Chapter 71

Bob stood frozen, struggling to accept what he was seeing.How could any of this be real?

His voice dripped with sarcasm as he sneered,"So that's it. No wonder neither of you wanted to leave with me. You've already found yourselves a sponsor,huh?"

His lips curled with contempt. "Guess you figured out how to get what you want by sleeping around-"

Arabella cut him off, her tone steady but undeniably threatening. "Sounds like the Johnson family is losing its grip. Maybe that's why you're so bitter and running your mouth."

She leaned in just a bit and continued, "And since you seem so familiar with this world, is that how your family does business-by hopping into bed with the right people? Maybe

I'll pass that rumor to the press."

Bob retorted, "What are you talking about! My family is in the top five in all of Griridge! | don't need to hustle for deals on my own. If anything,you're the suspicious one,coming up with all that cash at your age."

Arabella only shrugged. "Enjoy your comfortable life while it lasts. Good fortune doesn't stick around forev/er."

"Who do you think you're intimidating?" Bob didn't buy her act, but there was something in that steady, unreadable stare that sent a shiver crawling down his back.

Something about this woman set him on edge.She had an energy that made her hard to challenge.

His injured arm began to throb, and though he wanted to keep arguing, the fear of getting hurt even worse kept him in check. With a final glare,he snapped, "You'll regret this!".

He spun around and stormed out.

Kate hurried after him, desperation in her voice."Mr. Johnson, aren't you going to buy anything?"

Bob didn't give her a single glance.

A heavy feeling settled in Kate's chest.

Seeing Ruth grinning ear to ear only made Kate feel worse. That sale meant a big bonus. It was the biggest commission in the store.

She rushed over to Ruth, voice sharp."That was my customer. The commission should go to me!"

Ruth stared at her in shock. "How can you even say that?"

Kate explained, her tone sharp, "The girls were supposed to be my customers. You were only filling in for me, so the commission should go to me!"

Daisy looked like she wanted to step in, but

Arabella stopped her. "Don't waste your breath.She's not getting that bonus."

Taking Daisy by the arm, Arabella led her toward the exit while the argument between Kate and Ruth grew louder. Suddenly, Kate's phone rang.She listened to the voice on the line, then quickly begged, "Please, sir, what did | do wrong?"

The response came cold and fast. "You've made enough mistakes. Clean out your things and leave. You're fired."

"Sir!"

The call ended before she could finish her thought.

Dread settled over her. She had worked hard to land a job at such a fancy boutique. The prestige and pay meant everything to her.Where was she supposed to go now? Who had she upset so badly?

Outside, Daisy looked up at Arabella, her eyes

filled with wonder.

"You really are rich, Bella," Daisy said.

A gentle smile crossed Arabella's face. "Of course. You never have to worry about money again. Buy whatever catches your eye."

"You're incredible." Daisy squeezed Arabella's arm, glowing with admiration. Arabella's smile grew as she guided Daisy toward the jewelry stores.

Their next stop was dinner.

Arabella picked a fine restaurant for their meal.As luck would have it, just as they reached the entrance, they spotted Asher chatting with a group of foreigners.

He spoke their language with ease, his posture straight and his entire presence radiating sophistication.

Asher gave Arabella a brief glance, then returned to his conversation.

Arabella decided not to interrupt and began heading inside. The foreigners finished up and walked away, so she paused and greeted him,"Hi Asher."

"Hello," Asher replied, his voice cold and distant.

Arabella found herself at a loss for words.

Asher remarked, "You can use my private dining room for your meal."

He led them upstairs to a quiet VIP suite. Every corner of the room spoke of refined taste, the space filled with a sense of quiet luxury.

Asher gestured for them to order whatever they wanted.

While Daisy scanned the menu, Asher leaned in to Arabella and said, "Come with me."

To Arabella's surprise, they stepped into a cozy lounge area, complete with a small bed and a comfortable sofa. She settled onto the sofa,and

Asher instructed, "Lower your shirt from your shoulder."

Arabella hesitated. "It's just a scratch. I can handle it myself when I get home."

But Asher was already rummaging in a drawer for a medical kit. His tone left no room for argument."Let me see it. Now."

With little choice, Arabella slipped her shirt off her shoulder, watching as Asher reached for tweezers and disinfectant.

He tended to her wound with careful hands,fully focused on his task. She couldn't help but watch him closely-his skin looked flawless, his features sharp and striking, lashes thick and long.

He was the most handsome man she had ever met.

Suddenly, Asher's deep voice caught her off guard. "Are you finished staring?"

Arabella, caught in the act, felt a twinge of embarrassment but answered boldly, "Yeah, I'm finished."

Asher let out a quiet sigh, as if he couldn't believe how direct she was about it.

Arabella changed the subject. "I wanted to let you know-Daisy's recovered. Thank you for everything you did for us. We'll be moving out Soon."

The words had barely left her lips when a sharp sting shot through her arm. She winced, doing her best not to react.

Asher pulled his hand away, his tone even and hard to read. "Why are you moving out?"