?Chapter 169:


    “Absolutely. Your request will be honored,” Brad replied quickly, his tone showing nothing but respect.


    Shock rippled through the store as they realized Brad was taking Christina’s words asw.


    “One more thing,” Christina added, her tone gentle but her authority unmistakable.


    Brad leaned forward, eager to carry out whatever came next. “I’m listening,” he said with sincere deference.


    One simple gesture from Christina set the wheels in motion. She lifted her hand and pointed at Valerie. “Train her to be the store manager.” A jolt ran through Valerie as the words sank in, her chest tightening with disbelief. Gradually, excitement flooded in, and she waited anxiously, her eyes locked on Brad for any hint of confirmation.


    “I’ll make it my mission to help her excel as manager. You have my word,” Brad said without a hint of hesitation, his voice full of confidence.


    For a long moment, Valerie was lost for words. Everything felt surreal, as if she’d stepped into someone else’s dream. She had thought it would be just like thest time, stepping in to lend a hand and somehow ending up in trouble herself. But today had proved her thoughts wrong. Instead of trouble, she’d earned an incredible chance. This chance might mean little to others, but to her, it meant the world. Tears threatened to spill as Valerie looked at Christina, gratitude shining in her gaze. Memories of her past hardship made her silently vow never to forget her benefactor. No matter what it took, she’d repay Christina’s kindness, even at great personal risk. Christina hadn’t just changed her fate. Christina’s intervention had given her entire family hope for a new beginning. Appreciation surged within her—how could she possibly feel otherwise?


    “Alright,” Christina said with a nod. “From now on, make sure you carefully check each employee’s background and integrity. That’s it. I have nothing else to add.”


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    “Got it,” Brad replied, turning his gaze to Valerie. “Shouldn’t you be showing your gratitude to Miss Jones?”


    “Oh!” Valerie snapped back to reality. She dabbed at her cheeks and then stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion. “Thank you, Miss Jones. You’ve done more for me than I ever imagined. If there’s ever anything you need—anything at all—I’ll be there for you.” Nothing would keep her from honoring that promise, no matter how hard it might be.


    “You earned this. Had you not stood up for what’s right, I wouldn’t have intervened. Work hard and prove yourself,” Christina replied, her voice steady yet gentle.


    Valerie straightened up, determination in her eyes. “I will!”


    Just then, a sharp interruption cut through the room when the doors swung open. Two officers in uniform marched inside, their stern expressions scanning everyone as one of them asked, “Who called the police?”


    Before anyone could speak, Brad stepped up to the police. “One of our employees called, but it was a misunderstanding. Everything’s been settled now. I’m truly sorry for the trouble.”


    Brad bowed deeply, apologizing again and again. The officers’ stern expressions softened. “As long as it’s resolved,” one of them said, and with that, they left.


    Christina turned to Brad, frowning as she pointed at Katie and Thea. “Remove them. They’re ruining my shopping mood.”


    “Consider it done.” Without hesitation, Brad walked over to Thea. He gave a polite gesture. “Miss Reed, I’m sorry. Please leave.”


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