Chapter 26
Vivian and Sophia bombarded Solana’s phone with calls while she browsed the appliance section on the mall’s fourth floor.
She blocked both numbers without hesitation. Shortly after, Mateo called. Though tempted to hang up, she reconsidered—no doubt the trio was eavesdropping–so she answered.
As expected, Vivian’s indignant voice rang out: “See? She picked up for Mateo! Says she’s not interested in him.”
In the private room, Mateo had put her on speaker. He cleared his throat, smirking. “What’s with the Snakebite Latte you sent Averie?”
Solana’s voice drifted from the phone, cool and composed. “Funny, isn’t it? Some things look pretty from the outside but leave a bitter aftertaste.”
Solana sat on the stool and spoke flatly, “I find this drink incredibly interesting. Since Averie was generous enough to send money to my parents, of course, I should thank her. One cup is just a token–next time she visits, I’ll send more.”
Vivian’s shout erupted: “Bullshit!”
Solana hung up and strode into “SS Appliances,” the mall’s premium brand.
She’d planned to wait for her paycheck, but Averie’s money had fallen into her lap. ‘Why not use it? And I deserve it,‘ she thought.
After two hours of browsing, she chose a top–tier fridge and a gas stove. Top brands didn’t come cheap–around $7,000 total–but these were long–lasting essentials, worth every penny.
The saleswoman smiled. “Free delivery and installation. Please fill in your address here.”
Solana wrote their home address carefully. For contact info, she initially considered Charles but switched to Kathryn, since she would be home to receive the delivery.
“Thanks. Please deliver on time tomorrow,” Solana said.
“Absolutely! Have a nice day!” the saleswoman said.
No sooner had Solana left than the saleswoman paused at “Kathryn Spencer.”
‘Kathryn Spencer… Same name as the Welch Group heiress? But Mr. Welch said she’s in Europe. It must be a coincidence,‘ she thought.
She shook it off and input the address, only for the system to glitch. The system flashed red, slapping a bold “X” over it.
At Welch Group’s headquarters in Ofada City, a warning flashed on the computer screen.
Down the bright, endless corridor, Skye Thompson–Smith’s secretary pounded forward with urgent footsteps, employees scattering from her path.
“Miss Thompson’s always so composed–what’s happened?” they whispered.
Skye burst into Smith’s office, “Mr. Welch!”
Placing a report on his desk, Skye said seriously,This afternoon, Miss Welch purchased a refrigerator and gas stove at our SS Electronics Store in Embridge City.”
Smith turned his chair, eyeing the report. ‘So my dear daughter finally cracks?‘ he thought.
Chapter 27
