Chapter 1125:
Just then, the other associate led the affluent couple to the counter, her voice suddenly bright. “This necklace suits you perfectly. It’s an excellent choice—only around a hundred thousand. Truly a steal!”
As the couple prepared to pay, her face lit up with excitement. Melany shook her head gently. “No, I don’t want it. Let’s go, Rylie.”
Realizing the sale had slipped away, the associate couldn’t hide her contempt. She muttered sharply to her coworker in Marinth’s language, mocking them as penniless outsiders who should stick to cheap souvenir stalls.
The other associate snorted softly. “And how can you tell they’re from Eshea?”
Up𝖽𝖺𝘁𝗲𝗌 е𝘷е𝗿у 𝗐𝘦𝘦𝗄 𝗈ո 𝗀𝘢𝗅ո𝘰𝘃e𝗅𝘴.𝖼𝗼m
“Just look at their complexion,” the first woman sneered, casting a derisive glance at Melany. “And those outdated clothes say everything.”
Although Melany didn’t understand the words, their tone and expressions made the contempt clear. The couple nearby overheard and quietly translated.
Fortunately, they were kind-hearted. Once they grasped what had been said, they withdrew their payment and placed the jewelry back on the counter.
“We’re not purchasing anything,” the woman said firmly. “Is it necessary to belittle two young women? Everyone deserves to appreciate beautiful things. People struggling deserve respect, not ridicule.”
After conveying this to Melany and Rylie, the couple gently urged them out of the store. Then they walked away together, hand in hand.
The moment understanding dawned, fury ignited within Melany. Her gaze hardened as she snapped, “Let me remind you of something basic—respect isn’t about appearances. You’re store clerks, not judges of anyone’s worth, so stop acting superior.”
The blunt words hit their mark. Both sales associates stiffened, their smug expressions faltering as their pretense was stripped away.
Melany took Rylie’s arm. “Let’s leave,” she said firmly. “A place that treats people like this won’t last long.”
Just as they turned to go, one of the associates slipped a ring into her own pocket and barked, “Stop right there!”
Rylie turned back, her expression cool. The woman continued self-righteously, “The ring you were handling is missing.”
Rylie’s gaze turned ice-cold. “Are you accusing us of theft?”
The associate lifted her chin. “Return it or pay for it. Otherwise, we’re calling the police.”
Hiding behind false charges and clear prejudice, Rylie and Melany were blocked from leaving.
When the police arrived, the associates quickly presented their story, painting Melany and Rylie as uncooperative and suspicious. Asked about surveillance footage, one shrugged dramatically. “The cameras happen to be down today. That’s why we need your help.”
Since both women maintained their innocence, an officer informed them coldly, “You’ll need to submit to a physical search.”
Onlookers outside paused to watch, some whispering as tension rose. Sensing trouble, Nightingale stepped inside—only for the officers to immediately draw their weapons. “Are you with them?” one demanded.
Rylie subtly signaled Nightingale to stand down, moving protectively in front of Melany.
Melany’s hands trembled with anger and humiliation. “This is too much,” she whispered fiercely.
“Don’t be afraid,” Rylie said quietly, staying between Melany and the officers. Her voice was calm, but her eyes were glacial. “I suggest you reconsider. You’re being misled. Search the employees instead—then everything will be clear.”
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