Upon learning that Maggie was about to visit the mall, Aldrich immediately instructed his assistant, Charlie, to inform the mall staff to prepare for the reception of their esteemed guest. He wanted to ensure that Maggie had the highest quality service during her visit.
Accompanied by her bodyguard, Maggie entered the mall, and the manager hastily dressed in his best attire to welcome her.
“Welcome, Miss Nelson. We’re delighted to have you here. Please follow me, and I’ll guide you through the VVIP member path,” the manager warmly greeted. He even tried to help Maggie with her bag, but her bodyguard’s stern gaze stopped him.
Maggie preferred handling things herself and followed the manager to the VIP lounge. The decor exuded an elegant European aristocratic style from the last century, opulent and exquisite. Luxurious and comfortable sofas, exquisite crystal tables adorned with classic European desserts, and elegant wine glasses awaited them.
The manager paid meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring that Maggie’s experience was flawless. Maggie genuinely felt how dreamlike and wonderful everything was. She gazed at the current season’s clothing magazine in her hands, scarcely believing that she could own all of this at any time.
Seated on the plush sofa, Maggie expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for your attentive service. I’d like to pick out two outfits, preferably in a discreet and elegant style.”
“Of course! I’ve made all the necessary arrangements. The latest and most stylish clothing will be with you shortly,” the manager assured her as he stood to her left. “Miss Maggie, we have a premium wine waiting for you to taste. If you’re interested, I’d be delighted to serve you.”
When Maggie noticed the wine on the table, her eyes sparkled with delight. “May I taste it?”
“Certainly, these privileges are exclusively yours,” the manager replied as he poured the wine. Maggie took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. She couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is so delightful.”
Rows of designer dresses were presented to Maggie. The beautiful female sales associates explained the design concepts and offered styling tips. Maggie tried on one exquisite dress after another, and everything felt like a fairy tale, as if she were dreaming. But her phone’s vibration reminded her that this was indeed real. Aldrich had prepared this extraordinary experience for her.
She opened her phone and saw a message from Aldrich: “I’m sorry I couldn’t accompany you in person. If you need anything at the mall, feel free to contact the staff. Next time, we will definitely arrange to travel together. I can guarantee you won’t be overlooked.”
Oh my goodness, wasn’t she already enjoying royal treatment? Maggie felt a wave of happiness wash over her and replied to Aldrich’s message, “Aldrich, you have no idea how happy I am right now. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Maggie carefully selected only two pieces of clothing. With her extraordinary figure and charming beauty, she exuded confidence and elegance. As she tried on the fitting dress, people around her couldn’t help but genuinely exclaim, “Miss Nelson, you look absolutely stunning!”
When Maggie flashed a radiant smile at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but wonder how Aldrich would react when he saw her in this outfit.
Suddenly, the manager hesitated and said, “I apologize for interrupting your delightful shopping experience, but there’s an urgent matter concerning you that I need to discuss in person.”
“Is there an emergency? What’s going on?” Maggie’s heart raced as she quickly inquired.
The manager had the mall’s surveillance footage pulled up. “These two customers have been spreading malicious rumors about you near the mall entrance. Would you like security to escort them out immediately, or do you have other requests?”
In the video, Max and Linda lingered at the mall’s entrance, refusing to leave. They were increasingly surrounded by a growing crowd, eagerly listening to Linda’s passionate accusations.
Maggie’s throat constricted, and she asked, “What are they saying about me?”
The manager carefully observed Maggie’s reaction, making sure she could handle the pressure. After all, he didn’t want to incur the wrath of the CEO due to mishandling the situation. He calmly explained, “According to these people in the video, they are spreading false rumors, claiming you’re vain, disloyal, and mistreating your old friends.”
“That’s all lies! Max and Linda are the real snakes!” Maggie’s anger sent shivers down her spine. The manager cautiously asked, “So, what should we do? Should we have security forcefully remove them?”
In the surveillance footage, onlookers expressed sympathy for Max and Linda, forming a unified front against Maggie. The situation was turning increasingly unfavorable for her.
The manager was concerned that Maggie’s escalating emotions might harm her and the child. This situation needed to be handled with care, and he suggested, “Let security escort them out to eliminate any harmful rumors. As for these two, I assure you, the executive team will deal with them. Miss Nelson, do you think this approach works for you?”
Maggie’s timidity and vulnerability led her to agree quickly. However, she suddenly had a vision in her mind-an image of a wolf howling in thick black fog, encouraging her with a loving gaze.
Feeling the presence of the wolf, Maggie shook her head slowly and whispered to herself, “No, I can’t keep relying on Aldrich. If I choose to pretend to be Aldrich’s companion, I must grow into an independent Luna, a person with a distinct identity. I need to step up and gracefully resolve this.”
Maggie took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. She stood up, realizing that all eyes were now fixed on her. The manager anxiously awaited her decision.
“Strengthen security downstairs. I’ll go confront them myself to clear my name,” Maggie signaled to nearby staff. “Please help me change out of this outfit. Manager, I need you to make the necessary adjustments to the surveillance and internal records; I have a plan.”
Maggie returned to the dressing room to change. The manager breathed a sigh of relief and messaged Charlie, “Miss Nelson has decided to face these two individuals directly.”
Upon receiving the message, Charlie expressed surprise and admiration. “This fragile human woman isn’t running away as one might have expected; she’s got some guts. Let’s see how she handles this.”
When Aldrich ordered Charlie to treat Maggie as the lady of the house, Charlie had reservations. He doubted this seemingly fragile and helpless human could be of any help to Aldrich.
This unexpected turn of events should have been resolved before the situation escalated, and security personnel should have immediately escorted Linda and Max away. However, Charlie’s thoughts led him to withhold this information from Aldrich and test Maggie’s capabilities instead.
He was genuinely curious and wanted to see Maggie’s next performance. Would she stir up more trouble or truly resolve the situation with a calm demeanor?