Chapter 36

Evelyn noticed Penelope's hesitant expression. "What ridiculous nonsense are you talking about?"

How did Olivia know about that?

Victoria certainly hadn't anticipated this revelation. She retrieved her phone to show Penelope the invitation. "Look carefully - I earned my spot at the awards ceremony through merit."

"Unlike some people who rely on connections and money because they lack actual talent."

Penelope's face flushed with anger. She never expected Victoria to reach the finals. Glancing at the evening gowns the clerk held, she snapped, "You there! I'll take all three of those dresses."

The sales associate looked uncomfortable. Penelope's expression darkened. "Are you deaf? Package those for me immediately. Don't you recognize who I am?"

"Yes, Ms. Whitmore."

"Wait!" Olivia intercepted the clerk. "We were here first."

Penelope scoffed. "So what? You couldn't possibly afford these. Stop pretending to be something you're not."

"Who said we can't?" Olivia produced a black credit card and thrust it at the clerk. "Go ahead, process it."

No one in Northridge City had ever dared imply she lacked funds before.

Victoria intercepted the transaction. "Hold on." She took the card back. "I haven't even tried these on yet. Let's browse other options."

Olivia had acted impulsively to counter Penelope's taunts. When Victoria intervened, she relented.

Victoria guided Olivia toward another display, but each time they showed interest in an item, Penelope immediately claimed it.

Victoria's eyes sparkled with mischief. She approached a handbag display. The moment she touched one, Penelope rushed over. "I'll take that too!"

Olivia finally snapped. "Are you deliberately provoking us?"

"Absolutely. I want certain people to understand the difference between real wealth and pretenders. If you can't afford luxury, don't shop here!"

Victoria restrained Olivia, then proceeded to examine dozens more items - handbags, shoes, dresses - until she'd circled through most of the boutique's inventory.

"Had enough yet?" Penelope smirked victoriously.

Victoria addressed the clerk. "Look at all these items Ms. Whitmore has selected. Why don't you ring them up now? After all, as a Whitmore, she's both wealthy and generous. She wouldn't possibly renege on her purchases or return them later."

The clerk's hands trembled with excitement at the massive commission she stood to earn.

Only then did Penelope realize she'd selected far too many items. She'd only meant to snatch everything Victoria wanted to humiliate her, never expecting this reversal.

Surveying the mountain of merchandise - much of which she disliked - Penelope blanched at the total cost. "You set me up, Victoria!"

Victoria leaned casually against a display stand. "Indeed I did. If you can't afford them, why pretend otherwise?"

She threw Penelope's earlier words back at her.

Olivia burst into laughter. She'd expected Victoria to be bullied, but her friend had turned the tables masterfully. "Some people love playing wealthy. When reality hits, the act crumbles."

"How dare you! The Whitmores own this mall! Of course I can afford these!" Penelope spat.

The clerk returned with a troubled expression. "Ms. Whitmore, your card was declined. You've exceeded your limit."