Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

Florence’s lips fell agape in amazement when her eyes landed on the woman donning the white Elsa dress. The young lady appeared like a character from a children’s storybook, exuding an ethereal quality. Her graceful shoulders and collarbone were subtly visible through the elegant design of the dress. The fitted silhouette accentuated her alluring curves, rendering her a vision of nobility, elegance, and stunning beauty. Her presence would undoubtedly captivate onlookers wherever she ventured.

However, when Florence’s gaze met the enchanting woman’s eyes, she was bewildered to find Jane gazing back at her. The surprise caused Florence to blink and rub her eyes, doubting the reality of the transformation.

A surge of jealousy and hatred coursed through Florence as she pointed emphatically at Jane and demanded of the clerk, “I’ll take that dress! Pack it for me!”

The sales clerk was torn between two customers with opposing claims. She hesitated but couldn’t bring herself to say that the dress was already promised to Jane. Florence questioned sternly, “Has she paid for it?”

After a moment’s pause, the clerk answered, “Not yet.”

Florence asserted the importance of payment in sealing a sale, reinforcing her VIP status within the boutique. Erica, seizing an opportunity to ingratiate herself, chimed in with a reminder of Florence’s prominence. Their collective influence was enough to instill fear in the clerk, who was fully aware of the Doyle family’s power.

Conversely, the clerk remained unaware of Jane’s background, which she presumed to be of lesser significance compared to Florence. So, she reluctantly gathered her courage and approached Jane, requesting, “Miss, you have to take off the dress. It has been purchased.”

In response, Jane donned a sardonic smile and retorted, “Didn’t I just inform you that I wanted to purchase it?”

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As the clerk searched for words to persuade Jane to relinquish the dress, Erica intervened, her voice raised in a shrill command. “Florence desires that dress. Remove it immediately!”

Jane couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Is this some kind of joke? I had declared my intention to purchase this dress first. Isn’t it ‘first come, first served’?”

“Can you even afford this dress?” Erica retorted dismissively, losing her composure. “Do you know how much it’s worth? You’re arrogant despite your poverty!”

“It’s none of your business whether I can afford it or not.”

Ignoring Erica, Jane reached for her black card and instructed the clerk, “Please charge my card for it.”

Florence’s eyes widened as she recognized the card. She recalled seeing a similar card in Patrick’s possession, rare and exclusive. Even Florence didn’t possess one. The thought that Patrick had granted such a card to Jane stirred her anger and envy. She was consumed with resentment and the desire to bring Jane down.

Determined to acquire the dress, Florence arrogantly interjected as she clutched the clerk’s hand. “I’ll pay double for it!”

With arms folded and a determined expression, Jane scrutinized Florence. She couldn’t help but wonder if Florence was somehow stalking her, considering their unexpected encounter in this high-end Guavo boutique. Jane raised an eyebrow, asking, “Florence, ever heard of ‘first come, first served’? I had declared my intention to buy this dress first, so it’s rightfully mine. I won’t hand it over, even if you offer millions.”

Florence, brimming with arrogance, was convinced that only women of her wealth and sophistication deserved such dresses. She had already envisioned herself in the Elsa dress, convinced she’d outshine Jane.

Defiantly, Jane responded with a chuckle, “I don’t deserve this dress?” She teased, “Coming from someone who can’t distinguish between real and fake.”

Florence’s face flushed with anger, struggling to respond to Jane’s slight. “Jane!”

She desired to berate Jane for her insolence but found herself at a loss for words. She couldn’t accept such an affront, especially given her prominent status as a Doyle. In her mind, Jane was nowhere near the kind of woman who could compare to her.

Nevertheless, the thought of Patrick being with Jane filled Florence with a sense of relief. She was confident that he would never marry her. Her hope of becoming Mrs. Pansy was secure.

Bristling with determination, she resolved to secure the dress, whatever the cost. “Jane, do yourself a favor and take off the dress now!”

Erica, refusing to back down, insisted, “Is this how you want it to be? Get that dress off!”

Jane, still seated, was engrossed in texting Nana and seemingly unfazed by Florence’s threats. The snub infuriated Florence further, as she suspected Jane might be seeking help from Patrick.

In a fit of jealousy, Florence questioned the nature of Jane’s communication, her mind reeling with mixed emotions related to Patrick. However, she was steadfast in her resolve to deal with Jane that day.

Ten minutes passed before the boutique’s manager arrived, breathless and flustered. As he began to explain the situation to Florence, he inexplicably bypassed her to address Jane, displaying remarkable respect. “Good afternoon, Miss North.”

Unperturbed by the unfolding scene, Jane looked up at the manager and inquired, “You’re the manager, right? Is this how you conduct business here?”

Caught off guard, the manager quickly admitted fault and offered apologies. “I apologize for what transpired. The clerk didn’t recognize you and acted improperly. I apologize on her behalf.”