Chapter 1227

When Lily glanced over, the salesgirl stood with arms crossed, maintaining a façade of respect. However, Lily detected a hint of dissatisfaction in the salesgirl's eyes. Although the credit card in Lily's hand commanded a degree of respect, the store catered to the wealthy and powerful. The customer who had reserved this dress was no ordinary rich woman. "Madam," the salesgirl offered a strained smile, "would you like to look around some more?"

Lily thought, So, what if you have money? We're in Kingsland; there are plenty of rich people. Even the wealthiest must defer to those in power.

Lily tilted her head, straightened her clothes, and casually glanced at the dress again. "I'm not one for second glances," she stated. "If something doesn't catch my eye immediately, there's no point in looking further. Are you sure you refuse to sell this?"

The salesgirl's heart skipped a beat. She dared not refuse Lily directly, nor could she afford to offend her. Instead, she chose evasion.

"Madam, your humor is impeccable," she said, "but this is a business. We can't refuse to sell to customers. However, someone has already purchased this dress. Perhaps you could speak to the owner? We can sell it to you if she agrees."

Lily immediately recognized the salesgirl's attempt to deflect responsibility. A sneer touched her lips. "Weren't you the one who instructed the young girl to bring this dress to me?"

The salesgirl stammered, "Y-Yes, but..."

"And didn't you say I should pay before trying it on?"

Jane intervened, "Madam, please—"

Lily ignored her. "Since I presented my card to pay, the dress is mine. What is the problem?"

From the beginning, Lily had focused her gaze on the snobbish salesgirl—a gentle yet sharp look, her words clear and unhurried, yet carrying significant weight. The question silenced the salesgirl, the color draining from her face.

"Pack up the dress," Lily said, rising with arms akimbo, her earlier amiable demeanor vanished. "I'm in a hurry." The salesgirl finally began to regret her initial attitude. She had misjudged Lily, mistaking her for someone easily manipulated.

"Madam, let me be frank," the salesgirl said. "The person who reserved this dress is Anastasia Rollins, the young lady of the Rollins family."

Store policy dictated customer confidentiality; yet, the salesgirl felt compelled to use Anastasia's name as a deterrent.

Lily was surprised, not by Anastasia's identity, but because the name sounded familiar, as if she'd heard it recently.

The salesgirl, misinterpreting Lily's hesitation, moved closer, whispering, "Ms. Rollins' birthday party is in two days. She won't be pleased if you purchase the dress she custom-ordered. If Ms. Rollins is upset, Secretary Rollins will be unhappy as well. And then…"

The salesgirl's judgmental gaze intensified. "Madam, I know money isn't an issue, but buying this dress would damage your husband's reputation."

Lily was stunned. She hadn't anticipated the salesgirl's sharp wit. Previously, she'd considered the salesgirl merely condescending; now, she saw her as a bully, using name-dropping to gain an advantage. However, the familiarity of the name suddenly clicked. Secretary Rollins, huh?