?<strong>Chapter 390:</strong>


    Seeing her words go unanswered, the older saleswoman turned back to Carrie, her tone dripping with condescension. “You’re seriously out of your depth here. Do you really think you could afford this pen? Even if you sold your entire family, you’d still fall short.”


    Carrie stopped tapping on the ss. She pulled her hand back, her tone icy. “Is this your idea of customer service? Call your manager.”


    The saleswoman rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defiantly. “Manager? You really want to meet our manager?”


    “And what about me? Am I worthy of meeting your manager?” A new voice interrupted, smooth and authoritative.


    Carrie and the saleswoman both turned toward the sound of the voice. Leaning casually against the wall near the door, Albin stood with his trademark yful grin, his posture rxed but his gaze sharp.


    The saleswoman froze for a moment, startled by his sudden appearance. Her surprise quickly melted into a practiced smile as she hurried over to him. “Mr. Murray! What brings you here today? Are you shopping for yourself or looking for a gift? It’s a slow day and we don’t have many customers in here—why don’t you sit down and enjoy some coffee while I bring out a few items for you to look at?”


    Albin pushed off the wall and walked further into the store, his expression casual but his tone biting. “No customers? Then what about her?” He gestured toward Carrie, still standing by the counter. “Are you blind or just not thinking straight? Can’t you see thedy standing right here?”


    The sales associate faltered, suddenly realizing she’d made a misstep. She nced nervously at Carrie, then back at Albin, piecing together her assumption: Albin didn’t actually know this woman, but his interest in her had been piqued. She must be another one of those opportunistic beauties who use their looks to attract wealthy men.


    It was said that Albin was a wealthy heir who couldn’t seem to seed at anything, spending his days indulging in pleasure. He must have noticed this pretty but shabby woman and decided to y the hero.


    She silently cursed Carrie. Moreover, Carrie’s features were so perfect, it must have been the result of stic surgery. Her expression grew sly as her thoughts raced. She leaned closer to Albin and spoke in a low voice. “Mr. Murray, don’t mind her. She’s just one of those women who loiter around trying to catch a rich guy’s attention.”


    She doesn’t buy anything—just waits to reel someone in with her looks.”


    Albin’s gaze slid to Carrie briefly before returning to the sales associate. His smile didn’t waver, but there was something dangerously sarcastic in his tone. “And you know so much about her… how?”


    Carrie, leaning casually against the counter, watched the exchange with detached amusement. She had no intention of interrupting Albin’s little performance.


    The sales associate, misunderstanding his reaction, pressed on eagerly. “As salespeople, we see all kinds of customers every day,” she said, her tone turning proud. “Mr. Murray, men don’t think the way we do. You might not notice, but I can see right through her.”


    Albin’s yful smile dropped, his expression darkening in an instant. “Do you take me for an idiot?” he snapped, his tone icy.


    The sales associate paled, her confidence crumbling. “I didn’t mean it like that…” she stammered, realizing she’d overyed her hand.


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