Chapter 14 - Meeting(4)

As Loretta approached a clerk, I wandered looking at the different displays. Most of the pieces were way out of anything I could afford, so I just admired the jade quality and craftsmanship of the pieces.

I headed back to the main counter and noticed a black jadeite bangle set that caught my eye. It was clasped in gold and reminded me of my eyes with the green and gold specks.

"Excuse me, Miss, would you like to try it on?" One of the female store associates respectfully asked.

"Yes please," I replied politely. For some reason, I was really enamored by the bangles.

"Why bother?" A snarky voice replied. "It's not like you can afford it. Miss, I would like to buy that piece!"

Looking back, I saw my sister Elena with two of her friends. They were all dressed in similar designer dresses and purses.

Ignoring her, I turned back to the waiting associate, "I would like to try it on please." indicating that she should continue bringing it out.

"I'll buy it!" My sister retorted, stomping forward and throwing her credit card at the lady.

Looking flustered, she quickly returned the card.

"Miss' I'm not qualified to deal with this situation! Please wait here while I get the store manager!"

She quickly dashed off and quickly came back with a portly older man dressed in a black suit. Glancing between my sister and me, his face quickly morphed into a pandering expression as he approached my sister.

"Young Miss, I heard you wanted to buy some jade. If you have any questions or requests, please let me know. This Lee would do everything in his power to aid you!"

Smirking at me, my sister pointed at the bracelet that caught my eye, "I want that bracelet there. But is that okay?" She feigned concern, "I know this lady here wanted to try it first, but I am willing to pay double the price!"

Hearing the money that could be made, the store manager's smile got wider.

"Of course, miss, who cares about who saw it first when you're ready to buy cash. Or is it that Miss over here is also willing to pay double."

Seeing his gleeful smile as he wanted to start a bidding war, I shook my head and wanted to withdraw. No need to argue with these fools.

"I'll pay double," Loretta announced as she walked to stand by me.

Seeing her, my sister turned to me and I could see her expression visibly darken.

"You…..." She couldn't even get the words out. "I'll pay triple!" she shouted out with clenched teeth. The money wasn't the issue, she just wanted to win

The store manager's eyes basically disappeared from how wide he was smiling. Just a simple $2000 bracelet was now going for more than twice the price. If this continued, the profit and commission he would make would be sweet.

"I double whatever she quotes," Loretta replied coolly

"$12000~" the manager gasped and turned to my sister, "Young miss, will you let this deal be taken from under your nose? Don't give up, this jade really accentuates your youthfulness and beauty of your skin!"

Smiling from the praise, my sister smiled gently before saying "quadruple it." with gritted teeth. $48K!! The price had jumped over 2000%. I could see that this was really starting to push her budget though

Making quick eye contact with Loretta I shook my head slightly. This was ridiculous especially for something I didn't particularly want.

Shrugging her shoulders gracefully, Loretta picked up my cue and replied to the manager, "If you really want to spend that much on some cheap jade, don't let me stop you. Clearly knowing somebody wanted the item first, you would try to steal it. Then again, someone who would want her own sister's fiancé really has no boundaries and decorum."

Turning to me she smiled and reached for my hand, "Let's go Canary. I feel polluted by her presence."

"You-!" My sister started

"Me what? Do I look like one of your little friends Elena? Check your tone and roll out of my way." Finished speaking her stinging words, Loretta began heading out of the store, her hand softly tugging mine.

Mildly impressed, I followed her out of the store, giving my sister a little wave. There might be hell to pay later, but it warmed my heart to think someone I recently got to know would defend me passionately. It felt a little nice.