The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 242
“You really are just like Tamara said-an ungrateful wretch. Mom shouldn’t have brought you back in the first place. Not only do you have zero gratitude, but you spend all day fighting against us!”
Facing Clive’s accusations, Leilani rolled her eyes, speechless.
Although she knew the truth, she couldn’t be bothered to explain it to him. In her eyes, Clive was like a mindless animal, stubborn and obstinate. He only believed what he wanted to believe. In his mind, Leilani was the heartless ingrate, and Tamara was the sweet, sensible sister. Explaining anything to him was a waste of breath.
Leilani turned directly to the sales associate. “Can you wrap the watch up for me? I’ll take it.”
She wanted to buy the watch and leave, but Clive wouldn’t let it go. The two were at a standoff.
The sales associate stood behind the counter, holding the watch with the deep blue dial. She was in a difficult position.
“Well… our distinguished guests, we actually have other models that are newer and more stylish than this one. Why don’t you both…” She spoke cautiously, trying to diffuse the tension.
Clive laughed coldly, appreciating none of her goodwill. His aggressive attitude left her with no way out.
“No. I have my eye on this watch. I don’t want any others! Get this straight-I am a VIP client of your store.”
He turned to look at Leilani with contempt. “As for her? She’s just a country girl who didn’t even finish college. You think she can afford this watch? You’re going to lose a whale trying to catch a minnow.”
Other customers in the store heard the commotion and cast curious glances their way. Some recognized Clive and whispered to their friends in surprise.
Some even took out their phones to secretly record. After all, Clive was a top star. On screen and in public, he had always maintained the persona of a wholesome, sunny heartthrob. It was rare to see such an aggressive side of him in public. This had to be recorded; think of the traffic.
Leilani remained calm, her gaze sweeping lightly over the onlookers before returning to the sales associate.
“I will reiterate this one more time. I saw this watch first. Please wrap it up now!”
The associate hesitated, ultimately unable to resist Clive’s celebrity aura. She whispered,
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“Mr. Sloan is a valued client of our store. Please, just let him have it. Why don’t you look at other styles…”
Clive smirked triumphantly and reached out to grab the watch.
Just then, a gasp came from the crowd.
“Wait! Is that a Lavelle Lux limited edition bag the girl is holding?”
Everyone’s eyes instantly focused on the shopping bag in Leilani’s hand. The bag was understated but luxurious, stamped with the gold brand logo. Through the open top, one could glimpse a rare leather handbag-a limited edition with only ten released globally, priced close to a million dollars.
Clive froze for a moment, then scoffed. “Impossible. Where would she get the money for that kind of bag?”
He strode forward, snatching the bag from Leilani’s hand, his tone mocking. “Did you steal it?”
“Crash.”
He yanked the bag violently, causing the purses and accessories inside to scatter across the floor.
The store fell instantly silent. The crowd stared, dumbfounded, at the limited edition bags on the ground-each one worth a fortune. One was even a VIP exclusive that hadn’t been publicly released.
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