Chapter 9: The Owner

"Are you deaf? I said I want that gown!" Vanessa snapped, her voice sharp with entitlement.

Catherine stepped forward, arms crossed. "Do you really want Mr. Calloway to hear about this?" she threatened, her tone dripping with arrogance.

Nica stiffened. She knew she couldn’t afford to upset Vanessa. Ms. Stanfield had mentioned that a friend would be visiting the boutique today, and judging by Vanessa’s status, she had assumed it was her. Unlike Aurora, whom she didn’t recognize, Vanessa held influence.

"I-I'm sorry, Ms. Steele," Nica stammered. "I'll give you the gown."

Aurora's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? You know I already chose it. Why are you giving it to her?"

Nica swallowed hard. "I'm really sorry, Ms. Aurora, but we have many other beautiful gowns to choose from. Please reconsider."

Aurora arched a brow. "No. I want this gown. I picked it first, so it should be mine. Why don’t you tell her to choose another one instead?"

Catherine scoffed. "You! Are you really going to do this? Vanessa wants it, so give it to her!"

Aurora met her glare without flinching. "Why would I? She already took my boyfriend. Do you really think I’ll let her take this from me too?"

Vanessa let out an exaggerated gasp of frustration. "You! Are you really trying to get on my nerves?! Ethan will hear about this!" She turned sharply to Nica. "You! Give me the gown now!"

Nica hesitated, torn between reason and the fear of losing her job. She sighed in defeat. "I'm truly sorry, Ms. Aurora, but Ms. Stanfield specifically instructed us to take extra care of Ms. Steele today. We can’t ignore her request. Please understand."

Vanessa and Catherine exchanged knowing smiles.

"Ms. Stanfield said that?" Vanessa asked, feigning innocence.

Nica nodded. "Yes, Ms. Steele. She mentioned that a friend of hers would be coming today. And knowing Ms. Stanfield, she only associates with people of her status."

"Oh! That makes sense!" Catherine said excitedly. "Vanessa, you didn’t tell me you were friends with Ms. Stanfield! You should introduce me when I start planning my wedding!"

Vanessa hesitated for a brief second but quickly recovered, lifting her chin. "Of course, Catherine!" Then she turned to Aurora with a smug expression. "See, Aurora? You should know your place."

Aurora almost laughed. There was no way Angela had said that. She shook her head, amused.

"Are you sure Angela said that?" she asked Nica.

Catherine gasped. "How dare you call Ms. Stanfield by her first name?!"

Vanessa’s expression faltered. Something about Aurora’s confidence unsettled her.

"You’re stepping out of line, Aurora. Show some respect!"

Aurora smirked. "Why don’t you call her now?" She turned to Nica. "Let’s hear what she has to say about this."

Nica’s confidence wavered. But knowing Vanessa was on her side, she straightened her posture. "Why should I do that for you?"

"Right? Who do you think you are?" Vanessa sneered.

Aurora remained unfazed. "I’m just saying… I doubt Angela would appreciate hearing that her staff is showing blatant favoritism just because of someone’s last name. I know her well enough to be sure she doesn’t look down on others."

"There! She did it again!" Catherine shrieked. "Vanessa, you have to tell Ms. Stanfield! This is complete disrespect!"

Aurora turned to Vanessa, arching a brow. "Yes, Vanessa. Why don’t you call her yourself? If she’s really your friend, you should have her number, right?"

Vanessa’s face turned pale. "What?"

Aurora tilted her head. "Well? I’d love to hear Angela confirm that you’re her friend."

Vanessa’s jaw tightened. "I don’t have to prove anything to you! You’re just jealous because I have connections, and you still can’t move on from Ethan!"

Aurora chuckled. "Fine. If you won’t call her… then I will."

She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contacts. The room fell silent as all eyes watched her.

"Who is she calling?" Catherine whispered. "Is it really Ms. Stanfield?"

Vanessa scoffed. "As if she actually knows her."

Nica shifted uncomfortably, gripping the wedding gown tightly. Doubt flickered in her eyes, but she wasn’t ready to admit her mistake just yet.

Then, the call connected.

Angela’s face appeared on the screen in a video call, her warm smile greeting Aurora.

"Aurora! Hey! Where are you?" Angela’s cheerful voice filled the room.

Vanessa and Catherine’s eyes widened.

"I’m at your boutique," Aurora said smoothly.

"Oh, really? Did you find your gown? I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there to assist you. I had a last-minute meeting abroad. But I did tell my staff to take care of you!"

Aurora smiled. "Thank you, Angela. But I think there’s been a misunderstanding. Your staff doesn’t seem to know who I am."

Nica’s heart pounded in panic.

Angela frowned. "Wait, what? Give me a second—I’ll call my manager right now. Stay there, Aurora."

"Thanks, Angela. I can’t wait to see you soon."

"Of course! I’ll be at your wedding! Congrats again! Bye!"

The call ended, and a second later, Nica’s phone rang.

Her face turned ashen. With trembling hands, she answered.

"I-I’m so sorry, Ms. Stanfield! I didn’t recognize her! I’ll take care of her immediately!" Nica stammered, nodding frantically.

When she ended the call, she turned to Aurora and bowed deeply.

"I-I’m so sorry, Ms. Aurora! I didn’t realize you were Ms. Stanfield’s friend. Please forgive me! I’ll personally assist you from now on!"

Vanessa’s mouth dropped open in shock. "How do you know her?!"

Aurora smirked.

"That, Vanessa, is none of your business."