07/21/2026
The lights inside Cartier & Sterling on Rodeo Drive was designed to make gold look heavy and women look expensive. At the main counter, Chloe Vance stood with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed with sharp, predatory delight. She wore a strapless black dress, a thick, loud gold chain around her neck, and a quilted designer bag over her shoulder. Next to her stood Brandon, a man in a navy blue blazer who looked bored but rich. Chloe’s gaze shifted to the woman standing on the other side of the glass display. It was Aria. Aria wore a plain white t-shirt, worn blue jeans, and her hair was tied back without a single ornament. She looked entirely out of place among the diamond-encrusted tiaras and ten-carat emeralds. ""You? In here?"" Chloe’s voice sliced through the soft, ambient music of the boutique like a blunt knjfe. She let out a dry, scornful laugh, her burgundy lips twisting into a sneer. ""This place is not for people like you, Aria."" Brandon shifted his weight, his eyes drifting over Aria’s clean, unbothered stance. ""Who is she, Chloe?"" ""An old friend,"" Chloe said, her voice dripping with fake pity. She turned her head, looking at Brandon, then back at Aria with supreme arrogance. ""Just living a very simple life. You know, the type that counts coupons and rides the subway. She probably got lost looking for the food court."" Aria didn't blink. Her face remained a perfect, stoic mask of absolute indifference. She didn't explain her clothes. She didn't show anger. She simply kept her eyes fixed on Chloe’s face, watching the performance with the icy calm of a spectator at a low-budget theater. From the back office, the heavy security doors slid open. A man in a sharp black suit and designer glasses came hurrying out, his tie flying over his shoulder. It was Marcus, the Executive Director of the entire regional branch. He didn't look at Chloe. He didn't look at Brandon's black card on the counter. Marcus stopped right in front of Aria, his hands clasped together in a traditional gesture of deep respect. He bowed his head at a perfect forty-five-degree angle, sweat glistening on his forehead. ""Ma'am,"" Marcus breathed, his voice carrying clearly across the stunned silence of the showroom. ""I didn't know you were here. We've been expecting you."" Chloe’s jaw dropped. Her eyes went wide in pure, unfiltered shock. The heavy gold chain around her neck suddenly felt like a n0ose. What will Chloe do now that her humiliation is public? Comment "NEXT" if you want Part 2. See less
