?Chapter 432:


    Still, Ste didn’t say a word. She just sat back as the makeup artist got to work. Haley, clearly not ready to be ignored, turned to the stylist. “I thought this was a members-only salon. Since when does just anyone walk in here?”


    The stylist, caught off guard, quickly smiled. “Ma’am, yes, we are members-only. Non-members typically can’t ess the service areas.”


    Haley raised an eyebrow, ncing pointedly at Ste and Sandra. “Then what about them? Did you check their membership cards?”


    That question made the stylist pause. They hadn’t checked.


    Ste’s dress and calm demeanor had made them assume she was a member. Haley saw the hesitation and pounced. “Well? If you’re exclusive, then check. Otherwise, what’s the point of membership?”


    The stylist turned to Ste and Sandra, flustered but polite. “I’m so sorry,dies, would you mind showing your cards?”


    Sandra looked stunned, clearly lost about what was going on with the whole membership issue. The nervous nce she threw Ste’s way made it obvious to Haley—Sandra definitely didn’t have a membership card.


    “I’m not sitting next to just anyone during my styling session!” Haley snapped. Just then, Ste reached into her bag and pulled out the ck card William had given her in Briset. He’d handed it over to help with business meetings, and she hadpletely forgotten it was still with her.


    The makeup artist visibly paused. That ck card wasn’t just any card—it was a globally limited edition. Anyone who had one had to be someone of serious status.


    “I’m not a member yet,” Ste said with an easy smile. “But it’s not toote to be one, is it?”


    The ce never imed it only catered to long-time members.


    “Of course, ma’am,” the makeup artist replied, suddenly bing more polite. “Pleasee this way.” She then guided Ste toward the membership counter.


    As Ste filled out the form, she asked casually, “If I bring friends, will they be able to enjoy the services too?”


    g?lnσν???s﹒??o?? is where stories live


    The makeup artist responded with extra care, “Absolutely. As long as they’re with you, they’re wee to enjoy everything here.”


    Ste didn’t hesitate. A month’s membership wasn’t overpriced, and she could easily afford it.


    After finishing up, she walked back to Sandra and gave her shoulder a gentle pat. “All good now. Go ahead and sit; we’re officially members.”


    Sandra finally rxed a little. As she sat down, she nced toward Haley and murmured, “Do people seriously still judge others over some membership card?” Steughed lightly. “It takes all kinds to make the world go round,” she replied.


    Honestly, the whole thing wasughable. Since when did a membership make someone superior?


    Haley’s expression soured at Ste’s taunt, but with so many eyes on her, she couldn’t afford tosh out. Swallowing her anger, she sank into her seat, forced to keep up appearances while frustration quietly burned inside her.


    Meanwhile, William was getting ready for the evening banquet. As the low-profile owner of the research institute, events like these required his presence. Even though he was still recovering from an abdominal injury, he insisted on attending.


    As he settled into the car, a notification popped up on his phone—a recent transaction, followed immediately by a refund for the exact amount. Someone had used his card and then swiftly reversed the charge.


    That’s when he instantly recalled—he’d given that card to Ste.


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