Chapter 393

The salesgirl rushed to explain to Adrian, "Mr. Blackwood, your girlfriend said you preferred this pen, so our manager specially reserved it for you. But then this lady insisted on taking it. Thank goodness you're here - we lowly employees wouldn't know how to handle this situation."

As she spewed her excuses, the store manager's face darkened. She pulled the salesgirl aside and whispered sharply, "Shut your mouth. I'll deal with you later, don't make this worse."

Before the salesgirl could mention Serena to the manager, Adrian moved to Vivian's side, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders. His voice was icy. "Are you suggesting my wife doesn't have the right to look at your pens? Exactly who do you think you're selling to here in Crestwood?"

His cutting words were directed at the salesgirl, though he didn't even glance her way.

The salesgirl turned deathly pale, gaping at Vivian. "W-wife?" she stammered.

The realization hit her like a truck - she'd just insulted the very person she should have been courting. Remembering how she'd sneered at Vivian earlier, she wished the floor would open up and swallow her. She was the one completely delusional!

Audrey, understanding exactly who the "girlfriend" must be, said pointedly, "Mr. Blackwood is married to one woman only! You've mistaken some scheming opportunist for his actual partner. You're backing the wrong horse here."

The manager quickly stepped in, pulling the salesgirl away. "Our deepest apologies, Mrs. Blackwood. She's new and didn't recognize you—"

Vivian's gaze turned frosty as she lifted her eyes to meet the manager's. "Are you saying it would have been acceptable for her to treat me poorly if I weren't Mrs. Blackwood?" Caught off guard, the manager fumbled before forcing a contrite smile. "I apologize for the miscommunication. We strive to treat all clients equally regardless of status. Clearly I haven't trained her properly, and for that, I'm truly sorry." She nudged the salesgirl. "Apologize to Mrs. Blackwood. Now."

The salesgirl muttered an apology, though her reluctance was palpable. Humiliation burned through her, fueling her resentment toward Vivian. How did some nobody manage to marry someone as distinguished as Adrian Blackwood? Her mind raced with theories about Vivian's supposed manipulations, only deepening her disdain.

Dominic, losing patience, stepped forward. "Just fire her already. This is a waste of time."

Forgetting their earlier disagreement, Audrey moved to Dominic's side, linking arms with him. "Absolutely! What's the point of an apology now?"