me."

"I can't live wi