Teacher Ewan froze for a moment, momentarily perplexed by the cashier’s question. QR code? Card swipe? He wasn’t concerned with the specifics—normally, he would simply hand over his card. But as he instinctively reached for his pocket, his expression shifted. A deep frown creased his face. He quickly realized his current attire had no pockets, and his bank card was still with XL, who had been holding it for safekeeping. The cashier’s polite smile wavered, her enthusiasm dimming. Noticing the awkward moment, Liza smoothly stepped forward and handed over her own card to pay. Before the transaction could proceed, Rita seized the chance to unleash her sarcasm. Her voice dripped with mockery. “Ha! So even this old man doesn’t have money? How ridiculous! If he’s broke, why’s he parading around with a woman? Liza, are you blind? Watch out—you’ll end up penniless too!” Liza’s frown deepened, but before she could speak, Teacher Ewan’s voice cut through, calm yet edged with sharpness. “Those who spout nonsense like you should beware. After death, they’ll find their tongues ripped out in hell.” Rita scoffed openly, her disdain on full display. “What kind of backwater nonsense is that? Do you seriously believe in that superstitious garbage? Let me guess—you’re fresh from the mountains, aren’t you? And what’s with that outfit? You look like a con artist from another era!” Liza’s patience finally reached its limit. She had initially chosen to stay quiet, but Rita’s words had crossed a line by insulting her teacher. Without a word, Liza retrieved her phone, swiftly signed a digital contract, and transferred a significant sum to Teacher Ewan. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she glanced at the stunned faces around her. Alora, standing nearby, stepped in with an exaggeratedly apologetic tone. “Rita, that’s enough. Maybe he just forgot to bring his card.” Turning to Liza, she added, “Liza, I feel bad about our misunderstanding earlier. I wanted to gift you those tickets to XL’s art exhibition, but you declined. So how about this? Let me pay for these clothes as a gesture of goodwill. But… since you’re married to Gavin, it’s better to avoid shopping with other men, don’t you think?” With deliberate grace, Alora approached the cashier, holding her card out with a sweet smile. “Here, I’ll pay for Miss Liza’s clothes. Please charge my card.” The cashier’s demeanor brightened immediately. “Of course! Miss Alora, that’s so thoughtful of you!” As the cashier began processing the payment, Rita couldn’t resist adding more venom to the moment. “Some people just love pretending to be rich, don’t they? And shopping with another man while married? Disgraceful! She’s clearly just a loose woman.” The cashier, handing over the shopping bags, shot Teacher Ewan a disdainful look. “Why act like you’re rich when you can’t even afford this?” Liza calmly looked at the bags before her expression turned icy. “I don’t want the clothes anymore.” Alora stepped forward again, her tone as saccharine as ever. “Don’t say that, Liza. Take this as a sincere apology from me. I hope we can move past our little misunderstanding…” But Liza cut her off with a firm, steady voice. “I’m not being polite. I simply don’t need to pay for items from my own store.” The room fell into stunned silence as her words sank in. Teacher Ewan stood to the side, his chest puffed with pride. His gaze shone with admiration as he thought, Our Little Liza is so commanding! Alora’s smile stiffened, the confidence in her expression faltering. Meanwhile, Rita, standing nearby, burst into mocking laughter. “Did I hear that right?” Rita sneered. “You’re claiming this shop belongs to you? Do you take me for a fool? How could you possibly own a place like this?” Liza remained composed, her tone steady as she replied, “I just bought it.” Turning to the manager, she gave a crisp order, “Clear out the store. Everyone else needs to leave.”The cashier’s face drained of color, her hands trembling slightly as the weight of the command sank in. Rita stared in disbelief, struggling to process what had just happened. Could ownership of the shop have changed hands so quickly? Alora frowned, her voice laced with suspicion. “Liza, are you saying you just purchased this shop? Did you use Gavin’s money to do it?” Her words made the onlookers pause, confusion etched across their faces as they exchanged uncertain glances. Alora hesitated, as if reluctant to speak, then bit her lip. “As Gavin’s wife, it’s understandable for you to use his money, but…” She trailed off, her tone deliberately suggestive. “Spending so much just to make a point for this man? Isn’t that going a little too far?” The realization seemed to hit Rita all at once, and she erupted in outrage. “Liza! You’re using your husband’s money to entertain some old man? If your husband finds out about this, he’ll definitely lose his mind!”Seeing Liza remain silent, Rita only grew more emboldened. Her voice rose, carrying her anger. “What’s the matter? Your silence proves you agree! Don’t forget, your own father has already disowned you. Now, it’s your husband who’s footing the bill for your lifestyle. Instead of cherishing that, you’ve gone and bought a shop just to impress an old man? Have you lost your mind?” Alora’s tone softened, feigning concern. “Liza, I’ll let this go and won’t say anything to Gavin this time. But for your own good, I suggest you cut ties with this man immediately. Don’t let this ruin your marriage.” She stepped closer, her voice low and pleading. “Think about it, Liza. For Gavin’s sake, you should reconsider and end this relationship. It’s for the best.” Liza, who had remained composed until now, finally shifted her gaze to the two women. Her eyes were cold, her voice sharp as ice. “Alora, how long do you plan to keep up this charade?”