?Chapter 168:


    Except, of course, for Christina herself—the unrivaled master of theft. If she wanted to swipe something, it happened so smoothly that no one ever noticed, and catching her was impossible.


    Brad’s eyes flicked over to her, and he stered an ingratiating smile. “Do you actually have an exclusive ck card?” he asked cautiously.


    “Naturally.” Christina disyed the card again, holding it up confidently. “If you doubt me, go ahead and verify it.”


    “N-no need.” Brad quickly waved his hand, clearly not daring to question her further. The thought that she might be the Miss Jones William mentioned sent a jolt of worry through him—a mistake here could ruin everything.


    Brad was just about to discreetly ask about her connection to Thea and Katie when Thea’s sharp voice cut through the tension. “How can you not verify it? What kind of manager are you? Do you just believe her every word?”


    Brad had a suspicion and smiled at her. “Is it you who had the conflict with thisdy?”


    Thea held her chin up, her words dripping with self-righteousness. “She stole someone else’s VIP card, used it to buy a designer bag, and intended to flip it for profit. On top of that, she tried to fire an innocent sales assistant. I was only trying to uphold justice.”


    Brad chuckled. “Without solid evidence, your usations won’t stand. Be careful—making baseless ims can backfire legally.”


    “You!” Thea shot him a fierce re. “Are you defending her?”


    Before Brad could respond, Katie stepped in impatiently and pointed at Christina. “Mr. Cohen, quit wasting time! Get security to catch this thief—Christina Jones—before she slips away. If the police arrive and she’s gone, you’ll be the one to me.”


    A wave of appreciation for Katie swept over Brad, even if it surprised him. Her words had given him just the insight he needed to recognize the Miss Jones William mentioned, all without upsetting Miss Jones in the midst.


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    Shifting his attention to Christina, Brad’s entire demeanor changed. His smile became genuine, warm. “Miss Jones, is there anything you’d like to see improved in our store?”


    Confusion spread through the onlookers. Whispers rippled across the room as people tried to make sense of his sudden interest in Christina’s opinion.


    Katie could hardly believe she was being ignored. Outrage made her voice rise above the murmurs. “You should be asking for advice from us! Why waste your time on a thief?”


    Thea, scowling, tried to intimidate Brad. “Keep this up, and you can kiss your job goodbye!”


    Brad paid them no mind, ignoring their anger as if they were invisible. His gaze never left Christina, and a steady smile lingered on his face. He studied every detail of her features, determined to remember her, knowing how important it was not to offend her in the future. After all, even the brand’s CEO, William, would think twice before crossing her. Treading carefully around her seemed the right thing to do. For someone of Christina’s stature, holding an exclusive ck card seemed only natural.


    Christina said without a moment’s pause, pointing at ude and the senior sales assistant, “Here’s what I think: fire them and make sure they never work in luxury retail again.”


    Faces nched instantly, ude and the senior sales assistant, looking as though their fate was sealed then and there.


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