Nathan turned to the sales associate with a chilling smirk. "If you're bored with your position, by all means, sell that bracelet to her."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "But don’t think it’ll just cost you your job at Windsor Jewelers. Cross us, and you’ll never work in luxury retail in Newhaven again."

The sales associate froze, her eyes darting to Victoria. Her face paled as recognition struck—this was Victoria Langley, the woman rumored to have once been involved with Alexander Blackwood. Someone like her couldn’t possibly stand against Blackwood Enterprises’ influence.

Victoria feigned concern. "Nathan, please, let’s not cause a scene."

"Amy’s the kind of woman who takes advantage of people like you, Victoria," Nathan snapped. "You’re too kind, and it’s about time someone put her in her place. Today, I’ll do it myself."

Amy’s expression remained cool, unbothered. "You? Don’t flatter yourself. You’re hardly qualified to lecture me."

She raised her voice, ensuring every patron in the boutique heard her clearly. "So, what you’re saying is, if Alexander’s beloved wants something, it doesn’t matter who saw it first or who paid for it? She just takes it, no questions asked?"

She swept her gaze across the room, making sure every well-dressed shopper and staff member was listening. "Most high-end stores treat their customers with respect, but here, it seems we’re expected to bow to Blackwood’s whims. Is this how they conduct business?"

Her words were perfectly timed, instantly casting Victoria and Nathan as the villains—and turning the entire store against them.

The clientele here weren’t ordinary shoppers—they were Newhaven’s elite, and their expressions darkened with disapproval.

"Blackwood Enterprises has grown quickly, sure," one murmured. "But they’re not the only power in the city. If this is their attitude, what happens if they dominate the market? Will we have to beg for the privilege of spending our money?"

"Exactly! There are other jewelers in Newhaven. If Blackwood doesn’t want our business, we’ll take it elsewhere."

"I’m done here. I won’t shop somewhere that lets favorites trample over paying customers."

"My firm has a deal with Blackwood next week. I’ll be sure to mention this. Arrogance like this makes them a liability."

Discontent rippled through the boutique. In mere minutes, Blackwood Enterprises’ reputation had taken a visible hit.

Amy watched with satisfaction as Victoria and Nathan’s faces tightened. "Mr. Prescott, Ms. Langley—if Blackwood’s stocks drop tomorrow, you’ll know exactly who to blame."

Both of them paled.

Then, the murmurs abruptly ceased as a tall, impeccably dressed man descended the staircase. His commanding presence drew every eye in the room, the air itself seeming to still around him.

He frowned slightly at the scene. "What’s going on here?"

Nathan’s eyes widened. "Alexander? Weren’t you in a meeting? What are you doing here?"

Alexander’s voice was cool and clipped. "My associate wanted to see the new collection, so I brought him by."

Without hesitation, Nathan pointed at Amy. "She’s causing trouble! Whatever Victoria picks, Amy insists on taking it, then spreads lies about Blackwood Enterprises. She’s even telling people to boycott this store!"

Before Amy could respond, Alexander’s gaze turned icy, locking onto her. "Amy. Give the bracelet back to Victoria."