Sophia’s heart ached watching Paulina pretend to be strong. She promised herself that when they got home, she’d push her mom to get Paulina’s name added to the family record as soon as possible. Once the elders recognized her, nobody would dare look down on Paulina again.
On the third floor, Madonna waved over an associate and asked, “Rebecca, how about this bracelet?”
She handed Rebecca the shop’s most expensive emerald bangle to try on. Rebecca glanced at it. It was a limited edition from March, with only one in each store. The funny thing was, she’d already stashed a better one for herself, so this didn’t interest her at all.
“Mom, I really don’t need it,” Rebecca said.
Madonna looked surprised. “How can you say that? When Paulina started at Vantage Point University last year, she asked me for two bracelets because she thought they’d bring good luck. You and Paulina are both my daughters. If she has something, you should have it too.”
Madonna turned to the associate. “Please wrap up both bracelets, plus those three necklaces I saw earlier.”
The associate’s smile widened. “Madonna, you have wonderful taste. This bracelet is only available here in Cabinda, nowhere else. And your daughter is just as gorgeous as you. Honestly, she looks better in this piece than our campaign model.”
Madonna lit up at the compliment and pointed out a few more pieces. “And those too, please.”
The total easily cleared fifty million. It wasn’t the store’s biggest sale ever, but since her mom was footing the bill, Rebecca felt a little guilty making that much. She quickly texted her manager: Figure out a way to get us a discount.
Her manager’s reply came in rapid-fire texts.
[Wow, look who finally remembers I exist. You’ve been AWOL for months. Do you know we’re about to launch new designs?]
[A discount? Wait, are you actually at the Cabinda boutique right now?]
[Don’t move, I’m coming over!]
Rebecca read that last one and nearly panicked. She couldn’t let her manager bust her cover.
[Don’t. Just get it handled. I’ll send you the design files tonight, or you’ll wait another three months.]


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