"Nancy, this is gorgeous," Carolyn cooed, linking her arm through her friend's and steering her forward, completely ignoring Chloe and Robert. "It would look perfect on you. If you wear this to your birthday party, all eyes will be on you." Nancy Steffes glanced at the necklace in the display case. A pleased smile touched her lips. "It's nice. I'll take it." Carolyn looked at the sales assistant, her expression cool. "You heard her. Pack it up. We're buying it." The assistant gave a polite nod. "Ladies, we have several limited-edition pieces. Our most expensive item is over ten million..." "Are you listening?" Carolyn's voice was sharp. "We want this necklace. Just ring it up." Nancy's face tightened slightly at the delay. But the sales assistant remained professional. "Ms. Steffes, this lady had her eye on this necklace first—and she's already decided to take it!" Nancy finally turned her attention to Chloe, her eyes sweeping over her from head to toe, filled with open contempt. "This necklace costs 9.99 million dollars," she said, her voice a mocking drawl. "Can you even count that high? Don't embarrass yourself if you can't actually pay for it." The sales assistant looked at Chloe with a questioning smile. "Miss, are you certain you want this piece?" Before Chloe could answer, Carolyn cut in again. "Chloe, are you seriously buying a ten-million-dollar diamond necklace? A limited edition, no less!" She feigned shock, then lowered her voice to a stage whisper. "You had that big fight with the family over money, even threatened to leave... and now you have this much cash so soon?" Nancy looked from Chloe to Robert and let out a short, ugly laugh. "Carolyn, so this is your sister who cut ties with her family for a payout? Some people really have no self-respect." Carolyn tugged on Nancy's arm, pretending to scold her. "Nancy, don't say that. She's still family, you know." She turned back to Chloe, a smirk hiding in her eyes. "Chloe, just so you know, this place is cash only. No payment plans. No loans." She could barely contain her glee. Just a little while ago, she and her best friend Nancy had come to the upscale Belle Mall. Right at the entrance, she'd spotted a woman and a child. Her first thought was that the woman looked like Chloe, but she didn't believe Chloe could afford to be here. Seeing the kid confirmed it was them, so she'd instantly dragged Nancy over to see what was going on. When she saw Chloe walk into the most expensive jewelry boutique without hesitation, Carolyn was shocked. Does Chloe even know the cheapest thing here costs more than ten thousand dollars?She just waltzed in without a second look—can she actually afford it? She'd complained about Chloe to Nancy, and Nancy decided on the spot to back her up and put this shameless "sister" in her place. Nancy was the pampered daughter of the Steffes family, with a monthly allowance in the millions. Carolyn, as a rising actress with a growing fanbase, relied on Nancy, who had even invested in her projects. "Thanks for the warning," Chloe said to Carolyn, her voice calm. She then turned back to the assistant. "I'll take the necklace." Nancy looked Chloe over again. That dress might look decent, but she was sure it wasn't designer. Probably from some cheap store, or maybe even a street market! And she had the nerve to come here, to the best mall in Capaville, putting on airs? Now she wanted to buy a ten-million-dollar necklace? "Wait," Nancy called out, stopping the assistant who was about to process the sale. "I like this necklace too. I want it." The sales assistant offered an apologetic smile. "Ms. Steffes, this is a regional exclusive. There's only one on the continent. This lady saw it first. She has priority.""She can only have priority if she can actually pay for it, right?" Nancy's disdainful eyes landed on Chloe again. "Dragging your kid around to look the part. Do you think wearing something pricey will make you classy?" "Go on, then! Pay for it! Let's see you do it!" Nancy's voice rose, taunting her. "If you can't afford it, just call me 'master' and I might buy you a hundred-thousand-dollar necklace instead. For someone like you, that's already a fortune." Nancy didn't even bother making eye contact. She knew a little about Carolyn's so-called sister, especially the part about her being some country bumpkin who was taken in by the family. The idea that this woman could afford a ten-million-dollar necklace was a complete joke.