Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 51

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**

After parting ways with my former workplace, a sudden realization struck me—Lily’s birthday was just around the corner. She was my first true friend, deserving of something truly extraordinary. With determination, I made my way to the upscale shopping district of Seattle, a place where luxury reigned supreme. In the past three years as Aurora, I had amassed a considerable fortune, yet the loss of my wolf had instilled a sense of caution within me. Flashing my wealth around would only attract unwanted attention, and I had no desire to return to those days of hiding. But now, I felt ready to reclaim my confidence.

As I stepped inside the elegant jewelry boutique, the ambiance was filled with the soft chime of delicate wind chimes and the faint scent of polished wood. A young saleswoman, her hair styled to perfection, scrutinized me with an air of superiority. Her gaze swept dismissively over my leather jacket and sturdy boots, clearly unimpressed by my casual attire.

“Can I help you?” she inquired, her tone oozing with condescension, as if she were addressing a child.

“I’m in search of a birthday gift,” I replied, striving to maintain a neutral tone, despite the irritation bubbling just beneath the surface.

The saleswoman’s smile tightened into a thin line. “This is our premium collection, with pieces starting at one hundred thousand dollars. Perhaps you would prefer to browse our sale section?” She gestured toward a less prominent display, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“I’ll be browsing here, thank you very much,” I stated firmly, refusing to let her dismiss me so easily.

Just as she opened her mouth to protest, the door to the boutique chimed again, and my heart sank. Kate and Megan sauntered in, both adorned in high-end designer outfits that screamed privilege. Kate’s eyes widened in feigned surprise, her expression a mix of delight and disdain. Out of all the jewelry stores in Seattle, they had to choose this one.

“Eve, darling! What a delightful surprise to see you here!” Kate’s voice echoed through the store, laced with mockery. “I know Grandfather bestowed some family assets upon you, but surely you shouldn’t be spending so frivolously?”

“Ms. Gray,” the saleswoman greeted Kate with newfound respect, her tone shifting instantly. “It’s wonderful to see you again. Is there something specific you’re looking for today?”

Megan let out a snicker, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “She’s probably just here to window shop.”

Ignoring their taunts, I turned my attention to an older salesman who was diligently arranging displays nearby. “Excuse me, sir, could you assist me? I’m interested in your lily-inspired pieces.”

The older man smiled warmly, his demeanor exuding kindness. “Of course, miss. Right this way.”

As we walked away, I discreetly pulled out my phone, activating the recording feature to capture the younger saleswoman’s dismissive behavior. Old habits die hard—always collect evidence for future reference.

Kate followed closely, her heels clicking aggressively against the marble floor. “What’s this I hear about you attending the territory allocation meeting? Trying your hand at being a businesswoman now?” She feigned a laugh, but there was an edge to her voice.

I turned to face her, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence. “Not trying. Today at the meeting, I was unanimously voted in as the CEO.”

Kate’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “That’s impossible. The elders would never—”

“They did,” I replied, a cold smile creeping onto my lips as I savored the shock on her face. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to attend to.”

The senior salesman presented me with a breathtaking lily-shaped pendant, adorned with sparkling diamonds and rare pink sapphires. “This is one of our finest pieces, handcrafted in Paris,” he explained, his pride evident.

“It’s absolutely perfect for Lily,” I murmured, captivated by how the light danced upon the stones. The pendant seemed to embody Lily’s spirit—bright, beautiful, and utterly unique.

Just then, the younger saleswoman reappeared at my elbow, her eyes glinting with the prospect of a commission. “I would be delighted to complete this sale for you,” she offered, her tone suddenly sweet.

“Thank you, but this gentleman has been exceptionally helpful. I’ll be continuing with him,” I replied, resolute in refusing to reward rudeness.

Megan edged closer, attempting to bump into me, but I sidestepped gracefully, causing her to stumble slightly. “Careful,” I whispered, my voice low. “There are cameras everywhere…” I lowered my voice further, ensuring my words were only for her ears.

“I’ll take it,” I told the salesman, my decision firm.

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