The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 3

Amara shook her head, looking disheartened. "It's okay, Jonah. I have my own money."

Vivian couldn't care less about their dramatic little duet. In the three years she had been with Jonah, she had never spent his money. Now that she knew he was Northside's crown prince, she wasn't about to pass up this final opportunity to bleed his wallet dry.-

Jonah, to his credit, played the part perfectly.

She browsed and selected items at the front, while he quietly paid the bills trailing behind.

It wasn't until they walked into the Hermès boutique that Amara finally bit her lip and spoke up. "Vivian... Dr. Granger has already spent so much. Shouldn't we look somewhere else?"

"What, does it break your heart seeing me spend his money?"

"..."

Vivian gave her a sharp look before turning to the man beside her, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Don't worry, Dr. Granger isn't exactly strapped for cash, right, Doctor?"

Jonah didn't even blink, giving a low hum of agreement to Vivian's question while his eyes stayed firmly on Amara.

"If there's anything you like, Amara, just have them wrap it up."

Amara looked incredibly flattered. "Really, Dr. Granger?"

"Really."

Vivian rolled her eyes, scoffing at their blatant flirting.

She turned her back on them and focused on the bags.

Amara shot Jonah a helpless, completely innocent look, as if she were deeply accustomed to Vivian's harsh treatment.

Jonah's brow furrowed, a flash of undeniable heartache passing through his dark eyes.

Seeing Vivian engaged in conversation with the sales associate, Amara shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and whispered, "Dr. Granger, you rushed me to the hospital the last time I passed out. I never got the chance to properly thank you."

"Your health is the priority."

Jonah's voice was remarkably tender. "I was just the closest person around. It was a coincidence."

Hearing this, Vivian almost burst out laughing.

A coincidence?

Whenever Amara was around, Jonah was always the closest person to her, ensuring she was constantly protected.

There was no such thing as a coincidence!

"Our store's allocation is completely exhausted, but our regional president just called. He said Northside's crown prince, Mr. Granger, gave the order personally. If Miss Amara wants these bags, we must secure them at all costs—and they are completely on the house."

The sales associate's eyes practically glowed with envy. "The president said Mr. Granger arranged it himself. Miss Fairchild, you are so incredibly lucky."

Amara froze, a delicate blush creeping up her cheeks. "I don't know a Mr. Granger... why would he..."

"It means he must be a secret admirer!"

The sales associate piled on the flattery. "Besides, you're so beautiful, Miss Fairchild. You absolutely deserve it!"

Jonah watched Amara with a gaze full of pure indulgence, effortlessly playing along with the associate's narrative. "She's right. You deserve it."

"You don't need to tease me... If we're talking about beauty, I could never compare to Vivian."

Amara turned to look at Vivian, unable to hide the smug curl of her lips, laying on the fake sweetness. "Vivian, Mr. Granger gifted me two bags. Let's each take one!"

Vivian, who had been thoroughly enjoying the spectacular performance on Jonah's face, casually pulled her gaze away when Amara called her name.

What could she even say...

In a twisted way, these two truly were a match made in heaven.