Not A Small-Town Girl

crumpling to the floor and coughing up blood.

Stunned by Danielle’s display of strength, Cecil and the others fell silent, holding their breaths. The sales staff who were gossiping earlier now cowered in fear, praying they wouldn’t be next.

The sales associate who attended to Hope was so frightened that her face turned ashen. She tried to hide behind the crowd to reduce her presence.

At that moment, the security guards came over.

"Throw her out," Danielle ordered coldly.

The security guards exchanged uncertain glances before Cecil nodded. Without hesitation, they dragged Hope out of the store.

Just when everyone thought it was over, Danielle turned her gaze to the sales associate who had slighted them.

Rushing toward Danielle, the woman trembled as she pleaded, "I-I’m sorry. I didn’t know who you were. Please forgive me!" Although she wasn’t one to hold grudges over petty disputes, Danielle was deeply repulsed by people who judged others based on their appearance.

Seeing that Danielle’s gaze didn’t soften, Cecil recalled David’s instruction. He was told to ensure Danielle had a great shopping experience, but the sales associate had ruined it, and now his job was potentially on the line.

"You’re fired," Cecil declared.

"Please don’t fire me. I can’t lose this job; I’m the top sales associate here." The sales associate burst into tears, begging to keep her job. She was in utter despair. Never had she imagined the consequences to be so severe.

At that moment, she realized that Danielle must be someone important; otherwise, Cecil wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to blacklist a customer and personally attend to her. Now, it was too late- everything was lost. Her pleas fell on deaf ears as security escorted her out as well.

Finally, the chaos subsided. "Miss Darling, would you like us to close the mall to ensure your shopping experience is uninterrupted?"

Cecil said warmly, hoping to smooth things over.

’Close the mall? What kind of shopping experience would that be?’ Danielle thought. "That won’t be necessary," she replied. "We’re just browsing. Carry on with your day."

"Um... Miss Darling, could you not mention this incident to Mr. Charrington?" Cecil wiped his brows, his voice barely above a whisper.