Chapter 37

Evelyn watched as Penelope's face twisted in outrage. "What do you mean declined? That's impossible!"

The sales associate maintained her professional smile. "I'm afraid the payment wasn't approved, Ms. Whitmore."

A flush crept up Penelope's neck. She'd been shopping excessively all month, and now this humiliation in front of Evelyn. That scheming girl had clearly set her up.

Penelope squared her shoulders. "Just put these on my account. I'll settle it tomorrow."

"Our policy requires immediate payment, Ms. Whitmore," the associate replied firmly.

Penelope's hand shot out, striking the woman's cheek. "Do you know who I am? This entire shopping center belongs to the Whitmores! How dare you accuse me of theft!"

The salesgirl's face burned red, her eyes watering. She stood frozen, unsure how to proceed.

Evelyn had seen enough. "The Whitmore Group established these policies, Penelope. Even Nathaniel follows them when he shops here. Does bullying staff make you feel powerful?"

Olivia blinked in surprise. Despite the salesperson's earlier rudeness, Evelyn was defending her.

Penelope scoffed. "Know your place, Evelyn Carter! This is Whitmore business - nothing to do with you. Fetch the manager immediately!"

The manager arrived within moments. "How may I assist you, Ms. Whitmore?"

"Remove these peasants at once!" Penelope jabbed a finger at Evelyn and Olivia. "They can't afford anything here and are disrupting our elite clientele. I want them banned permanently!"

The manager hesitated. "That would violate company policy, Ms. Whitmore."

Penelope's voice turned shrill. "I am company policy! My word is law in Whitmore properties!"

A deep, icy voice cut through the tension. "Since when do you speak for the Whitmore family?"

The temperature seemed to drop several degrees. Evelyn turned to see Nathaniel entering the boutique, his imposing figure commanding attention. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, he moved with effortless authority, his sharp features illuminated by the overhead lights.

Evelyn remembered Nathaniel's unpredictable monthly inspections of Whitmore properties. His unannounced visits kept staff vigilant and maintained the company's impeccable standards. Of all days to encounter him...

Penelope's bravado evaporated. She looked like a child caught stealing candy. "These troublemakers were harassing customers, Nathaniel. I was protecting our brand reputation."

Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Evelyn. "Is this true?"

Evelyn met his eyes steadily. This was new - Nathaniel actually asking for her side. In the past, he'd automatically sided with his family.

"No," she said calmly. "We were shopping when Penelope began insulting us. She tried taking items we selected, then demanded we be removed when her card was declined. Is this how Whitmore Group treats customers?"

"Lies!" Penelope shrieked, though her voice lacked its earlier conviction. "She's twisting everything!"

Evelyn gestured to the security cameras. "The footage will show what really happened."

Panic flashed across Penelope's face. "I was acting in the company's best interests! Look at them - they clearly don't belong here!"

Nathaniel's expression turned glacial. "Apologize. Now."

Evelyn's breath caught. Who was he speaking to?

Penelope smirked triumphantly. "You heard him."

Nathaniel's voice dropped dangerously. "I was speaking to you, Penelope. Apologize to our customers immediately."