I gestured towards a bracelet, when an attendant nearby chimed in, "This piece is up for auction first. If you''re interested, we can get you a slot. You''d be after the thirtieth, there are thirtydies ahead in line."


    I waved it off, not that I was desperate for it. Just nced at the price tag and did


    a quick mental conversion to our currency. My eyes widened - a bracelet for 8 million dors.


    Wandering a bit more, I spotted a grape sculpture, carved from amethyst, lifelike down to the dewdrops on its surface.


    Then, eyeing the price tag - a cool $130,000. I nodded at Helen.


    Helen whipped out a ck card, and with a swipe, the transaction was as casual as picking up groceries. I had sessfully snagged a piece.


    Still, a long way from $2.6 million.


    "What do you fancy, Helen?"


    She looked around, then unapologetically dered, "Then I''ll really pick one."


    Amidst our conversation, she chose a Buddha statue, and I caught the price tag - $65,000.


    I couldn''t help but smirk, "You pick the cheapest thing avable. Quite the ambition."


    Yet, she treasured it like the rarest gem, slipping it into her pocket.


    For the first time, I realized she had someone important in her life.


    "Helen, your family?" It was like I struck a nerve; she red at me.


    Then, deting, she shared, "Lydia was my mom. She died because of you. It wasn''t your fault, so I resented you, pushed you away from Mr. Hilton. But then, seeing you risk everything to save others, I suddenly admired you, understood why my mom protected you. So, I''ll protect you too."


    What goes aroundes around. Good intentions bring good fortune.


    "I do bear a huge responsibility for Lydia''s death. I''m sorry, Helen."


    "It''s okay, I''vee to terms with it. My mom died a hero, and you''re trying to save others. The only one at fault is ude."


    Her eyes darkened with hatred and a hint of murderous intent at the mention of ude.


    I didn''t press further but took her


    shopping for several other item et


    Then, with a smile, she asked, "Do you enjoy thisvish lifestyle?


    I nodded, "I do, but it''s important to stay grounded, not lose sight of who you are."


    She patted my shoulder, "That butterfly brooch, so beautiful, and it''s a


    masterpiece. Let''s get that."


    Following her gaze, the brooch


    sparkled with a butterfly motif, its


    hollow design adorned with


    multicolored gems, alive with


    movement. As I was about to pay, the attendant announced a princess had just decreed that all


    butterfly-themed jewelry was reserved for her tonight, demanding a refund.


    A smirk curled under my veil. So, the princess was ying tyrant.


    Helen looked at me, "Should we stir trouble?"


    She nodded solemnly, "Let''s cause a stir."


    With lightning-fast reflexes, Helen snatched the brooch.


    "Sorry, but my boss has her heart on this design," Helen dered


    confidently, pinning it onto my nex


    AQUMS


    jacket. I felt a little heavier with pride.


    "Do you know who you''re challenging?" the princess''s maid eyed us coldly. Helen''s lips curled in triumph, "We bought it first. Money''s no issue for us."


    "Our boss wears it best."


    Her remark turned heads, sparking whispers. It''s rare to see someone bold enough to challenge a princess.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!