Chapter 131. Meeting Lady Valentina

Elena’s POV

The moment the guard spoke, my heart dropped straight into my stomach. “Ma’am,” he said, his voice firm but controlled, “we’ve received a complaint. We’ll need to inspect your handbag.”

My palms went cold instantly. A few people nearby slowed their steps. Others stopped altogether. I could feel eyes turning toward us. Instinctively, I lowered my head, wishing I could disappear into the floor. “I…there’s been a misunderstanding,” I started softly, trying to keep things calm.But Maurene didn’t even let me finish.

“A misunderstanding?” she scoffed loudly. “Are you out of your mind? Do you know who I am?” She straightened her back, looking down at the guard like he was dirt beneath her shoes. “I spend more money here in one day than you earn in a year. And you dare accuse me of stealing?”

The guard didn’t flinch. “Ma’am, please cooperate. Open the bag.”

My chest tightened. She really wasn’t going to stop.

“Absolutely not!” Maurene s