The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 90

“This is a high-end boutique, and you still employ saleswomen like this? Do you even make enough in a month to cover what she probably spends in one dinner outing?”

Both Suzie and the saleswoman turned toward the entrance. A stylishly dressed young woman with exquisite makeup stood there, arms crossed, glaring at the saleswoman with an air of superiority.

It was Josie, the same girl Lexi had blackmailed into trying to frame Suzie, the one who had then jumped ship to Lumina Studio.

The saleswoman’s demeanor changed instantly. She scurried over, her face a mask of fawning servility. “Miss, you misunderstand. It’s just that this piece is very expensive, and if it gets dirty, I’d have a hard time explaining it to the store manager.”

Josie simply pushed the saleswoman aside and walked straight to Suzie. When she reached her, her expression softened into a sweet, friendly smile. “Suzie, what a coincidence to see you here.”

Seeing her up close, Suzie was even more taken aback by her transformation. In such a short time, she had gone from a plainly dressed girl to a fashionable, modern, and poised young woman.

Though surprised, Suzie kept her composure and returned the smile with equal warmth. “It’s a coincidence indeed. It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has,” Josie said, gently taking Suzie’s hands. Her eyes were full of gratitude. “Suzie, I have to thank you. Thank you for helping me get into Lumina Studio.”

This sudden expression of thanks left Suzie utterly confused. What did Josie getting a job at Lumina Studio have to do with her?

Before Suzie could ask, Josie released her hands, took the nightgown from the rack, and strode to the counter without even glancing at the price tag. She approached a different saleswoman with an arrogant posture, as if deliberately showing off her elevated status.

Suzie assumed Josie was buying the nightgown for herself, but then she heard her say, “This is for Suzie, so wrap it beautifully. Also, put this sale under your name. And have your store manager come here.”

Josie’s tone was nothing like the timid girl from the studio; she sounded like a wealthy socialite on a shopping spree.

As Josie pulled a bank card from her purse, Suzie rushed over. Forgetting to ask about the job change, she said urgently, “Josie, you can’t. I can pay for it myself.”

But Josie just smiled. “Consider it a thank-you gift. If you don’t accept it, I’ll have to assume you’re looking down on me.”

Her tone left no room for argument.

Josie’s expression softened as she turned back to Suzie. “Of course, Suzie. I was thinking the same thing.”

After smiling, her face hardened again as she glared at the other saleswoman.

Suzie nodded, silently observing the rapid shifts in Josie's demeanor. She could guess why Josie wanted the manager. In the past, Suzie might have made a fuss over such poor service herself. But now, pregnant and feeling more serene, she preferred to avoid conflict whenever possible.

“Josie,” Suzie began in a low voice, “she didn’t say anything that terrible. Maybe we should just let it go. Don’t let someone insignificant ruin your mood.”

Josie squeezed her hand. “Suzie, you’ve probably always lived in the city. Even though you dress simply, you carry yourself like someone who grew up with stability and money. But me? I’ve been looked down on for being poor since I was in school, and it's been the same since I started working. I despise people like her deep in my bones. If I don’t get this off my chest, it’ll ruin my whole day.”

Her voice was tinged with a bitterness and resentment that spoke of a lifetime of hardship.

Just as Suzie was about to offer some comfort, the second saleswoman emerged from the back room with the beautifully wrapped gift box and respectfully handed it to Josie.