“I’m referring to your shopping.Your celebration is premature.Those shares aren’t meant for you.Too bad that the store doesn’t allow returns.Although what’s a little more debt when you’re on the verge of homelessness?”
“Wow.I don’t know you, and you don’t know me.So, drop the act, and keep on walking.”
I moved to do just that, but she caught my arm.
“Those shares weren’t your father’s to sell.The transfer will be revoked by Monday morning, and this little self-entitled fit you're throwing will come crashing down.You’re lucky that someone like Mr.Hestian is remotely interested in gutter trash like you, or you wouldn’t even have that as an option out of the destitution you’re determined to sink into.”
I laughed, jerked my arm from her hold, and kept laughing as I walked away.
Despite my internal rage, I kept my smile firmly in place, well aware that the bodyguard and maybe even someone else was watching me.
Inside the clothing store, I asked to try on a top and closed myself in a fitting room.
Hands shaking, I sent Konni a text.
Me:What if my dad wasn’t the owner of those shares?Would the transfer be invalid?
K:I’ll reach out to Felix and have him look into it.I’m sending Harlow to pick you up.
Me:Don’t you dare.
K:Please, Sophia.She said she grabbed you.
Me:And I laughed.
K:Because you were amused or angry and protecting yourself?
Me:Mind your business.
K:You are my business, Sophia.Let me in.I won’t disappoint you.
The sales associate knocked on the door.“Can I get you another size or color option?”
With a calm expression, I opened the door and handed her the top.
“It’s beautiful, but not right for me.”
I left, feeling a little calmer than when I’d gone in.Choosing to ignore the confrontation, I focused on my purpose downtown and continued shopping, paying attention to customer flow, the layouts and feel of each store, and the overall vibe.
Closer to dinner time, my phone vibrated again.
K:I have an answer from Felix.Harlow’s waiting in the very modest blue sedan idling at the corner.
Me:It feels like a kidnapper van filled with free puppies and candy just pulled up next to me.
K:Are you comparing Felix to puppies and candy?
I stared at his message and fought not to smile.Was he jealous?
Me:Send me a selfie, please.
The picture I got made me smile widely.He was frowning, his golden eyes sparkling dangerously, and his pupils definitely showing his inner dragon.
Me:Thanks for the eye-candy.I guess I’ll get in your car and have dinner with you under the pretext of hearing whatever news Felix shared with you.
Grinning, I walked to the corner and got into the back seat of the blue sedan.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
