Chapter 37 Causing a Scene
Chapter 37 Causing a Scene
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Claudia leaned into Christopher with deliberate sweetness, and he brushed her cheek lightly before turning to the sales clerk.
“Isn’t it about time you cleared the floor?”
Taking the cue, the clerk’s tone hardened. “Madam, if you’re not proceeding with payment, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
Anneliese froze. She hadn’t gone shopping in days and hadn’t realized Zacharias had blocked the card.
It wasn’t some allowance card from him either–it was their joint account, holding not only his salary and dividends but also her own earnings.
Her chest tightened. She never imagined Zacharias would stoop so low as to freeze the funds they both had rights to.
Her complexion paled, but her voice stayed even. “One moment. I’ll make a call.”
She stepped aside and dialed the bank manager.
“This is a joint account. My husband cannot freeze it without my consent, Mr. Carlton. Isn’t that a breach of your duty?”
Isaac Carlton’s reply was courteous yet firm.
“Mrs. Shaw, while it is indeed a joint account, Mr. Shaw is the primary holder. You are listed as an authorized user. Legally, he may suspend your access.”
Her hand tightened around the phone. Rage simmered. She had been deceived from the start.
When she turned back, Christopher was laughing openly, relishing her humiliation.
Anneliese ignored him. “Forget it,” she said flatly.
The refusal to lean on him soured his smug expression. He stepped directly into her path.
“Why leave so quickly? If you want the dress, it’s simple. Trying on clothes can be exhausting. You help my girlfriend try them on. If she likes what she sees, I’ll pay for both pieces afterward.”
Claudia nestled against his chest, voice syrupy as she purred, “Chris, you’re always so
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considerate. I adore you. That red one–give it to her to model. I want to see how it looks.”
Her manicured finger pointed at a crimson couture gown with a daring high slit.
Suppressing a giggle behind her hand, she watched with malicious delight as the clerk carried the dress toward Anneliese.
Anneliese didn’t even glance at the gown. Instead, she leveled a sharp look at Claudia and Christopher.
“Are you sure she’ll still want it after I’ve worn it?”
Her outfit was simple–shirt tucked into wide–leg trousers, flat white shoes, a trench sweeping lightly as she moved.
Yet her tall, elegant frame and natural poise made the casual clothes look refined.
Even without considering her face, Claudia–short and straining against high heels–was no match.
Claudia’s cheeks flamed. “What do you mean? Chris, I don’t want her trying anything for me. Make her leave!” She wasn’t stupid; the comparison would be brutal.
Christopher’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t meant to drive things this far.
All he wanted was to push Anneliese into lowering her pride.
Now that she was escalating, he could easily shrug off the blame. His voice chilled. “Clear the place.”
A voice cut through the tension. “Hold it right there.”
A young man in a black leather jacket strode in, stopping at Anneliese’s side. He handed his card to the clerk.
“Charge Ms. Claude’s purchases to me.”
Christopher’s expression darkened. “Mr. Tate, what are you doing, interfering in the White family matters?”
Jameson Tate’s brow arched. “Interfering? No. I just don’t stomach bullies.”
Christopher snapped, “I’m disciplining my own sister. The arrogant one here is you!”
Jameson’s laugh was cold. “You call it discipline? Bringing some starlet to humiliate her–does
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Chapter 37 Causing a Scene
that look like a brother to you?”
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He turned to Anneliese, his tone softening. “Want to pick out a few more pieces?”
She shook her head quickly. “No need. I can come back another time—”
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Jameson cut her off. “We’re friends, aren’t we? It’s just a couple of dresses. Don’t tell me you think I can’t afford it?”
“Mr. Tate, you must be joking.”
The clerk soon returned with the bags. Anneliese accepted them without another word, and she and Jameson walked out together.
Christopher surged to his feet. “Anneliese! Don’t forget you’re a married woman!”
Her gaze didn’t waver. “My life is none of your concern.”
“I’m only looking out for you! Don’t be ungrateful! You’ve already shamed yourself and now flaunt yourself indecently–no wonder people talk!”
Her eyes sharpened, cutting like ice. “And who do you think caused all that ‘shame‘?”
Selina White. Every stain on her name traced back to her–and the family that enabled it.
Christopher had no right to speak.
Anneliese had no proof yet, but debts like these were never forgotten.
Christopher faltered. The look in her eyes pierced straight through him, leaving unease prickling in his chest.
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