The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 363

Winona ignored her entirely and continued browsing.

Karina stepped closer, her eyes raking over Winona's outfit. Noting the lack of recognizable designer labels, her tone dripped with contempt. "Couldn't get a meeting with Stefan, couldn't scam any money out of him, so now you're wandering around looking this pathetic? Let me give you a reality check—everything in here is expensive. Can you even afford a single thread?"

Winona felt like there was a mosquito buzzing incessantly in her ear. Thoroughly annoyed, she turned to look at her. "Did I offend you in some past life? Why are you harassing me while I'm trying to shop? Or is being a completely obnoxious nuisance just a personality trait of yours?"

Karina choked on her outrage. As a daughter of the Shepherd family and Margaret's own niece, she couldn't believe this nobody dared speak to her that way.

She shot Winona a venomous glare before marching over to a sales associate and whispering something in her ear.

The associate nodded eagerly. "Understood, Ms. Shepherd."

Winona selected a beautiful jade bracelet for Violet, an elegant fountain pen for Stefan, and a delicate necklace for Roxana.

But when she brought them to the counter, the associate offered a strained, apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, miss. The items you've selected are reserved exclusively for our VVIP clients."

Karina had just promised the associate she would buy whatever Winona picked out at a premium. Eager for the massive commission, the associate made up the excuse to deny Winona the sale.

Winona frowned. "I've shopped at plenty of luxury boutiques before, and I've never heard of such a ridiculous policy."

She knew exactly what this was—retail code for judging a customer by their cover.

Winona offered a cold smile. "Give me your manager's number. I'd love to ask them personally if this is official corporate policy."

The associate's face instantly drained of color.

"Miss, our manager is very busy. Besides, every boutique handles their exclusive marketing differently. Please don't make my job difficult."

She hadn't expected to run into her here.

Phoebe was a wealthy heiress in her own right. She had fallen in love at first sight with her husband, whose family was steeped in academia. Because his traditional family required a daughter-in-law to hold a respectable profession like teaching or medicine, the highly intelligent Phoebe had immediately pursued a master's in English and become a high school teacher.

She had eventually married the man she loved. Since tying the knot, she kept a low profile, preferring niche luxury brands that didn't flash massive logos. This particular boutique was one of her favorites.

Hearing Phoebe's intervention, the sales associate let out a massive sigh of relief. "Of course! Please just provide the phone number on the account, Ms."

Winona thanked her.

Phoebe chuckled softly. "Don't mention it. You helped me out before. Returning the favor is the least I can do."