Amy and Nathan turned their heads simultaneously, both freezing in shock when they spotted Victoria standing beside them—neither had noticed her approach.

Victoria paid them no mind, turning instead to the sales associate with a poised smile. "May I try this on?"

The saleswoman's eyes lit up, her voice eager. "Of course, ma'am!"

These days, wealth whispered rather than shouted. First impressions were no longer made by appearances alone.

Victoria slid the jade bracelet onto her wrist, examining it with deliberate grace, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings.

Nathan, snapping out of his daze, quickly recovered and sneered. "Victoria, this isn’t the kind of place someone like you can afford. Trying it on? Aren’t you worried your bad luck might tarnish the jade? Take it off—Amy was the one who wanted this piece!"

Victoria arched a brow, unimpressed. "Didn’t Ms. Langley just say it was too expensive and she couldn’t afford it? That she didn’t want it anymore?"

Nathan scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Please. If we can’t afford it, what makes you—a woman who’s never worked a day in her life—think you can? Don’t embarrass yourself."

He turned to the saleswoman, gesturing impatiently. "Hey, what are you waiting for? Make her take it off!"

The saleswoman remained composed. "Sir, are you purchasing this bracelet?"

Nathan’s breath hitched.

He wanted to say yes. Desperately.

But the truth was, the price tag made his stomach churn.

His recent financial losses had left his bank account dangerously thin.

Reality forced him to swallow his pride.

"Victoria, you leech. Spending Alexander’s money like it’s your own. Have you no shame? If shamelessness were an Olympic sport, you’d win gold."

Nathan had made up his mind—if he couldn’t have it, neither would she.

He raised his voice, ensuring every ear in the store caught his words. "Ladies and gentlemen, take a good look! This woman hasn’t worked in years and survives by bleeding men dry!"

"Remember her face—don’t let yourselves be fooled by a gold-digger like her!"

Instantly, every customer and employee turned to stare.

Amy tugged at Nathan’s arm, feigning concern. "Nathan, if Ms. Sinclair likes it so much, why not let her have it?"

"Let her have it?" Nathan shot Victoria a disgusted look. "If she didn’t have a man, do you really think she could afford it?"

Victoria let out a soft, amused laugh. "It’s mine to begin with. I don’t need anyone’s permission... I suppose I just married well."

She met Nathan’s gaze, her voice cool and unbothered. "Five hundred thousand for a bracelet? I could buy ten without blinking. Even if it were five million, it wouldn’t make a difference."

"And you, Mr. Prescott? Living off less than a housewife. Honestly, it’s pathetic."

The crowd’s murmurs shifted. So she wasn’t some homewrecker—just a wife spending her husband’s money.

Amy and Nathan’s faces burned with humiliation.

Nathan jabbed a finger at her, his voice venomous. "Just wait, Victoria. I’m telling Alexander everything. He’ll know exactly what you’ve been up to today."

Victoria merely smiled. "Mr. Prescott, you’re a grown man in your late twenties. Why act like a child tattling on the playground? Can’t you handle your own problems?"

"If you’re so desperate to complain, go ahead. I’ll wait right here."

She handed her bank card to the saleswoman. "I’ll take it. Please ring it up."

The saleswoman accepted the card with a respectful nod and hurried off.

Watching Victoria about to walk away with the bracelet, Nathan lost his composure.

He shouted, frantic, "This jewelry store belongs to Blackwood Enterprises! Look closely—standing right next to me is Alexander’s one true love, the woman he adores! She’s been all over the news—you know her face!"