With that in mind, Caleb's smile grew even brighter."No need for that, Caleb. Let's catch up another time," Leona said impatiently.She had no desire to continue the conversation with him."And by the way, we weren't close in college, so please mind your boundaries. I'm a married woman, after all," she said.Caleb's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered.He glanced at Matthias and spoke with disdain, "Oh, come on, Leona. We were college classmates. Your husband wouldn't mind, right? Surely, a grown man wouldn't be so petty?"Caleb turned his gaze back to Matthias.Though he maintained a friendly demeanor, his gaze held a subtle threat.Caleb thought a man who could not afford a car was not worth much respect. He had even dealt with women whose husbands had sold out, and he suspected that intimidating Matthias might get him to cooperate.Matthias met Caleb's gaze and smiled."Oh, I do mind, and I'm quite petty. So, please mind your boundaries."Caleb was stunned.
As Matthias and the rest entered the store, Olivia Winter, the store manager, greeted them with a warm smile.Caleb and Leona had encountered each other right outside the store, and Caleb was a regular customer.Olivia had been waiting for them to come in, knowing that Caleb's generous spending would likely boost her monthly sales."Mr. Hewitt, it's been a while! Is there a particular style you're interested in? We've just received some new arrivals. Would you like me to show you?"Olivia focused on Caleb and merely nodded politely at Matthias and his family. After all, Caleb was the real high-spender.From the snippets of conversation she had overheard, it was clear that Matthias and his family were just ordinary people. Furthermore, Olivia's disdain grew as she thought about how Matthias had never bought anything for Leona.They were probably married for a few years, considering their daughter's age.How could a man not provide for his wife?Caleb's expression turned scornful
"Forget it. I don't really like this dress," Leona said, not looking too pleased.She had never spent such an extravagant amount on a single item of clothing; she thought it was a waste of money."Mommy, just try it on. I want to see you in a pretty dress!" Danielle's clear voice chimed in, tugging at Leona's hand with hopeful eyes.She thought the dress was beautiful and was disappointed that there were no options for children."Come on, just try it on for Dani's sake," Matthias said.Leona hesitated, her resolve wavering.She decided to try it on but decided not to buy it."Hello, may I please try on this dress?"Olivia flashed her a polite, professional smile and said. "Sorry, ma'am, but because of the high price of this dress, we can only let you try it on if you're a member of our store or can prove you have the means to purchase it."She was not purposely being difficult; it was simply store policy.Besides, Leona and her family did not seem like the type who could affo
After learning that Matthias was unemployed, Caleb completely disregarded him.His tone was arrogant. "I forgot to introduce myself. I'm the Vice Chairman of Hewitt Enterprises. We have extensive interests in Havenwood—jewelry, real estate, shopping malls, you name it."If you're looking for a job, I can help you out. While executive positions might be tough, entry-level roles like security or cashier are not a problem. I can get you set up right away. You'd be looking at around 1,000 dollars a month."Caleb's voice was dripping with contempt, and he did not hide his disdain for Matthias.Caleb thought Leona must have been blind to end up with a loser like Matthias!Matthias smiled politely, not even sparing Caleb a glance."Thanks, but I'm not looking for work right now. I just want to focus on taking care of my family."As Matthias gently patted Danielle's head, Caleb's disgust grew.He was a man living off his wife and acting as if it were his right.However, Caleb's mood l
"You motherf—" Caleb's face flushed red as he prepared to fight back, but Matthias suddenly released his grip.Leona and Jessica had emerged from the fitting room, guided by Olivia.Leona appeared innocent and nervous in her white dress, and her eyes sparkled with delight.For a moment, Matthias was brought back to their wedding day, seeing her as she was then.Caleb was also stunned, his gaze fixed intently on Leona with a fiery look."The Aphrodite Dress looks great on you two! It's as if the dress was made just for you," Olivia praised, but her eyes lingered on Leona.Before that, despite agreeing that Leona was beautiful, she thought Leona paled compared to Jessica.However, the dress seemed to transform Leona entirely, and she was so stunning that even Olivia felt a pang of envy.Jessica, though still striking in her black dress, seemed overshadowed by Leona's presence.The comparison was stark—Jessica looked like a beauty enhanced by makeup and expensive attire, while Le
Caleb imagined that by showing off his wealth, he would boost his status in Leona's eyes and make Matthias look even more pathetic in comparison."Really? Caleb, thank you so much!" Jessica exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy.She went over to Caleb, giving him a warm hug as she glared at Leona.So what if Leona looked better in the dress? She could not afford it.Meanwhile, she was getting not only one but two dresses bought for her!Caleb smiled and casually tossed a card to Olivia, saying, "Ms. Winter, charge the dresses to my account. One black, one white, in my girlfriend's size.""Certainly, Mr. Hewitt!" Olivia replied with excitement.Ignoring Leona, she quickly took Caleb's card and prepared to process the payment.Matthias spoke up, pulling out his own card."Please wrap this dress for my wife as well."Alpha had prepared a card for him after they returned to New Avalboure. While he was unsure of the exact amount available in the card, he knew it would be substa
Matthias ignored Caleb and Jessica's show of pretense.He held his card toward Olivia and said, "Go ahead and charge it. No discount necessary.""Of course, sir!" Olivia's heart raced with excitement.Selling three of the store's most expensive dresses in one day would significantly boost her commission. With her sales that day, her salary would definitely be more than the previous month's!She could not care less if any of them had any regrets later."The pin is 123456," Matthias said.Then, he turned to Leona with a gaze full of affection, saying, "You look beautiful in this dress. Dani and I both love it."Don't worry about the cost. I wouldn't have chosen something so cheap for your first gift if you didn't like it. You know, money is just a number to me."Leona was about to protest, but Matthias' loving look made her nod in acceptance of his decision.To Caleb, Matthias' words seemed like a deliberate show of wealth.Caleb laughed and mocked, "Man, there's no point being
Matthias stopped and turned to face Caleb, calmly saying, "There are too many flies around. What? Do you think you're a fly?""Let's go, Matt," Leona said, pulling on Matthias' arm.She did not want Matthias to cause trouble.Caleb was furious.Matthias had provoked him!As the heir apparent and future chairman of Hewitt Enterprises, he could not tolerate being disrespected like that by a mere freeloader.He would not let that go!"Do you think you can just leave? Leona, do you really think you can walk away while your husband disrespects me?" Caleb's voice was cold."Caleb, that's enough. What do you want?" Leona asked, her brow furrowed.She shot Matthias with a frustrated look. He had caused too much trouble since returning.That was New Avalbourne—what if they crossed paths with someone important?Matthias needed to learn to hold back."What do I want? Simple. I want Matthias to kneel and apologize to me! Then you, Leona, will stay and have dinner with me tonight!" Cale